Reviews

John Boyle O’Reilly 1844-1890. Visionary, Poet, heart of a rebel, courage of a freedom fighter, commitment of a civil rights activist, blood of  true born Irishman. Persecuted, condemned and banished from Ireland to the Penal Colonies in Australia, for his political beliefs and activities.

An epic journey unfolds and flows.

Of wily skill and open daring.

Endurance beyond resolve and strength.

We know it as love and wisdom.

Dennis Mc Sharry. Poet.

Some will see it as history, some as poetry, some as storytelling, some as singing, some as theatre, some will be overwhelmed by mans abuse of man, some will have an epiphany.

Mike Considine. Noteable Arts.

His very important story crosses three continents, jail, persecution and escape. It’s a tale woven in  song, part spoken word, part history lesson. The experience takes the audience back to an almost theatre in the round experience. You will be led across a dance-floor of words so lovely, so dire and so hopeful that there can only be one feeling when it is over. The kind of exhaustion that comes from awe.

David Bridson. Yachats Festival Presenter, Oregon.

This riveting stage presentation brings this forgotten visionary-poet to life. Weaving a varied tapestry of  traditional music, song, words and poetry, through the extraordinary talents of singer-bard Seán Tyrrell, whose passion for O'Reilly’s life, work and poetry inhabits and permeates this stunning theatrical presentation.

A must see!

Dr. PJ Curtis. Radio Presenter, Record Producer, Author.

Message Of Peace Review.

at Tsunami Books, Eugene, OR, on September 19, 2009

As a member of the Lane Literary Guild, I was glad to be able to encourage friends from Eugene’s writing community to attend Seán Tyrrell’s performance Message of Peace, inspired by the life of the Irish activist John Boyle O’Reilly. Tyrrell’s skillful combination of story, poetry, and song was no less than an act of witness to a vibrant life of humanitarian vision. That the whole audience was engaged and moved was evident by the standing ovation Tyrrell received. It was a privilege to hear him.

Carter McKenzie

submitted to Pete Helzer 10/09/09