I’m delighted to be representing Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann alongside fellow board member Celia de Fréine at this year’s Irish Writers Centre celebration of Nollaig na mBan. In these difficult times, it is even more important to defend the right to responsible Freedom of Expression which is at the core of the work of all PEN centres.
Poet Jessica Traynor will host the evening which will celebrate women, explore witchcraft, the tarot and scientific achievement. I very much look forward to hearing contributions from Marianne Lee, Nuala O’Connor, Sophie White, Chandrika Marayanan-Mohan, Anne Tannam and musician Zoé Basha.
Nollaig na mBan: Women of Magic and Science takes place on Monday 6th January in Pearse Street Library at 7pm.
Shauna Gilligan Writer 
Dear Shauna
I’m delighted to learn you are keeping up the struggle for free speech and resisting the forces that would like us all to toe the line. I’m sure your Nollaig na mBan celebrations will be just that – celebratory!
Wishing you every good wish for the coming year.
xxMargaret
LikeLike
Thank you, Margaret, for taking the time to comment and your good wishes. Returning your sentiments for much health, happiness and free creativity in 2025!
LikeLike
Thanks Shauna, sounds like an amazing event. Wishing you all the best, keep the flame burning. Jane
LikeLike
Sounds magical Shauna, enjoy. Congratulations and all the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the comment, Jane!
LikeLike
Hi Shauna, good to hear about the event. What does ‘responsible’ mean in ‘Responsible Freedom of Expression’ and who defines it? Did Irish PEN support or object to the Minister McEntee’s attempts to introduce a ‘Hate Speech Code’ in the last government and would you support such a measure should it arise in the next government? It would be good to get some clarification on both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comment. My blog post is for information about this Nollaig na mBan Irish Writers Centre event rather than Irish PEN events or discussions so I would refer you to https://irishpen.com/pen-charter/ for context on the phrase “Responsible Freedom of Expression.” Please contact us at Irish PEN via https://irishpen.com/ for further clarification on your specific questions as your comment has come through as anonymous and without a name.
LikeLike