Capall Curra Horse
A Community Collaboration Led by Cherry Orchard Equine Centre
The Capall Curra Horse project, spearheaded by Cherry Orchard Equine Centre and produced by Joyce Jackson, was a transformative community initiative that culminated in a spectacular fire and light show on Friday, 3rd December. This ambitious project brought together diverse groups within the community, fostering creativity, connection, and celebrating the horse as a deeply rooted symbol in Irish culture.
The name “Capall Curra” itself reflects both Irish and Traveller heritage—Capall being the Irish word for horse, and Curra, the Cant word used by the Travelling community. This foundation of cultural significance set the stage for a series of workshops throughout the months leading up to the event.
The Capall Curra Horse project, spearheaded by Cherry Orchard Equine Centre and produced by Joyce Jackson, was a transformative community initiative that culminated in a spectacular fire and light show on Friday, 3rd December. This ambitious project brought together diverse groups within the community, fostering creativity, connection, and celebrating the horse as a deeply rooted symbol in Irish culture.
The Capall Curra Horse project, spearheaded by Cherry Orchard Equine Centre and produced by Joyce Jackson, was a transformative community initiative that culminated in a spectacular fire and light show on Friday, 3rd December. This ambitious project brought together diverse groups within the community, fostering creativity, connection, and celebrating the horse as a deeply rooted symbol in Irish culture.
The name “Capall Curra” itself reflects both Irish and Traveller heritage—Capall being the Irish word for horse, and Curra, the Cant word used by the Travelling community. This foundation of cultural significance set the stage for a series of workshops throughout the months leading up to the event.
A Collaborative Creative Journey
Since early October, children and young people from St Ultan’s Primary School, Labre Park, and the Equine Centre’s Integrated Youth Service have participated in workshops focusing on spoken word, filmmaking, art, and music. These sessions, led by the talented team from LUXE Landscape Theatre Makers, gave participants the opportunity to explore the symbolism of horses, reflecting on their role as symbols of freedom, strength, and resilience in Irish culture.
The participants’ creativity culminated in a fiery parade through the streets of Cherry Orchard, where the community came together to celebrate these themes through visual arts, performances, and music. This event was more than just about the horse—it became a reflection of the community’s collective strength, creativity, and ability to come together for a shared purpose.
A Powerful Visual Narrative
Filmmaker Michelle Ryan of Epik Media captured the essence of the project in a video that combined striking imagery and sound, creating an emotional and artistic representation of the project. The video not only documented the event but became a work of art in itself, adding an emotional layer to the community’s collective experience.
As part of the initiative, poet Colm Keegan contributed a sequence of six poems titled The Spirit of Ireland, which reflected on the cultural and historical significance of the horse. The poems explored the horse’s role as a mythical and political symbol in Irish society, its deep connection to Irish identity, and its enduring place in the country’s cultural consciousness.
A Legacy of Unity and Creativity
The Capall Curra Horse project transcended its focus on horses, becoming a celebration of the community’s creativity, resilience, and shared experiences. Through art and collaboration, the project united diverse groups, highlighting the importance of coming together to celebrate what makes the Cherry Orchard community unique.
This extraordinary initiative left an indelible mark on Cherry Orchard, serving as both a celebration of the horse and a testament to the strength, talent, and unity of the community.
