‘Kings and Queens of the Road’ head to Inniskeen

Childhood memories of cycling country roads to school will take centre stage in Inniskeen this weekend when Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns reads from his critically acclaimed book ‘Kings and Queens of the Road’.

The special event, which forms part of the Inniskeen Road: July Evening Festival, takes place at 6pm on Friday, July 10, in the Round Tower Church. The reading will be accompanied by an exhibition of the book’s artwork by illustrator Molly Buí Hennessy.

Published in partnership with the Museum of Childhood Ireland, Kings and Queens of the Road brings together memories of school journeys from contributors, spanning from the 1930s to the present day.

The project began with Robert Burns’ own memories of cycling home from Ballynagearn National School in Magheracloone with friends when he was just 10 years.

The title, Kings and Queens of the Road, comes from a line in Patrick Kavanagh’s famous poem Inniskeen Road: July Evening, making the festival an especially fitting setting for the event.

Several contributors to the book will also attend on the evening to read from their own stories.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Burns said the collection offers more than nostalgia. “These stories show how our everyday journeys shape who we are and, as we look to the future, it’s important to recognise that every design choice we make reflects the kind of society we want to be, and how we think about freedom, safety and inclusion.”

Mr Burns has also donated copies of the book to public libraries across Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath, hoping the stories will encourage readers to reflect on their own childhood journeys.

The book launch is one of several highlights in this year’s festival celebrating the life and legacy of Patrick Kavanagh.

Also on Friday evening, actor Mikel Murfi will present his acclaimed one-man show I Hear You and Rejoice at the Patrick Kavanagh Centre, followed by a traditional music session in Daniel McNello’s.

Saturday’s programme includes a children’s pop-up library, art activities, a talk by historian Marcus Howard on Patrick Kavanagh, the popular High Nellie bicycle tour and evening music and dancing.

The festival concludes on Sunday with a guided stroll through Kavanagh country, storytelling, refreshments at the Round Tower Church and a family barbecue with live music at Inniskeen Social Club.