Clare influence at Limerick Literary Festival

East Clare writer, Edna O’Brien and Kilmihil-based Man Booker Prize nominee, Niall Williams are among the line up for the 2015 Limerick Literary Festival.

Taking place from February 20 to 22, at 69 O’Connell St (formerly The Belltable) and The Lime Tree Theatre at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick City, the festival honours Limcerick-born novelist and playwright, Kate O’Brien.

Meanwhile, this year’s festival has been extended to include an all-day
conference in Mary Immaculate College on the theme of “Loss in Irish
writing”, which is open and free to the public. The inaugural Kate O’Brien
Award will also be presented to the most popular Irish author.

“The Festival began in 1984 to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of
Kate O’Brien. The event continues to celebrate the life and works of the
Limerick writer, while attracting prominent participants from all over the
world,” commented Sheila Deegan, Limerick arts officer and festival
committee member.

The festival will be opened on Friday 20th February at 7p.m. by acclaimed
author Joseph O’Connor in 69 O’Connell Street. It will be followed by ‘As
Music and Splendour’ recital, which this year features Limerick soprano,
Sarah Dolan and Collette Davis, who is regarded as one of Ireland’s most after
accompanists.

On the following day, the festival welcomes poet and short story writer,
Órfhlaith Foyle; novelist and memoirist, Nick Barlay; author, Elizabeth
Wassell and the distinguish poet, John Montague in conversation with Niall
MacMonagle, Niall Williams, best-selling author, Audrey Magee, and poet and novelist Mary O’Donnell.

On Sunday, the programme concludes at The Lime Tree Theatre with Edna O’Brien in conversation with RTE’s Séan Rocks.