On The Town: Gemma Billington's second solo show in Ireland, aptly titled Lughnasadh on Bolus, had an extra frisson of excitement when it was opened by Listowel writer Fr Pat Moorein the Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, Ballinskelligs, last weekend.
Billington's good pal, Kate Middleton, failed to show, though according to friends she made a valiant attempt to fly out on Saturday night but turned back when fog closed Kerry Airport.
However, her parents, Caroland Michael Middleton, flew in the next morning and joined a host of art-loving guests of Dr Noelle Campbell Sharp, founder of the Cill Rialaig movement.
They included the Czech ambassador, Josef Havlas, and his wife, Ivana; journalist Terry Keane; Bill Cullenand Jackie Lavin; Billington's husband, Tim Billington; and her former husband, Johnny Byrne. Also at the party were Eileen Riordan, Jean Byrne, Prof Charles Harper, Susan Morley, Australians John Fritz Smithand Danielle Bergstrom, and Jessica Rothand her partner, composer James Hooker, who has written for Nancy Griffiths.
All the guests retired to Campbell Sharp's house for lunch after a tour of the arts centre.
• Lughnasadh on Bolusis at Cill Rialaig Arts Centre until Sept 12