PICTURES: Renowned poet and novelist hosts masterclass in Portlaoise

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

Renowned poet and novelist Mary O’Donnell hosted a workshop in Portlaoise as part of this year's Leaves Festival. Leaves is an annual celebration of literature and music, culture and community run by the Laois Arts Office and the Laois County Library Service. The two hour masterclass was held on Friday, November 8 in Dunamaise Arts Centre and focused on both poetry and short fiction and considered the role of memory and identity. Writers of all levels attended the event including local secondary school students.  Mary O’Donnell’s work includes eight poetry collections, four novels and three short story collections.  In 2025 she will publish her ninth poetry collection, ‘Jakkurpa’. It will be published in the US by Wake Forest University Press. Photographer Michael Scully was there to capture the event.