Wild Atlantic Words short story competition winner Michelle Coyne, runner-up Jordan Lillis, judge JP McHugh and Sally Rooney at the reading and prize-giving, sponsored by Bridge St Bar, Castlebar. PHOTO: JOHN MEE

Mayo celebrates success of 'best ever' Wild Atlantic Words Festival

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Capacity audiences and first class events marked this year's Wild Atlantic Words Festival in Castlebar.

The festival programme of literature, poetry, interviews, book launches and local history attracted the largest crowds yet in the six years of the festival, with several events booked out in advance.

Festival Director, Kathryn Brennan, speaking at the close of the festival, paid tribute to all involved, but in particular to the Swift brothers, proprietors of Bridge St., whose Festival Dome made it possible to cater for the big numbers which attended.

Among the week's highlights was the attendance of acclaimed novelist Sally Rooney for the presentation of the short story awards, won by Michelle Coyle, with Jordan Lillis as runner-up. The adjudicator was John Patrick McHugh, and the event was sponsored by Bridge St.

Dr. Eamon Smith in conversation with Dr. Maureen Gaffney at ‘A Wild and Precious Evening.’ PHOTO: JOHN MEE

Guests at the festival included Dr. Maureen Gaffney, who was interviewed by Dr Eamon Smith on her life and times, and former RTÉ man, Tommie Gorman.

In a fascinating and informative interview with Tommy Marren of Mid West Radio, Tommie Gorman spoke of his career as a journalist with RTÉ, including his coverage of the biggest stories of his time.

Book launches included Dr. Michael O'Connors new book, ‘Caribbean Slave Owners and Other Lesser-Known Histories of County Mayo', Patrick O'Connor's 'Life and Times of a Country Solicitor', interviewed by Marie Louise O'Donnell, and Cormac O'Malley's new biography of his father, Ernie O'Malley, which was formally launched by former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and introduced by co-author, Harry Martin.

Former RTÉ journalist and Northern Ireland Editor Tommy Gorman in conversation with Tommy Marren.

New author, Anthony Lynott, launched his 'The Chronicles of Maistir James Ronane', and historian Sean Cadden, co-author of 'The Men of the West', explained much of its background to Marie Louise O'Donnell.

Elsewhere, Ken Armstrong was a most capable facilitator for 'A Poem and a Pint’, an event which is rapidly gaining its own niche in festival week, and John Healy's Sunday Morning wrapped up a great week with his guest panel of John Chambers, Liam Egan, Joan Geraghty and Sean Rice.

John Prasifka and internationally-acclaimed author Sally Rooney enjoying the Wild Atlantic Words short story reading and prize-giving, sponsored by Bridge St, Castlebar. PHOTO: JOHN MEE
Ken Armstrong, host of ‘A Poem and A Pint’ at the Wild Atlantic Words literary festival, with Ann O’Hara in the festival dome, Bridge Lane, Castlebar.
Recently-retired RTÉ journalist Tommy Gorman with Martin Carney, a member of the Wild Atlantic Words Festival organising committee.
Ernie Sweeney and John Healy enjoying the festival.
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