Renowned poet and editor, Nessa O’Mahony, will be the distinguished guest at this year’s Frances Browne Literary Festival in the Twin Towns.
She will deliver the keynote speech at the Frances Browne Poetry Awards ceremony in Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar, on Friday, October 11th.
Now in its fourth year, the festival celebrates the rich cultural and literary heritage of East Donegal and will take place from October 10th to 13th.
In her keynote address, titled ‘Translating Achievement into Legacy-Women Writers from the 1800s to the 2020s’, Ms O’Mahony will explore the often overlooked contributions of women writers, including Frances Browne and Margaret King Moore, and reflect on the ways we honour contemporary women writers in today’s literary landscape.
The festival honours Stranorlar-born Frances Browne (1816–1879), celebrated as ‘The Blind Poetess of Ulster’ and a pioneering writer whose works, including the globally translated ‘Granny’s Wonderful Chair’ (1856), left an indelible mark on the literary world.
The only known photograph of the ‘Blind Poetess of Ulster’, Frances Browne, rediscovered in Australia in
October 2009. (Selwyn Glynn)
The festival will open on Thursday, October 10th, at Kee’s Hotel, with a talk by Thomas McLean, an Associate Professor in English at the University of Otago, New Zealand. who is travelling to Ireland especially for the festival. Mr McLean is a noted scholar and author, contributing to the global understanding of 19th-century literature.
Thomas McLean will deliver the annual Frances Browne Lecture, hosted by the Ballybofey, Stranorlar, and District Historical Society.
On Sunday, festival-goers can immerse themselves in the local heritage with the Frances Browne Walking Tour, guided by Kathleen Phelan, and enjoy a free Family Fun Day at The BASE Enterprise Centre, Stranorlar. A wonderful schools programme will be delivered during the festival by Pauline Holland, Anne McMaster, Angeline Kelly, Breda Logue, Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair and Susan Doherty.
At the launch of the 2024 Frances Browne Literary Festival Programme at The Pound Historical Park,
Stranorlar, with the statue of Frances Browne, were, front: Head of Tourism at Donegal County Council, Sarah
Nolan, right, Cllr Dakota McMenamin, Nuala McGlynn, Aoife Yong, Bartley McGlynn and Finn Young.
Back, committee members, Celine McGlynn and Michael Ó Dochartaigh.
Cllr Dakota NicMheanman praised the festival committee for establishing an essential cultural event in Donegal.
“On behalf of Donegal County Council, I wish the Frances Browne Literary Festival continued success and encourage both locals and visitors to engage with the diverse and enriching events planned from October 10th to 13th,” she said.
Celine McGlynn, Chairperson of the festival committee, expressed her excitement for this year’s event.
“The Frances Browne Literary Festival is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Frances Browne’s homeland,” she said.
“After last year’s incredible success, we are thrilled to share this year’s lineup, showcasing the rich literary traditions of East Donegal and beyond.”
The Frances Browne Literary Festival is proudly supported by Donegal County Council and the Finn Valley Voice.
For full programme details, visit the festival’s website francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com and follow on social media, or email info@francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com
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