Latest news with #ListowelLiteraryFestival
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Niall Williams wins €20k Irish Novel of the Year award
Author Niall Williams has been named as the winner of the 2025 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award for his novel Time of the Child. Williams was announced the winner at the opening night of the Listowel Literary Festival, a celebration of literature which features events with acclaimed writers, panels, workshops, and performances across Listowel until June 1. Now in its 31st year, the award remains one of the most esteemed literary honours in the country, celebrating outstanding Irish fiction. The award, sponsored by Kerry Group, has a prize fund of €22,000, with €20,000 for the winner and €500 for each shortlisted author. This year's adjudicators, acclaimed authors Carol Drinkwater and Paul McVeigh, reviewed over 50 submitted novels before selecting the winner from a powerful shortlist that included Christine Dwyer Hickey, Joseph O'Connor, Colm Tóibín, and Donal Ryan. Niall Williams, winner of the 2025 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award for his novel Time of the Child, pictured with the winner is Ned O'Sullivan Writers Week. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD. McVeigh said that judging the prize this year was no small task and complimented the quality of the entries, which he said 'a testament to an extraordinary time in Irish literature'. 'Any of the shortlisted books could have won but, in the end, Time of the Child by Niall Williams rose to the top,' he said. 'I don't remember the last time I read a book that made me stop, so frequently, unable to continue until I had savoured a sentence. He is an extraordinary writer and a worthy winner of the Irish Novel of the Year.' Drinkwater described Williams's writing as exciting and exquisite and touched on how he brings his characters to life on the page. 'Reading his sentences was like sitting in a magnificent cathedral and listening to a great soprano singing, notes reaching to the rafters and returning to me, to nestle in my heart. It is a novel full of compassion,' she said. "The characters are so vulnerable, they tear you apart. It has been several weeks since we chose Niall's novel as our winner. "Still, I sit at my desk and picture myself in that doctor's surgery. I hear the child crying; I can smell the newly washed nappies; I long for these people, that father and daughter, to be given the miracle they so crave. 'This is the third time I've judged this prize and each time I'm reminded of the richness of Irish fiction today. Ireland truly is a treasure chest of brilliant modern novelists.' Chief corporate affairs officer at Kerry Group Catherine Keogh praised the continued partnership with Listowel Writers' Week. 'Every year, the calibre of writing reminds us why Ireland continues to lead on the global literary stage,' she said. 'We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Niall Williams on this well-deserved recognition,' she said.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ireland's oldest literary festival ‘combines local and international literary life'
The event marks the beginning of Listowel Literary Festival – a collaborative celebration delivered by Listowel Writers' Week, Kerry Writers' Museum, and St John's Theatre & Arts Centre. The opening night celebrated two of Ireland's most esteemed literary prizes: Niall Williams was announced the winner of the €22,000 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award for his novel 'Time of the Child', while poet Kerry Hardie received the Pigott Poetry Prize for 'We Go On'. Writer and publican Billy Keane had the honour of opening the festival, while Listowel Writers' Week Chairman Ned O'Sullivan said writers' week seamlessly combines local literary life with the very best of international literature. 'Ultimately, the festival brings people together to enjoy the written word in all its forms, and I know that this year's programme promises something for everyone. I am always heartened by the level of community participation and support involved in making this event happen on the ground and I commend all those involved,' said Mr O'Sullivan. The John B Keane Lifetime Achievement Award went to local playwright Tony Guerin. A former Kerry footballer and retired garda sergeant, Tony's work has shone a light on life in Ireland for many decades and this award is a fitting tribute to his insight and creativity. A special moment in the evening also featured 12-year-old author Danny Lawlor, who has already published two books. Representing the next generation of Irish writers, Danny presented Minister O'Donovan with a gift of the shortlisted books from this year's awards, on behalf of Listowel Writers' Week. Chairman of Listowel Writers' Week, Ned O'Sullivan, said it was an honour to have Billy Keane open the festival given his connection with one of the founding fathers of Listowel Writers' Week, John B Keane. 'We're proud of our local origins and the strength this gives our programme and the community spirit that powers it. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our partners, sponsors, staff, and over 50 volunteers who work so hard to make the festival such a success,' he said. The evening was hosted by Rhona Tarrant, a proud Listowel native whose journalism career began in Ireland with RTÉ. Growing up steeped in the town's literary and cultural traditions, Rhona has long been inspired by the storytelling spirit of Listowel. Her presence at the awards ceremony added a personal and meaningful connection to the town. Listowel Literary Festival runs until Sunday, 1st June. For tickets and the full programme, visit
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Author hoping to convert Kerry readers not convinced of Palestinian cause at talk in Listowel
Fintan Drury's book argues that the brutal Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 was the result of almost eight decades of Israeli oppression Kerryman Those who attend the Listowel Literary Festival talk with author Fintan Drury will be told that they have a part to play in bringing an end to the assault on Gaza. 'Without being grandiose about it, we have a responsibility to do whatever it is we can to express our horror and to seek to pressure those who have some influence to get this to stop,' Mr Drury told The Kerryman. Mr Drury (67), a former RTÉ journalist from Dublin, is the author of Catastrophe. The book argues that the brutal Hamas attack of October 2023 was the result of almost eight decades of Israeli oppression, and that Israel's reaction to it has been egregiously disproportionate. 'If you look even in a kind of cursory way at the conduct of Israel to Palestinians since 1948, there is no conclusion other than the Palestinians are among the most oppressed people in the world ever,' Mr Drury said. 'Ireland has done more than most but we still have issues that we need to consider around doing more.' Mr Drury said he had been going to marches advocating for Palestine for years but realised he had to use his skillset, as a trained journalist and writer, to try and make a difference. It was that realisation which led him to writing his book with the aim of detailing what has occurred in Palestine in an accessible manner. Mr Drury said those he would like to see most at his talk in Listowel are those who have not been convinced to support the Palestinian people. 'I'd love them to leave after an hour and go: 'Now I understand, I've got it',' Mr Drury said. Mr Drury will be in conversation with Mike Lynch at 11am in Listowel Arms Hotel on Sunday, June 1. Tickets for the event cost €15.
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Kerry: check out what's on around the county
If we missed anything and you want it added in, email Fergus at Killarney set to rock to Bikefest All roads lead to Killarney this weekend when the 17th edition of the popular motorcycling weekend that is BikeFest takes place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday June 1. The weekend brings together bikers from all over the world to enjoy and explore one of Europe's best-loved riding destinations and festivals in one amazing experience. The three-day free event is held each year in at the Gleneagle/INEC and will once again feature highlights such as a vibrant carnival atmosphere at the BikeFest village, a stellar line-up of music and entertainment, demo rides, a custom bike show as well as ride-outs along the renowned Ring of Kerry and the celebrated coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way. Check out the BikeFest website for the full programme of events. Craic and ceoil galore at Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend in Finuge A great night of fun awaits at Teach Siamsa in Finuge on the bank holiday Monday, June 2. The night will kick off at 8pm. Dirty Disco fun in Killorglin Killorglin will be hopping this June bank holiday Sunday when the Dirty Disco crew take over 10 Bridge Street in the town for a night of incredible live music and late-night beats. Jack Fitz and the Cavalry take the stage with their high-energy performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable night while DJ Dor will keep the momentum going with top-tier tracks to keep you dancing. The Dirty Disco crew will then takes over for a late-night dancefloor session Doors open at 9pm and tickets will cost €10. Listowel Literary Festival Fun Organisers of the upcoming Listowel Literary Festival – which will run from Wednesday, May 28 to Sunday, June 1 – said this week they are thrilled to present a vibrant lineup of events for this year's literary festival, featuring something for everyone to enjoy. From author talks and poetry readings to hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities, there's plenty for everyone. See the full festival programme over at the Listowel Writer's Week website. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Win some money at the Listowel Races The few days of the Listowel Races is always one of the best weekends in the social calendar in Listowel – and knowing Listowel, that's high praise indeed – and this year should be no different with punters set to descend on Listowel racecourse for the three days from Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2. Racing action will kick off at around 1.55pm mark on each of the three days with seven races set to take place each day. The Ladies Day Style Stake event will take place on Sunday with judging to be done by the one and only Don O'Neill. See the Listowel Races website for a full programme. Snooker legend Jimmy White set for Kilflynn appearance Snooker legend Jimmy White will be at Parker's Pub in Kilflynn on Sunday, June 1 where he will be putting on an exhibition of pool and entertainment in aid of the Kilflynn Community Together fundraiser. VIP tickets at €20 include a meet and greet, BBQ and a Q & A. Doors will open at 7pm.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry Writer's Museum announce full programme of events for Listowel Literary Festival
The full programme for this year's Literary Festival, released on Monday (April 28), includes a host of events that will be of high interest to those into literature, history and the arts. Some of the renowned writers who will appear at the festival include award-winning authors Fergal Keane, Lisa Harding, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Jess Kidd, Julian Borger and Rónán Hession. Celebrated musicians Andy Irvine and Mike Hanrahan will also speak and play some of their finest tunes at individual events. Ireland's oldest literary festival will also feature Kerry writers including Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Victoria Kennefick, Eileen Sheehan, Paddy Bushe and Lorraine Carey. The upcoming celebration is the result of a collaboration between three leading local cultural institutions; Kerry Writers' Museum, Listowel Writers' Week and St. John's Theatre and Arts Centre. The festival has been awarded €44,520 in funding under the Literature in Listowel Grant Scheme, administered by Kerry County Council and supported by the Arts Council. Cara Trant, executive director of Kerry Writers' Museum, said festival organisers are honoured to receive this 'vital support'. 'The Listowel Literary Festival allows us to celebrate the written word while continuing our work to support writers at all stages of their careers – especially those rooted in the cultural and creative life of Kerry,' Ms Trant said. "It builds on the town's rich literary heritage and brings together our key arts and cultural partners to create something truly special. 'This is a celebration of literature that is both global and deeply rooted in our local community. We look forward to welcoming audiences to a rich and engaging programme in 2025.' ADVERTISEMENT The festival, consisting of readings, interviews, panel discussions, and workshops as well as interactive walks and open mic sessions, will take place from Wednesday, May 28 to Sunday, June 1. Events will take place across venues including the Kerry Writers' Museum and St. John's Theatre, The Listowel Arms Hotel, The Plaza Hall, local pubs, and spaces throughout the town. To view the full festival programme of events, those interested can visit
