Five Leaves is pleased to present a series of online events on New Irish Writing. Tonight and the readings from Belfast Stories are in association with Doire Press, a leading publisher in the West of Ireland. Galway was the European Capital of Culture in 2020.

Both Doire Press events will include readings followed by discussion about the landscape and urban areas that inspired the Stories, and about Irish writing in general. The talks will be hosted by Deirdre O’Byrne from Five Leaves Bookshop and Nottingham Irish Studies Group and the Doire evenings will also be joined by a representative from Doire Press.

Galway Stories will feature June Caldwell and editor Alan McMonagle.

June Caldwell currently lives in Dublin. Her stories probe sexuality and disturbing psychology, and the darkness and light that lives within us all. If you know Galway City, her story – which performs well! – is set in Barna. Her latest book published in the UK is Room Little Darker.

Alan McMonagle had a story included in the original Galway Stories, published in 2013, and is the joint editor of Galway Stories 2020. His latest book published in the UK is Laura Cassidy’s Walk of Fame, set in the era of Hollywood’s silver screen and told in a voice that blends devil humour, quiet mayhem, and a single-minded optimism that might just lead to disaster.

This event will be BSL interpreted. PLEASE NOTE that due to the way Zoom is implemented on the iPad you will not be able to see the interpreter during any screensharing – if this is a problem for you please use another device to access the event.

Supported with National Lottery funding by Arts Council England.

Tickets £3, or £13 including a copy of Galway Stories (2013), or £15 including a copy of Galway Stories 2020, or £27 including a copy of both books (UK only for tickets including books, P&P free). Register via Eventbrite