Programme
Sunday 1st June
11am
Godfrey Coppinger
Book Launch: Godfrey Coppinger, What Comes to Mind
These are stories of love, of sorrow; serious poems, silly stories; fairy tales and haunted houses. As for the drawing they usually come from my dreams, my everyday life and Inktober. Fun stuff! So, here you have it – seven years of my favourite stories, poems, and drawings. I hope you enjoy them.
11am
Fintan Drury
Catastrophe: Nakba II with Mike Lynch
Fintan Drury offers an unflinching exploration of Israel’s genocidal campaign and is a call to understand the unique suffering of the Palestinians.
12pm
Shout Out Youth Theatre
Sive
A young schoolgirl caught in a web of family expectations, greed and bitterness. Forced into an arranged marriage with a much older man resulting in tragic consequences. Set in 1950’s Ireland , Sive explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition and the quest for freedom. With John B’s lyrical dialogue and great Irish humour this play is simply not to be missed.
12:30pm
Billy Keane
The Healing @ John B’s
The Healing Session and the Laying of the Hands – music, songs and stories led by Billy Keane. Everyone gets a turn. Now in its 33rd year, this afternoon of gaiety never fails to disappoint and there might even be a playing of a teapot!
12:30pm
Jack Fennell and Maggie Armstrong
Daily Debut: Lost Voices & Old Romantics with Jack Fennell and Maggie Armstrong
Join two of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary writers to discuss their recent publications, Old Romantics by Maggie Armstrong and the new addition to the Recovered Voices series, Your Own Dark Shadow, edited by Jack Fennell.
1:30pm
Francesca Simon
Francesca Simon Debuts Adult Novel
In this exquisite retelling of a haunting myth, the age-old story of a tragic romance is a thought-provoking drama for our times.
2:30pm
Jennifer Horgan & Linda McKenna
Doire Press Presents Jennifer Horgan and Linda McKenna
Jennifer Horgan was shortlisted for the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Poetry Prize in 2023. Care, is her debut poetry collection.
3pm
Natalya Korniyenko & Robert Carey
NEWKD Ukrainian Cultural Event
Irish Premiere of documentary “Culture vs War. Serhiy Zhadan” and Discussion with Ukrainian writer Natalya Korniyenko
4pm
Open Mic
Maureen Beasley Poet’s Corner
A fitting finale to poetry at the festival, dedicated to the memory of Maureen Beasley who initiated this event over 40 years ago.
5pm
Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich
Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich Book Launch: Clan na Seanamhuintire
The book traces his life as a musician, artist, activist, festival organiser, and television presenter, and explores his family roots and the traditions that shaped him.