Local authors to feature prominently at Mayo's Wild Atlantic Words Festival

Now regarded as one of Ireland’s leading literary festivals, Wild Atlantic Words in Castlebar kicks off on Monday next with an event filled programme for the full week.

A sparkling menu of book launches, readings, literary discussion, new writing, poetry, music and fringe events means something for every taste, and lovers of the written word can look forward to a feast of treats across every style and genre.

From history to sport and from biography to reminisce, the stellar line-up of events is the most ambitious in the seven-year existence of Wild Atlantic Words.

Dr. Michael O’Connor sets the ball rolling on Monday night at Bridge Street with his talk on the Magdalen Asylums of Mayo, following which Katriona O’Sullivan, author of the highly lauded ‘Poor’, will be in conversation with Aine Kerr.

The touching story of her journey through infertility will be discussed by Niamh Holleran – McGing in conversation with broadcaster Mary Kennedy on Tuesday, to be followed by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick as they discuss their captivating new book, ‘Bad Bridget – Crime, Mayhem and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women’.

Wednesday will be a red letter day at the festival when author and columnist Máirtin Ó Maicín will launch his imaginative ‘On This Day in Mayo’, when each of the 366 days of the year form the basis of a connection with a significant person or event relating to the county.

Following that launch, admirers of the late Leonard Cohen are in for a special treat when John McKenna hosts ‘Absent Friend’, an evening of readings and song reflecting his thirty years friendship with the legendary singer-songwriter, poet and novelist.

Ballinrobe born author and journalist Declan Varley takes centre stage on Thursday to launch his new book, ‘Mayo; A biography in Nine Lives’. Followers of the green and red will flock to this event where the author will be joined by former Mayo greats on a reflective journey through the joy – and pain – of Mayo football history.

This is followed by Ken Armstrong’s hosting of ‘A Poem and a Pint’, one of the great favourites of the festival, when accomplished, new and aspiring poets have the chance to recite their chosen pieces to an appreciative audience.

Friday provides yet another day of literary variety, starting with the launch by former world boxing champion Carl Frampton of his much awaited biography. Wild Atlantic Words here teams up with the Connaught Boxing Centre of Excellence for this truly unique occasion, which takes place at the boxing premises at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

Meanwhile, back at the Bridge Street Dome, celebrated author Donal Ryan will be announcing the winner and runners-up of the annual Wild Atlantic Words short story competition. This prestigious event will feature readings and presentations from the winners of the competition, which again this year has attracted new writing of an exceptional standard from a record number of entrants.

The evening closes with ‘Solar Bones and Spinning Hearts’, when Darina Molloy will host a forum of discussion with Donal Ryan and Mike McCormack.

Saturday’s programme starts at the Courthouse where, under the title ‘Birth of a Nation’, Marie-Louise O’Donnell is the moderator for a symposium to mark the Decade of Centenaries, where the speakers are European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, historian Diarmaid Ferriter and journalist Justine McCarthy.

Back at the Dome, Nuala Moore, double Guinness world record holder, launches her book, ‘Limitless; Extreme Swimming’.

There follows the eagerly awaited launch by columnist, raconteur and genuine auld stock Johnny Mee of his ‘Between Mee and You’.

Hosted by Edwin McGreal, this compendium of Johnny Mee’s memoirs over the years is sure to draw a record attendance to the Dome.

Wild Atlantic Words closes on Sunday with the traditional ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ when John Healy welcomes a panel of hometown speakers including Noel Campbell, Sharon Feeney, Jarlath Killeen and Ger Staunton.

All events at the festival are free of charge, but early arrival is advised in order to secure a seat.

The festival dome is located at Bridge Lane, Castlebar (F23, PN20).