Sparkling line­-up for ahead for Wild Atlantic Words literary festival

THE much-anticipated Wild Atlantic Words literary festival kicks off in Castlebar on Monday, October 9, with an event-filled week-long programme.

The diverse line-up – the most ambitious in the festival’s seven-year existence – includes book launches, readings, literary discussion, new writing, poetry, music and fringe events.

Dr Michael O’Connor sets the ball rolling on Monday night at Bridge Street with a talk on the Magdalen asylums of Mayo, following which Katriona O’Sullivan, author of the highly lauded ‘Poor’, will be in conversation with Áine Kerr.

Niamh Holleran-McGing’s new book ‘The Journey to You’ is a touching story of a journey through infertility, and the author will be in conversation with broadcaster Mary Kennedy on Tuesday evening in the Festival Dome. Next, Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick will discuss their captivating new book, ‘Bad Bridget – Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women’.

Wednesday will be a red-letter day at the festival, when author and columnist Máirtín Ó Maicín will launch his imaginative ‘On This Day in Mayo’, in which each of the 365 days of the year form the basis of a connection with a significant person or event relating to the county.

Following that launch, admirers of the late Leonard Cohen are in for a special treat when John McKenna hosts ‘Absent Friend’, an evening of readings and song reflecting his 30-year friendship with the legendary singer-songwriter, poet and novelist.

Ballinrobe-born author and journalist Declan Varley will take centre stage on Thursday to launch his new book, ‘Mayo – A Biography in Nine Lives’. Followers of the green and red will flock to this event, which will see the author joined by former Mayo greats on a reflective journey through the joy – and pain – of Mayo football history.

This will be followed by Ken Armstrong’s hosting of ‘A Poem and a Pint’. One of the most popular festival events, it gives accomplished, new and aspiring poets the chance to recite their chosen pieces to an appreciative audience.

Literary variety

FRIDAY provides yet another day of literary variety, starting with the launch by former world boxing champion Carl Frampton of his much-awaited biography. Wild Atlantic Words is teaming up with the Connaught Boxing Centre of Excellence for this occasion, which will take place at the boxing premises at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

Meanwhile, back at the Bridge Street Dome, celebrated author Donal Ryan will be announcing the winner and runners-up of the annual Wild Atlantic Words short-story competition. This prestigious event will feature readings and presentations from the winners of the competition, which this year again attracted submissions of new writing of an exceptional standard.

The evening closes with ‘Solar Bones and Spinning Hearts’, when Darina Molloy will host a discussion forum with Mike McCormack and Donal Ryan.

Saturday’s programme starts at the Courthouse, where Marie-Louise O’Donnell will moderate a symposium entitled ‘Birth of a Nation’, to mark the Decade of Centenaries. The speakers will be European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, historian Diarmaid Ferriter, and journalist Justine McCarthy.

Back at the Dome, Nuala Moore, double Guinness World Record holder, launches her book, ‘Limitless – Extreme Swimming’. Following this is the eagerly awaited launch by columnist, raconteur and ‘old stock’ archetype Johnny Mee of his collection f stories, ‘Between Mee and You’. Hosted by Edwin McGreal, this compendium of Johnny Mee’s memoirs over the years is sure to draw a record attendance to the Dome.

Wild Atlantic Words closes on Sunday, October 15, with the traditional ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’, when John Healy will welcome a panel of hometown speakers, including Noel Campbell, Sharon Feeney, Jarlath Killeen and Ger Staunton.

All events at the festival are free of charge, but early arrival is advised in order to secure a seat. The Festival Dome is located at Bridge Lane, Castlebar, F23 PN20.