Category: Exhibitions

Collaboration, Exhibitions, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing News

Swift and Vanessa Festival 2026

I’m delighted to be taking part in two events in the Swift and Vanessa Festival in Celbridge, County Kildare.

On Thursday evening, July 16th, join me for a Literary Evening where I will interview Mary O’Donnell about her latest novel – which is brilliant, by the way – Sweep the Cobwebs off the Sky (époque press, 2026). Geraldine O’Brien will interview Martina Murphy about her DS Lucy Golden series. The event takes place in the Hunting Room in the gorgeous Castletown House. Book your tickets here.

On Saturday afternoon, July 18th, I’m interviewing Dearbhla Mescal about her debut publication, Finding Joy – in itself a joy – in the lovely Church of Ireland Christchurch. Book your tickets here.

The festival runs until 19th July and has an astonishing array of events for all ages and tastes. I look forward to participating and attending many of the events.

Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing Life, Writing News

6th Indigenous and Minoritised Languages Videopoems Marathon

The International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) of PEN International are hosting their 6th Annual Poetry Marathon, amplifying voices from diverse linguistic communities.

Today I listened to a moving and urgent poem written and performed in Kalaallisut by Julia Pars (Greenland) “Where are you, world leader?” (Link opens YouTube – poem is 2.34 mins)

You can tune in every Saturday for a new poem and listen back to previous Poetry/Video Marathons. English, Spanish, and French translations provided.

On their website PEN International explain the background to the International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee:

Founded in 1978, the PEN International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) works to defend linguistic diversity and promote translation as a vital act of cultural solidarity. From its early efforts to expand access to world literature to its pioneering advocacy for “minoritised” languages, the Committee has consistently challenged the political and cultural forces that marginalise languages and the communities that speak them.

You can read more about PEN International and indeed, consider joining Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann which aims to promote friendly co-operation among writers in every country in the interests of literature, responsible freedom of expression and international goodwill.

Book launch, Collaboration, Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing News

Launch of FIRE – what a memorable evening!

Contributors and Editors at the launch of FIRE in Naas Library and Cultural Centre (Photo courtesy of Attracta Fahy)
Shauna Gilligan, Editor and Project Lead, Lucina Russell, Lecturer University of Limerick, who launched FIRE and Niamh Boyce, Editor at the launch 26/09/2024.
Image of Noreen Ramsay’s Brigid’s Mantle featured in Fire

Contributors travelled long distances to Kildare – from Cork, Clare, Galway to name a few – in terrible weather to celebrate the coming together of the work but also of the people who contributed, and (most) who were meeting the editors/ fellow artists/ contributors for the first time. Thank you to everyone who travelled to read, to listen, to support. It was – and still is – very much appreciated.

Thank you to my co-editor Niamh Boyce – and good luck to her on her residency in Paris! – and publisher Alan Hayes, Arlen House, a joy to work with.

Thank you to Evelyn and Kevin at Naas Library and Cultural Centre, and to KRF 2024 for the beautiful venue and warm welcome. It was truly a wonderful evening!

Purchasing Details: KENNYS in Ireland (free postage in Ireland) and BLACKWELLS (free worldwide postage)

THANK YOU again to funders, Brigid 1500 and Kildare County Council