It was wonderful to be able to do two firsts this year: attend some of the John Hewitt International Summer School and visit beautiful Armagh.
I attended various readings which were, without exception, moderated beautifully, and provided moving explorations of our human experience. Sarah Gilmartin interviewed Éilís Ní Dhuibhne; Paul Maddern introduced readings by Moyra Donaldson and Connie Voisine, Jessica Traynor and Abeer Ameer; Wendy Erskine interviewed Jan Carson. Everyone was generous with their words and time.
The Freedom to Write Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann event on Wednesday 29th featured an incredible presentation from International Human Rights Lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC followed by an in-depth interview with Irish PEN’s Lia Mills. The audience was invited to write postcards of support for imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli – represented on stage by an empty chair – who has been imprisoned in Georgia since January 2025. How powerful are words and heart when we come together.
- You can read more and view photographs at TeaTalkMagazine.
- If you wish to join Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann please see how to join here.
I also attended a beautiful exhibition “Home” by Brigid O’Brien – a taste above. And lastly, how could anyone visit a literary festival without coming home with a book haul of signed books? In the photograph below, just some of the books:
- Connie Voisine “And God Created Women”
- Wendy Erskine “The Benefactors”
- Abeer Ameer “Inhale/Exile”
- Moyra Donaldson “the thirteenth moon”
- Susannah Dickey “Into the wreck”
- Sinéad Morrissey “Among Communists”
- Jan Carson “Few and Far Between”
Congratulations to Niamh McNally and all the John Hewitt International Summer School for a brilliant and friendly festival. I look forward to returning, and hopefully attending the whole Summer School. Brava!
Shauna Gilligan Writer 