Image: foylepridefestival.com

Cork hurling’s inspirational goalkeeper (and the only out GAA player in the Championship), Dónal Óg Cusack will be launching this year’s Foyle Pride celebrations.

That’s right: The Dónal Óg Cusack!

Speaking at the launch of the festival’s programme, Shá Gillespie, chairperson for Foyle Pride said the group were delighted to have such a high profile gay man launch what promises to be the best festival yet:

Dónal Óg Cusack is one of the very few openly gay men playing at the top level of their game. His brave decision to be open about his sexuality is an inspiration to all, and is a step towards addressing the invisibility of gay men and women in top level sports.

He will open Foyle Pride on the 22nd of August in the Void Gallery at 8pm and we look forward to him doing so in a city he described as having a remarkable history of civil and human rights agitation. Local Civil Rights activist Eamon McCann will introduce this event.

The festival – a celebration full of music, dance and family fun – will run from the 21st to the 26th of August. Thousands are expected to take part in the colourful Pride parade, which will take place on the 25th at 2pm.

The festival will make its way from Waterside train station to the Guildhall for a celebration of music at featuring, among others, Jeannette  Hutton and her band, Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas, Tillie and Henderson, Jo Fegan, Noella Hutton, Mr Underground and many more.

There will be a family fun day for the children in Cafe Soul with bouncy castles, face painting, and plenty of other fun activities.

“It’s going to be a huge explosion of colour, so bring whistles, flags and dress up,” says Shá.

Foyle Pride: (12-26 August 2012) web / facebook / twitter