Daniel Boyne, Mullingar Pride chairman.

Mullingar Pride offering ‘something for everyone’

Sarah Slevin

Mullingar Pride has revealed its big plans for 2022, including a week-long event in July, during which there will be “something for everyone”.

July 12 will mark the start of a series of events to celebrate pride and local LGBT people, and chairperson of Mullingar Pride, Daniel Boyne, and a small team have been busy planning it.

Pollyanna Kenny, Frank Dalton and Michelle Kenny at the Mullingar Pride launch. Photo by Thomas Gibbons

“It’s a week-long event, kicking off on the 12 July with a queer exhibition which will explore history of local people from the LGBT community. That will be open for two weeks for the public to see,” Daniel said.

Other events include a theatre evening with monologues written by Mullingar LGBT people, a parade in town and a concert evening at Belvedere House and Gardens.

“We are trying to have something for everyone, I want families involved, culture, and to remember the LGBT people before us, and of course the fun part too, the concert.

“Am I trying too much at the one time? Maybe, but sure, go big or go home,” Daniel said.

Clare Burke, Ruth Illingworth and Eva Burke at Belvedere House and Gardens. Photo by Thomas Gibbons

Werk! Fest is Mullingar Pride’s official concert evening, which will be in Belvedere House and Gardens, and tickets are on sale from Friday, March 11, at 9am on eventbrite.ie.

Daniel started setting up Mullingar Pride in August 2021 and gathered a small team in January, but they are always looking for more support.

Richard Muldarry, Carmen Lovely and Levino Oliveria on Friday. Photo by Thomas Gibbons

Trans community

“Mullingar Pride are actively looking for volunteers and local involvement in many areas like event management and festival development, for example,” Daniel said.

He said that Mullingar Pride wants to put a particular focus on the T in LGBT, which represents the Trans community.

“I’m a very passionate supporter of my Trans family members in the community. I find them very underrepresented in pride in general across the world. Our social media and events will have a lot of trans awareness,” Daniel said.

“I’m also hunting for a trans person to be our parade marshal, so would love to hear from someone for that.”

To get in touch with the group or find out more about the events and Mullingar Pride, email Mullingarpride@gmail.com or visit @MullingarPride on Instagram and Facebook.

Garda Debbie Mackin, Minister Peter Burke and Garda Camilla Corbett at the launch of Mullingar Pride. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Minister Robert Troy and Oliver Kennedy. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Marion Broder, John Ennis and Sheryl Forbes at Friday's launch. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Nicki and Myles Looram from Mullingar. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Mark Reynolds and Jane O'Reilly from Mullingar. Photo by Thomas Gibbons