International writers and speakers at Achill Heinrich Böll Memorial Weekend
THE annual Heinrich Böll Memorial Weekend takes place on Achill Island from May 3 to 5, with an international panel of writers and speakers.
The opening event and registration is on Friday, May 3, at St. Thomas‘ Hall, Dugort (F28 H320) at 7 p.m., with guest speaker Christian Resch, Deputy Head of Mission of German Embassy. Mr. Resch will also present school essays prizes to students from Coláiste Pobail Acla.
Anne Walsh Donnelly will read from her new work, He Used To Be Me. Originally from Carlow, Anne now lives in Mayo and writes poetry, prose and plays.
He Used To Be Me tells the story of Matt, a Mayo man who wanders the streets of Castlebar looking for claw marks. In lyrical prose, Anne explores the complex workings of Matt’s inner life.
Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor with Channel 4 News, will give a talk entitled 'The Bulwark of Freedom: Reporting today's wars'.
Lindsey has covered major conflicts, including the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the 2004 US assault on Falluja, she was embedded with a frontline marine unit, and, in 1994, was the only English-speaking foreign correspondent in Rwanda when the genocide began.
Before becoming a journalist, she was an aid worker, first in Latin America and then in Africa.
Saturday May 4
The weekend continues Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. with a guided walk with Micheál O'Briain. Meet at the old quarry car park beside the lake on the road to Valley pier and visit one of the most important wetland habitats and best places for wildlife on Achill.
Micheál has a long-term interest in the birds and other wildlife of Achill which he has been recording over the past 16 years. Since retiring at the end of 2021, he has been largely based on the island and continues his journey of discovery of its special nature.
Through his wildlife photography, he aims to celebrate, promote awareness of and appreciation for this wonderful part of Europe’s natural heritage.
After lunch Lindsey Hilsum will present the Anne Shannon memorial writers workshop - a seminar on writing for journalism - of interest for writers.
Former Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, will give a lecture.
Paris-based poet Richard W. Halperin will read from his recently published Selected & New Poems, from Salmon Poetry.
An exhibition features TG4 documentary Caillte san Úcráin. Two years on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Caillte san Úcráin (Lost in Ukraine) investigates the story of Achill Island native Finbar Cafferkey, who died on the frontline in Ukraine. The current affairs documentary, presented by investigative journalist Kevin Magee, travels to war-torn Ukraine to find out more about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Cafferkey, 45, who was killed in Bakhmut on April 19 last year.
Finbar Cafferkey was the eldest in a family of five children and grew up in Cashel on Achill Island.
On Saturday evening at St. Thomas’s Church, Durgot, writers from Russia, Ukraine and Germany will read from recent works, chaired Dr. Gisela Holfter of the University of Limerick.
There will be music by Laoise Kelly, John Butler and Diarmuid Gielty.
Sunday, May 5
Start the day with a guided walk with Eoin Halpin - 'Carrowgarve, the other deserted village'. Located facing the wild Atlantic close to Ashlem Bay, this largely forgotten settlement was first recorded in mid-17th century. It is in fact, like the better known Slievemore Deserted Village, three interconnected villages. The walking tour will explore the surviving remains of the settlement as well as the archaeology of the surrounding area. The terrain in the area is relatively rough, so appropriate clothing and footwear is a must.
A lunch with readings will be hosted by Achill Writers Group.
Booking for all events is advised. See heinrichboellcottage.com, email hbollachill@anu.ie or call (086) 23215516.