Dara McAnulty
Dara has always been passionate about the natural world. “I remember, when I was very small, watching pigeons for hours. My interest developed from there.” At just 16, Dara has long been recognised for his knowledge […]
Laura Imai Messina
As a child, Laura read Fairy Tales and books by the Bronte’s; “And my mother introduced us to the Famous Five and the Secret Seven by Enid Blyton. I loved them!” Laura kept a diary, and […]
Kathleen MacMahon
Back in 2016, Kathleen MacMahon holidayed, as usual, with her family on the Costa Brava. Afterwards, whilst her husband flew home, she took a train to Antibes with their twin teenage daughters. She wanted to start […]
Caragh Bell
Caragh Bell simply loves writing. She adores her characters – enjoys talking about them, and misses them when, having written, The End, she has to bid them farewell. But that comes as no surprise to the […]
Susannah Dickie
A voracious reader, Susannah got her love of books from her grandmother; but as a child she wanted to be an artist with celebrity status. “I started writing prose poetry at university,” she says. “The poems […]
Liadan Hynes.
Liadán has always wanted to write – English was her best subject, but being shy, she hated it when her work was read out in front of the class. She wanted to be a journalist, but […]
Twelve Things I learned at the 2019 West Cork Literary Festival.
With the 2020 festival cancelled, I’m wishing I was in Bantry, and am remembering last year. Roll on July 2021! HERE ARE THE 12 THINGS I LEARNED: 1. John Boyne auditioned for Boyzone – and only […]
Giles Dawnay
During university holidays Giles worked for an adventure company. He taught in Kenya, before setting up a division in Peru. He returned often, leading mountaineering expeditions. And after graduation, he worked in Ghana, then Fiji, as […]
Niamh Campbell
At 7, Niamh asked for a real typewriter for Christmas. “I paid for my own ribbons and had to conserve ink. I’ve always known I’d be a writer, but it’s hard to write well. It took […]
Finbar Lennon
The eldest of five, Finbar spent the first two years of his life in England. “But in 1950 my father worked as a dispensary doctor in County Meath. Then we moved to Edenderry.” He met Kate […]
Stephanie Scott
A lifelong book lover, Stephanie started writing poetry at University. Studying for a PhD, and needing funds, she secured a job with Lehmann Brothers on a graduate programme. “But I was headhunted before the bank fell. […]
Review. The Switch. Beth O’Leary
Last year, Beth O’Leary produced a debut that really hit the spot. Warm and clever, with characters one wished were friends, The Flat Share featured two people who share a bed – but at different times, […]