Former Mayo News journalist to launch book at Wild Atlantic Words Festival

The Wild Atlantic Words Festival kicks off today, Monday, October 7, and runs through until Sunday, October 13 with a sparkling programme of book launches, poetry, celebrity appearances, short story readings and prize giving.

The landmark festival, now in its ninth year, has gained an enviable reputation for its format and content, and this year promises to deliver to the same high standard as that of earlier years.

_{Sally Rooney's 'Intermezzo' reading is the festival's stand-out event}

The week opens with the launch on Monday by Isabela Basombrío Hoban of her fourth bilingual book of poetry, ‘Another Type of Abbreviation’. The award-winning poet, originally from Peru but now resident in Castlebar, is a talented multidisciplinary artist whose previous books of poetry have been warmly received.

Tuesday promises to deliver something special with the launch of Patrick Butler's ‘Fighting Fitzgerald’, the story of the life and times of the most colourful and dangerous personality of eighteenth-century Ireland. This is followed by the launch by Cormac O'Malley of ‘The Enchanted Bay’, a compilation of Irish folk tales collected by his late father, the freedom fighter Ernie O'Malley.

On Wednesday, Alice Kinsella and Daniel Wade perform readings from their captivating book on whaling in Mayo, ‘Wake of the Whale’. This event is followed by the popular, laid back, ‘A Poem and a Pint’, hosted by Ken Armstrong, when anybody who feels like reciting their favourite poem is free to take the podium.

Thursday again provides a double-starred evening of book launches. Hayley Kilgallon's ‘Unladylike – a History of Ladies Gaelic Football’, is a lavishly illustrated, engagingly written account of a branch of Gaelic football which has taken on a life of its own in recent years. This event leads on to the launch by Kevin McDonald’s eagerly awaited ‘A Life Less Ordinary’, and rarely has a book lived up so well to its title. 

Martin Devaney will be revealing the recipe for the perfect murder as he discusses his novel ‘How to Murder Your Dear Wife (and get away with it)' at the festival. 

_{‘How to Murder Your Dear Wife (and get away with it)' by Martin Devaney}

A comic crime romp that has received excellent reviews, Mr Devaney brings to life a main character broke with a sub-prime mortgage burdening him with terms and conditions even loan sharks would be ashamed to be associated with. He realises he’d be entitled to a healthy payout should anything happen to his dear wife. Unfortunately, she’s remarkably uncooperative in his quest for widowerhood, and it is he who experiences a bizarre series of accidents. Could it be that she was out to murder him? 

The presentation of the festival short story winner prizes, judged by Mike McCormack, on Friday yields centre stage to what will be a huge welcome for Sally Rooney. The celebrated author will read from her newest novel, ‘Intermezzo’, followed by a book signing. Festival chairman, Kevin Swift, called it ‘a signal honour to her hometown’ that Sally Rooney would perform the only reading from ‘Intermezzo’ outside Dublin.

Following this standout event, on Friday evening, down-to-earth wine expert, Brigid O'Hora, launches ‘The Home Sommelier’. Described as the essential guide to making the best wine choice without breaking the bank, the event will also include an optional wine tasting. 

Former Mayo News journalist, broadcaster and sports enthusiast Edwin McGreal takes centre stage on Saturday for a panel discussion around his comprehensive ‘Our Finest Hour’. 

_{The cover of 'Our Finest Hour' by Edwin McGreal}

The book chronicles the glory days of all 54 football and hurling clubs throughout the county. The panel will include a number of GAA legends, including Aidan O’Shea, and will be hosted by Mike Finnerty. 

This is followed by another gem, when George Hamilton discusses his life and times in conversation with Aidan Crowley. 

The festival closes with the traditional ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’, when John Healy shares with his audience some hometown banter with his selected panel – this year consisting of author Geraldine

Except for Friday night’s events with Sally Rooney for which pre-booking essential, all events are on a first come, first served basis, but early arrival is recommended. 

All events are free of charge and take place in the festival dome at Bridge Lane.

 For more details, see the festival website.