The Moore Convention was established by Carnacon Development Association in 1988 when members of the Association decided that it was time to commemorate the contribution of the Moore family of Moorehall in County Mayo, Ireland, to the literary and historical culture of Ireland and beyond. (The Carnacon Development Association had been in existence for over six years and had just achieved its primary target of providing a community centre and sports facility for the community).
The first Moore Convention was held in the newly opened Carnacon Centre and in the Traveller's Friend Hotel in Castlebar. It was held over three days (18th, 19th & 20th August) 1989. The Convention was opened on Friday evening 18th August in the John Moore Lounge of the Traveller's Friend Hotel, by County Councillor Al Mc Donnell from Carnacon.It turned out to be an auspicious event which was attended by a number of Moore descendents from England and the US: Patricia Deane (great granddaughter of Nina Moore), and Virginia Reardon & Una Long (also great granddaughters of Nina Moore).
A historical pamphlet on the history of the Moores, written by Kevin Coyne and compiled by Arthur O' Sullivan was also launched at the Convention.
Over the following two days there was a series of lectures in Carnacon Centre
which reflected some of the literary and historical aspects of the Moore legacy:
George Moore in Perspective: Dr. Bernard O' Donoghue (Oxford)
Senator Colonel Maurice Moore: Prof. Stuart Barr (Cambridge)
A Drama in Muslin - George Moore: Prof. John Killeen (U.C.D. - St. Patrick's College)
John Moore - A Reluctant Patriot: Dr. Sheila Molloy (Westport)
The events were a great success and Carnacon Development Association resolved to continue the event annually.
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In 1990 the Moore Convention linked with the George Moore Society to extend the Convention into the Moore Extravaganza. This uneasy coalition produced a great series of Moore events in 1990. In July Michael Mullen opened the event in Castlebar. Michael D Higgins TD was inaugurated as President of Connaught for five days. Brian Moore the novelist read from his latest work.Tom Kilroy premiered his play on George Moore (Dreaming House), directed by Frank Conway, in Carnacon Centre. Brian Friel and John McGahern both attended the opening night. The Coranna Hurdle in memory of the Moores and their connection with horses, was run at the Ballinrobe races.
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