B O Y – an unforgettable life in words and music: Followed by a Q&A

B O Y is a unique presentation, coming to the Irish Cultural Centre straight from its run at Sligo’s Hawk’s Well Theatre and Belfast’s iconic Linenhall Library. It is collaboration between the acclaimed Irish poet and playwright DAMIAN GORMAN and master uileann piper LEONARD BARRY.

In 16 poems and musical responses to them, BOY tells the story of Damian’s brother Gerard, who was abused as a child and spent many years of his adult life struggling for justice from the Catholic Church.

GERARD GORMAN is the person who named Malachy Finegan, the most prolific paedophile priest known about in the history of the Catholic Church in Ireland. In doing so, and in his subsequent struggle for justice for himself and others, he has inspired many men to come forward and speak their (difficult) truths. As one man put it ‘Though it might seem odd language to use, his story has been a blessing to me’.

The intention of this hour-long Poetic and music performance is that these two artists will use their instruments – the 16 poems and some unique, sublime and powerful music – to support Gerard in his own intention: that the clear and truthful telling of his true story might save someone, anyone, from harm. It is to amplify his voice artistically; to extend its reach; to put words into the heart of his mouth…. so to speak.

After its recent preview at The Hawkswell Theatre B O Y was described as

“A piece of great power and beauty’, ‘an unforgettable story, unforgettably told’.

Damian Gorman says that he and Leonard were concerned to make that telling bearable. ‘Though it has devastating experience at its core, we want people to be able to walk out of the theatre intact – enhanced even’, …

Boy comes to The Irish Cultural Centre for its UK Premiere. After which it will return to Northern Ireland’s Newgate Arts Centre, after which BOY will go on a full national tour of Ireland in 2026.

This unique performance of BOY will be followed by a Q&A with DAMIAN GORMAN and LEONARD BARRY. They will be interviewed by the Journalist Dorothy Allen.