The American Wake in conjunction with Jinny’s Bakery and Tearooms came about as a culmination of an exploration of ideas around bread and traditional song. Supported by Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Development, Creative Ireland and the Arts Council through the Small Sparks programme which offers local businesses the chance to work with local artists in the pursuit of common interest and benefit. Oaten bread or bonnach was part of a Leitrim tradition of offering sustenance to the many people who were forced to emigrate since famine times and we looked at the local story, recreating a wake, making the bonnach on a griddle and offering people sustenance through food, song and story.
Event organised by Fionnula Maxwell at Jinny’s Bakery & Tearooms and Maguire’s Cottage, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
Photo Brian Farrell
Fionnuala Maxwell 