Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival marks its 20th anniversary with moments of sheer magic

Every year, the Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival produces a magical moment, and this year was no exception

Marking its 20th anniversary, its standout moment was an afternoon in Nenagh Castle with a fascinating conversation between writers Vona Groarke and Robert O’Byrne on his new book, Left Without a Handkerchief, about the burning of the big houses in the 1920s.

Full of personal family histories - with Vona giving her take on Robert’s insights - it was capped with the wonderful singing of Cathie Ryan and music on the harp by Laura Hogan.

The festival began on Thursday with the launch of artist-in-residence Bridget Flannery’s works in Nenagh Arts Centre.
Friday saw the celebration of local writers Eleanor Hooker, Siobhán McGowan and Sean O’Connor, with music by Colin Kenny, whose song, Will You Dance with me Annie? is to feature on Daniel O’Donnell’s new album.

Later, award winning author Emma Donoghue proved to be most engaging in her talk with Sinéad Gleeson on her new book, Learned By Heart.

Kit de Waal and Vona Groarke discussed their work with Paula Shields on Friday in the arts centre, while Saturday saw Moneygall author Eimear Ryan and Second Captain’s Ciarán Murphy in a discussion on women and sport led by sports columnist and activist Joanne O’Riordan in the wonderful setting of the Tipi at the Abbey Court Hotel. The event attracted the likes of former Tipperary hurling stars Darragh Egan and Conor Donovan.

Later, Rick O’Shea discussed crime writing with Catherine Ryan Howard and Andrea Mara in the arts centre.

Sunday saw the focus switch to Dromineer and Ballycommon for the screening of Dónal Ó Céilleachair’s Do Chuala Ceol, following by a talk with ecologist and broadcaster Anja Murray.

The magnificent surroundings of Solsborough House was the backdrop for a discussion on Emily Hourican’s Guinness Girls and Kick Kennedy, with Lia Hynes.

The festival finished in style at Ashley Park House with the inimical Francis Brennan discussing Aging Well in Style.

Full of anecdotes and advice, the much-loved Francis is the embodiment of a combination of Gay Byrne and Michael D Higgins.