Mayo's Wild Atlantic Words Festival gets underway today

The Wild Atlantic Words Festival kicks off today and runs through until Sunday with a sparkling programme of book launches, poetry, celebrity appearances, short story readings and prize-giving.

The landmark festival, now in its ninth year, has gained an enviable reputation for its format and content, and this year promises to deliver to the same high standard as that of earlier years.

The week opens with the launch by Isabela Basombrío Hoban of her fourth bilingual book of poetry, Another Type of Abbreviation.

It takes place at 7 p.m. in the Festive Dome at Bridge Street.

The award-winning poet, originally from Peru but now resident in Castlebar, is a talented multi-disciplinary artist whose previous books of poetry have been warmly received.

Tuesday promises to deliver something special with the launch at 7 p.m. of Patrick Butler's Fighting Fitzgerald, the story of the life and times of the most colourful and dangerous personality of 18th-century Ireland.

This is followed at 8 p.m. by the launch by Cormac O'Malley of The Enchanted Bay, a compilation of Irish folk tales collected by his late father, the freedom fighter Ernie O'Malley.

On Wednesday, Alice Kinsella and Daniel Wade perform readings from their captivating book on whaling in Mayo, Wake of the Whale.

This event is followed at 8 p.m. by the popular, laidback, ‘A Poem and a Pint’, hosted by Ken Armstrong, when anybody who feels like reciting their favourite poem is free to take the podium.

Thursday again provides a double-starred evening of book launches at 7 and 8 p.m., respectively.

Hayley Kilgallon's Unladylike – a History of Ladies Gaelic Football, is a lavishly illustrated, engagingly written account of a branch of Gaelic football which has taken on a life of its own in recent years.

This event leads on to the launch by Kevin McDonald – soldier, mountaineer and archaeologist – of his eagerly awaited A Life Less Ordinary, and rarely has a book lived up so well to its title.

To be launched by Vice Admiral (retd.) Mark Mellett, the book brings readers along the Castlebar man's incredible and perilous adventures over forty years.

The presentation of the festival short story winner prizes (judged by Mike McCormack) on Friday at 7 p.m. yields centre stage to what will be a huge welcome for Sally Rooney.

The celebrated author will read from Intermezzo (just published) as part of the festival programme; her reading to be followed by a book signing.

Festival chairman, Kevin Swift, said it was a signal honour to her home town that Sally Rooney would perform the only reading from Intermezzo outside Dublin.

Following Sally’s event on Friday evening, down-to-earth wine expert, Brigid O'Hora, launches The Home Sommelier.

Described as the essential guide to making the best wine choice without breaking the bank, the event will also include an optional wine tasting.

Journalist, broadcaster and sports enthusiast Edwin McGreal takes centre stage on Saturday at 6.30 p.m. for a panel discussion around his comprehensive Our Finest Hour.

The book chronicles the glory days of all 54 football and hurling clubs throughout the county.

The panel will include a number of GAA legends, including Aidan O’Shea, and will be hosted by Mike Finnerty.

This is followed by another gem, when George Hamilton discusses his life and times in conversation with Aidan Crowley at 8 p.m.

The incomparable Hamilton has been at the centre of Irish sport, culture and music for half a century, and the audience can be assured of a mesmerising menu of travails and anecdotes, told in his trademark style.

The festival closes with the traditional ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’, when John Healy shares with his audience some hometown banter with his selected panel – this year consisting of author Geraldine Lavelle, journalist Tom Rowley, screenwriter Ray Lawlor, and author Kevin McDonald.

With the exception of Friday night’s events with Sally Rooney (pre-booking essential – see website for details), all events are on a first come, first served basis, but early arrival is recommended. All events are free of charge and take place in the festival dome at Bridge Lane, Castlebar (next to Bridge St bar, F23 PN20).

For more details, see www.wildatlanticwords.ie