The AGM of Irish PEN was held on Thursday 11th of May 2006 and the following people were elected on to the committee for the coming year.
Marita Conlon- McKenna: Chairperson
Eilis ni Dhuibhne: Secretary.
Anne le Marquand Hartigan: Joint Secretary.
Catherine Daly: PRO and Web Co-Coordinator.
Jenny Purcell: Minutes Secretary
Committee: Tony Corcoran, Fr Tony Gaughan, Mary Hosty,
Cyril McHale, Lia Mills and Sarah Webb.
A warm welcome to the new committee members and sincere gratitude to Nesta Tuomey, Patricia O’Reilly, Kathleen Sheehan O’Connor and Denise Deegan for all their work over the past few years. The position of Treasurer does however remain to be filled.
Irish PEN has enjoyed a very busy year with very well attended events, a wonderful annual dinner and increased membership and profile.
Afterwards poet Brendan Kennelly spoke to a large crowd about his work, influences and inspirations and read poems from a number of his collections on what was a very memorable night.
It is unfortunate but International PEN has decided to no longer continue with the David T.K.Wong Short Story competition. We regret its passing and the talent and wonderful writing it encouraged.
On 13th of June 2006 this year’s prestigious international Impac Book Award went to writer Colm Tobin for his book ‘The Master’.
Readers in Libraries all around the world nominated books for the award which carries the valuable prize fund of Euro 100,00.00. The Award was presented in the magnificent surroundings of Dublin City Hall. What a wonderful year for Irish writers on the world stage with John Banville winning The Booker Prize for his novel ‘The Sea’ only a month before.
Members News:
Congratulations to member Miriam Gallagher on having her play ‘Footfall’
Performed at the Milwaukee Irish Fest in America this August
New Publications:
Whitethorn Woods: Maeve Binchy
Writing for Success: Patricia O’Reilly
Love comes Tumbling : Denise Deegan
Scouting in Ireland : Father Tony Gaughan
Write A Book in A Year: Jacinta McDevitt ( Sept)
The Hat Shop on the Corner: Marita Conlon – McKenna. (Oct)
If you have any news with regards to publication or performance on stage, film, T.V etc of your work please let us know and we will do our best to spread the good news! Please check the website for events etc.