‘Dreams from the Castle’ is a virtual event celebrating Dolores O’Riordan birthday, Sunday, September 6

Dreams from the Castle is a virtual event taking place on Dolores’ birthday as a LIVE premiere on the Dreams 2020 Facebook page this Sunday, September 6 at 1.30pm

‘Dreams from the Castle’ is a virtual event celebrating Dolores O’Riordan birthday, Sunday, September 6

Dolores family pictured at the first Dreams event. Picture: Dympha Casey

Dreams is an organisation founded in 2019 by Julianne Hennelly and Dolores brother Brendan O’Riordan that aims to keep the memory of Dolores O’Riordan alive.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Dolores was an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter. She was best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the alternative rock band The Cranberries who hailed from Limerick. Dolores passed away January 15, 2018.  

‘Dreams from the Castle’ is a virtual event taking place on Dolores’ birthday as a LIVE premiere on the Dreams 2020 Facebook page this Sunday, September 6 at 1.30pm.

The event was filmed previously at King John’s Castle and will feature a host of musicians and familiar Limerick faces who are coming together to celebrate Dolores’ life and legacy. ‘Dreams from the Castle’ was sparked by Dolores’ brother Brendan with the help of friends and local businesspeople and aims to mark his sister’s birthday through showcasing all Limerick has to offer through art, music and its historical sights. The event features many tributes to the star.

Dolores niece Noelle sings a special tribute to her aunt from the castle’s dungeon and guest speakers include Leona O’ Callaghan of The Haven Hub, a suicide crisis service in the city.  

Dreams Community artists Julianne Hennelly and Bridget Lambert

The event hopes to keep music and art alive through the lockdown and was kindly supported by Daire Heffernan and the staff at Shannon Heritage, Tom Walsh and his daughter Eilis of Hearit.ie, cameraman Dom Chappell and Sean from the Learning Hub. 

For ‘Dreams from the Castle’ features the hanging of the larger than life mural painted in 2018 by Bridget Lambert of Class Art Studio and her 30 students on the stunning grounds of the castle. Dolores’ brother Brendan erected the 33ft art piece with the help of the small crew. Bridget gasped when she saw her mural on display against the medieval stone walls of King John’s Castle and commented, “The artwork seems perfectly at home and brings back all the memories of that warm summer it was created.  It’s for Dolores and for all she represents in this world – Love, joy, peace, happiness, music, painting, colour, energy, spirit, vibes, community and inspiration” 

Brendan O Riordan, Dolores Brother and Dream founder said, “The event was small due to restrictions but aimed to give a little hope in these troubled times. We want to see Limerick on the map as the home of one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, my sister, global rockstar and front woman of the Cranberries Dolores O Riordan. Loved by the young, old, city, county, arts, sports she is the common thread that connects so many hearts here and all over the world.”

Daire Heffernan, Manager at King John’s Castle pictured with the mural

Many of Dolores’ fans all over the world are showing solidarity in honour of Dolores’ birthday. Italialoveslimerick, The Cranberries fan base in Italy is fundraising to support The Learning Hub, Moyross by providing music and art workshops for children. You can donate to the project via the Italialoveslimerick Facebook page.

Closer to home a group called Social Harmonies, a Dreams project, hosts outdoor music on Saturdays from 2 – 4pm for the last two months in Arthur’s Quay Park. Aiming to lift the spirits of passers-by and musicians who no longer have venues to play in. This Saturday, September 5 there will be a special tribute to Dolores. All are welcome and social distancing rules will apply.

Dreams cofounder Julianne Hennelly said, “Next year is Dolores 50th birthday and our vision is to continue to mark the first weekend in September as a time to remember the star in her native home and to welcome fans from all over. Last year our Dreams event was underpinned by the theme of mental health and many people visited Bruff, as Dolores was raised in the countryside close to the town, to reconnect with nature, tell their story and meet others with similar experiences. We want to give a special shout out to all the fans who support local artists through their love of Dolores and Limerick. Special thanks to Cllr John Costello for his unending support of arts and health in Limerick and to all the staff at King John’s Castle and Shannon Heritage and Bruff town.”

Dreams from the Castle will take place on Dolores’ birthday this Sunday, September 6 at 1.3opm on the Dreams 2020 Facebook page (Facebook.com/DreamsFest19) 

For more of The Cranberries go HERE 

For more stories on The Cranberries go HERE