Mayo's historic All-Ireland win forms backdrop to imminent literary festival
Mayo's historic All-Ireland win will be the backdrop to this year's Wild Atlantic Words Festival taking place in Castlebar from October 6 to 11.
Now in its eleventh year, this year's festival will host the launch of two new books charting the journey to that joyous day in Croke Park when a Mayo captain finally hoisted the Sam Maguire after 75 long years.
"Never Stop Dreaming" by Anthony Hennigan and Edwin McGreal tells the compelling story of the year when Mayo finally achieved the Holy Grail.
The two experienced journalists tell the story of that historic journey, every step of the way, with the great moments captured by award winning photographer, Michael McLaughlin.
"Keeping the Faith" by John Gunnigan is one man's story of sixty years following the green and red until finally scaling the summit of success.
Twenty years ago, John created the Mayo GAA Blog, an essential resource for Mayo supporters all over the world who now come to share the joy and elation of All Ireland success.
But there is more, much more, to this festival feast of words.
From ecology (Chris and Lynda Huxley launch their book "Living with Swallows", to Irish writer and popular columnist Mairtin O Maicin's "Clocha ar mo Phaidrin" and from Alice Kinsella's delightful "Those who Listen, Anthology on the Bog", to Darina Molloy in conversation with Liz Nugent.
The pressing global questions of the day are addressed by Mark Little in his analysis of the influence of AI, while Mark Mellett draws on his maritime experience with "Blue Heart" ( war, climate and the battle for the ocean that keeps us alive ).
There are also the old favourites of the festival - the short story competition introduced by Colin Barrett, there is A Poem and a Pint, the Antique Books fair, and the popular "Sunday Morning Coming Down."
It's a sparkling programme with something to suit every literary taste, all in the congenial setting of the Festival Dome, and all events are free of charge.