It is all systems go for this year’s Literary Festival, now in its ninth year in the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter.
Donnan Harvey states this year’s event – which will run from Thursday, October 17th until Sunday, October 20th – is ‘bigger and better than ever’.
Harvey said that the festival, if it keeps moving in the right direction it could soon be one of the top literary festivals in the country.
And a quick perusal of the calendar of events would suggest that he’s right as it really is a packed programme this time around.
The very first offering is at 6:30 on the Thursday when Letterkenny Central Library will host an intercultural evening with performances from the New Land Choir, poetry and music from various Polish artists, and readings from the Raphoe Diamond writers with Celine McGlynn. It’s free and everyone is welcome.
The official opening will actually take place the following day when well-known author, journalist and broadcaster, Kathy Donaghy will do the honours.
Kathy’s recent book, Finding My Wild, was published to huge critical acclaim, and her talk will focus on the themes explored in it – the influence of the homeplace, writing, and the power of words and books to change lives. Again it’s a free event, and it will be taking place at the Donegal County Museum at 7:30pm. on Friday.
Earlier in the day, much earlier, at 9;30am, the connection between the literary giant that was John Steinbeck and the North-West of Ireland will be explored. The talk will be given by Douglas Barrett on the author’s connection with Limavady’s Roe Valley. The talk will be followed by a screening of the famous film, Of Mice and Men, which was based on the author’s book of the same name. This screening will be at the Century Cinemas Complex.
One of the highlights of the festival, according to Donnan, is the Flash Fiction Competition. Here new authors who have been shortlisted are invited along to the prize winners evening. Basically, this is a platform for writers to get their voices heard.
He stated: “The standard this year has been superb and we would urge people to come along and support our young talent. The more we encourage new writing and new writers the richer the arts scene in our community will be.”
The noted journalist and academic, Roy Greenslade will give a talk on The Peer, the Priests and the Press to round off the evening.
Roy, one of Britain’s best known journalists and a former editor of the Daily Mirror in the era of Robert Maxwell, became fascinated by Lord George Hill when he learned the house he now owns near Ramelton was once owned by the peer whose first wife, Cassandra, was the niece of Jane Austen.
This event will be held in Dillon’s Hotel as will the first event on the Sunday morning where Professor John Brannigan of UCD will deliver a lecture on the literary genius that was Brendan Behan. Feted around the globe, particularly in American literary society, Behan was always anxious about how he was perceived in his homeland. Professor Brannigan will explore this.
Indeed, Sunday is quite a busy day and Festival Director, Mary Turley-McGrath explains that the emphasis will shift to a more musical note later in the day.
Mary commented: “We have two really lovely events to offer. The Donegal Chamber Music concert is a must for those who love a wide range of music as the programme will include offerings from Smetana, Faure, Holst, Mancini and others. That’s at 3pm in Conwal Parish Church.
“And at 5 pm in Dillon’s Hotel we really do guarantee an eclectic evening of musjc. There will be solo artistes, duos, groups, instrumentalists and all from various ethnic backgrounds. It promises to be an unforgettable concert.”
The final event of the festival will be an Evening With Pat McArt. The venue for this will be, again, Dillon’s Hotel and the starting time will be 8pm.
Letterkenny native McArt was editor of the Derry Journal during the Troubles and had numerous encounters with political giants like John Hume and Martin McGuinness and the iconic figure from Bloody Sunday, Bishop Edward Daly.
He recounted much of those meetings and about growing up in Donegal in his memoir War, Peace and the Derry Journal. The book was a best seller in the North-West. He’ll be in conversation with former BBC journalist and publisher, Garbhan Downey.
Finally, Donnan and Mary paid tribute to their sponsors and funders Donegal County Council and Failte Ireland without whom the festival would not be possible. They also thanked Phil O’Kennedy for his Quills and Quarter podcast which will be accompanying the festival.
Donnan concluded: “In 2024 we like to think we have something for everyone. There are readings, talks, poetry recitals, debates, discussions and what I like to call ‘information sessions’ where we have people come in and tells about some of the great literary figures and their connections to this area. The whole aim of the festival is to both entertain and inform. So, please come along and give us your support.”
Those who want to get full details about all events should check the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival website or contact Donnan Harvey +353(0)863452457.
