The second John McGahern Irish Writing Commemorative Evening

The second John McGahern Irish Writing Commemorative Evening, was held in St Patrick’s College on 30th April to celebrate the work of illustrious former student the late John McGahern and to celebrate the best of Irish contemporary writing.  A large number of current and former students, staff members and visitors attended.  Among those was John McGahern’s sister, Monica Gilligan, herself a graduate of the College.  Celia Keenan of the English Department spoke eloquently of what John McGahern had meant to her personally and in her professional life.  His role as a teacher from his early days in Dublin to his pleasure in teaching students and readers in his later years was emphasised.  The award-winning writer Colm Tóibín responded with unscripted, warm, generous personal reminiscences of McGahern and then finished with a moving reading from Brooklyn, a novel in progress.  His audience was enthralled.  The event which was hosted by the English Department, led by Dr Brenna Clarke, was organised by Dr Derek Hand who acted as Master of Ceremonies.  It was followed by a reception in the College Writer’s Room, where McGahern’s portrait has pride of place.

 

 

 

Last Updated: Friday May 09 2008