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Arts / Culture

By Waterford City & County Council

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition 2024

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition 2024 banner

Have your say at this year’s Regional Europe Direct Soapbox competition. You could win an iPad, sponsored by the European Commission Representation.

Regional winners will go onto represent their region in the national competition in Dublin.

To enter, please fill in the application form and return it via email to boshea@waterfordcouncil.ie and katkins@waterfordcouncil.ie. A librarian will issue you with a confirmation of receipt email.

Please contact Central Library on 051 849975 if you don’t receive an email. Application forms can also be dropped into or posted to any branch of Waterford Libraries.

Date and Venue of the Regional Final:
The final of this year’s Regional Soapbox debate will take place on Wednesday 6th of November at 10am in the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Please Note:
• Entrants are invited to deliver a three-minute speech for or against the topic: ‘A.I. is NOT A THREAT to humanity!’
• Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Ages 16 & under OR Ages 17 & over.
• The winner of each category will be announced on the day of the event and will be invited to attend the National final with a chance to compete for One4All vouchers to the value of €1,000.
• The date and venue for the National final is Tuesday 26th November in the Royal College of Physicians, Dublin.

To Enter:
• Be sure to read through the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules first!
• To register your entry please Click Here to Download an Entry Form and please Click Here to view and download the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules.
• Email your entry form to: boshea@waterfordcouncil.ie and katkins@waterfordcouncil.ie or post to: Europe Direct Waterford, Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford, X91 VO45.
• Our checklist is a handy way to ensure that the application form is filled in and signed appropriately.
Closing Date for Receipt of Application Form Entries: 4:30pm, Friday 1st November 2024.
For more information contact the Europe Direct Centre at Central Library: Ph: 051 849975
Prizes are sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland

By Waterford City & County Council

CUISLE CEOIL : Commemorative Concert celebrates Ardmore’s bygone Irish College

A special commemorative concert featuring Cór Fear na nDéise male voice choir will take place in St. Paul’s Church, Ardmore on Friday, September 27th.

Organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City and County Council, the concert will feature songs that were sung in Coláiste Deuglán, a thriving Irish College that existed in the seaside village of Ardmore one hundred years ago.

Cór Fear na nDéise will be joined by the Ardmore Community Choir and by children from the local national school, Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa, for this special event.

One hundred years ago, in July 1924 one of the founders of Coláiste Deuglán, Mícheál Ó Foghlú published a booklet entitled ‘Cuisle Ceoil’, a collection of songs of the Déise, which he had gathered on his travels as a Conradh na Gaeilge ‘timire’, or organiser. The booklet was published as the songbook for those attending the Irish college, which stood next to the current Round Tower Hotel. The concert is being organised to commemorate the Irish College and the songs that were learned by avid Irish language learners in the new Free State.

“Through funding from the Creative Waterford programme, we are delighted to be able to organise this special commemorative concert in memory of Coláiste Deuglán,” says Irish Officer, Máire Seó Breathnach.

“The Irish language was in use as a community language in Ardmore until the middle of the last century and Coláiste Deuglán was an important cultural and linguistic fulcrum in the village from 1920 until the mid-1940s. I am delighted that Cór Fear na nDéise will interpret the songs from Cuisle Ceoil and that the local community and school choirs in Ardmore will be joining them. This concert is a fabulous way to inform the younger generations of the culture and traditions of Ardmore in times past and bring those songs to life again in the fabulous venue that is St. Paul’s Church.”

The Cuisle Ceoil concert will take place in St. Paul’s Church on Tower Hill, Ardmore at 7.30pm on Friday, 27th September. Tickets are priced at €10 and are available on Eventbrite  at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1012828004827/ or search for Cuisle Ceoil, or by e-mailing gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

CUISLE CEOIL : Coirm cheoil i gcomóradh ar Choláiste Gaeilge na hAirde Móire fadó

Tionólfar coirm cheoil speisialta comórtha le Cór Fear na nDéise in Eaglais Naomh Pól san Aird Mhór, Co Phort Láirge ar an Aoine, 27 Meán Fómhair.

Beidh amhráin a bhí le clos i gColáiste Deuglán, Coláiste Gaeilge rathúil a bhí lonnaithe i sráidbhaile cois cósta na hAirde Móire céad bliain ó shin, mar dhlúthchuid den gcoirm cheoil seo, atá á n-eagrú ag Oifig na Gaeilge de Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge.

Chomh maith le Cór Fear na nDéise, beidh Cór Pobail na hAirde Móire agus páistí ó Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa san Aird Mhór ag canadh ag an ócáid speisialta seo.

Céad bliain ó shin, i mí Iúil 1924, d’fhoilsigh Mícheál Ó Foghlú, duine de bhunaitheoirí Choláiste Deuglán, leabhrán dar teideal Cuisle Ceoil’, bailiúchán amhrán na nDéise a bhailigh sé agus é ag taisteal mar thimire de chuid Chonradh na Gaeilge. Foilsíodh an leabhrán mar leabhar amhrán dóibh siúd a bhí ag freastal ar Choláiste Deuglán, a bhí lonnaithe in aice leis an bhfoirgneamh ina bhfuil an Round Tower Hotel sa lá atá inniu ann. Tá an coirm cheoil seo á n-eagrú mar chomóradh ar an gColáiste Gaeilge agus na hamhráin Ghaelacha a d’fhoghlaim lucht foghlamtha na Gaeilge ann i mblianta tosaigh an tSaorstáit.

“Le tacaíocht ó chlár Éire Ildánach Phort Láirge, tá áthas orainn an coirm cheoil speisialta seo a eagrú mar chomóradh ar Choláiste Deuglán,” arsa Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge na Comhairle.

“Bhí an Ghaeilge fós in úsáid mar theanga pobail ag daoine áirithe san Aird Mhór suas go dtí lár an chéid seo caite agus bhí Coláiste Deuglán mar chroílár na Gaeilge agus an chultúir Ghaelaigh sa tsráidbhaile ó 1920 go dtí lár na 1940daí. Tá áthas orm go mbeidh Cór Fear na nDéise ag canadh amhrán ón leabhrán Cuisle Ceoil agus go mbeidh na cóir áitiúla pobail agus scoile san Aird Mhór ar an gclár chomh maith. Is slí iontach é an coirm cheoil seo chun cultúr agus traidisiún na Gaeilge san Aird Mhór fadó a chur ar a súile dos na glúnta níos óige agus beocht a chur sna hamhráin úd arís san ionad álainn, Eaglais Naomh Pól.”

Beidh coirm cheoil Cuisle Ceoil ar siúl in Eaglais Naomh Pól, Ard a’ Mhinistir, Aird Mhór ar a 7.30i.n. ar an Aoine, 27 Meán Fómhair. Cosnaíonn ticéidí €10 agus tá siad ar fáil ar Eventbrite ag an nasc https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1012828004827/, nó lorg Cuisle Ceoil, nó trí r-phost a sheoladh chuig gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Bestselling author Andrea Mara in conversation at Central Library

The most recent Writers at Waterford Libraries event took place on Saturday, September 7th with bestselling crime writer Andrea Mara in conversation with Acting County Librarian, Mary Conway at Central Library on Lady Lane.

Mara, a number one Sunday Times, Irish Times, and Kindle bestselling author spoke about her latest book ‘Someone in The Attic’, which was published earlier this year.

The packed audience was given an insight into Mara’s writing process, a sneak preview of her next book, and Mara also spoke about the thrill of having one of her books, ‘All Her Fault’ made into a TV series. The series, produced by US-streaming service Peacock, will be filmed in Melbourne and star Australian actress Sarah Snook of “Sucession” fame.

Mara’s first book ‘The Other Side of the Wall’ was published by Poolbeg in June 2017, followed by ‘One Click’ in 2018, and her third ‘The Sleeper Lies’ came out in February 2020.  ‘All Her Fault’ was published in July 2021, ‘Hide and Seek’, and ‘No One Saw A Thing’ followed, and her latest book ‘Someone in The Attic’ was published by Transworld / Penguin Random House.

Mary Conway, Acting County Librarian, Waterford City and County Council, thanked all those who attended, saying, “This was a hugely insightful event into how a bestselling author consistently creates compelling and gripping contemporary crime fiction.  Andrea’s outline of her writing process was also fascinating and one that I’m sure many budding crime-writers will implement.”

To find out more about upcoming Author events at Waterford Libraries, visit www.waterfordlibraries.ie

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By Waterford City & County Council

National Heritage Keepers Programme Opens For New Round of Applications

National Heritage Keepers Programme Opens For New Round of Applications

Discover the treasure on your doorstep!

Burrenbeo Trust is thrilled to announce that the latest round of the National Heritage Keepers Programme opens for applications on the 3rd of September. Over 150 groups and schools have completed the free programme to date. Heritage Keepers are now looking for community groups and senior classes of primary schools to take part in its highly anticipated fourth round.

Through a series of online workshops Heritage Keepers empowers groups and schools to delve into their local heritage and provides funding to allow them to take positive action. Rather than seeking to separate built, cultural and natural heritage the programme works on the principle that all aspects of heritage are very closely inter-linked and that these aspects work together to create our distinctive Places.

In the previous year, 70 schools and communities participated in the programme, with the majority successfully completing local funded projects and actions. These actions included exhibitions, heritage trails, tree planting, podcast creation, booklets, wildlife ponds, oral history projects and ‘Place Celebration’ days. Funding for fieldtrips is also provided meaning participants get to visit local heritage sites in person rather than just learning about them online. Previous participants have highly praised the programme with one primary school teacher commenting “Its more than just talking about helping, its actually doing something”, and another participant saying “It definitely brought us together as a group and we are delighted with what we achieved”.

The programme consists of five engaging two-hour workshops, followed by dedicated support while completing the funded action. It opens for expressions of interest on the 3rdth of September, with options to begin this autumn or in the New Year.

For those eager to learn more about this wonderful opportunity, an online information session is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th, at 7.30pm. Visit www.heritagekeepers.ie for additional details and to complete a brief application form (submission deadline: October 4th).

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact: info@burrenbeo.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy : Public Consultation

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy

Waterford City and County Council is in the process of developing the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Action Plan and has appointed Outscape to assist in the preparation of the plan.  This project is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 – Project Development Measure.

The purpose of the Strategy is to provide a vision for the development of quality, well-planned and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains, which will not only benefit local communities and economy, but also ensure the protection and conservation of this wonderful upland area.  The project output will consist of a 10-year vision and roadmap, including a high-level action plan with more detailed actions for Years One to Three.

Waterford City and County Council is inviting the views of local communities and general public on how recreation could be managed in the Comeraghs to allow us all to connect and engage with outdoor recreation in this region of natural beauty.

A public consultation event will be held in The Park Hotel, Shandon Rd., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 CC97 at 7p.m. on Wednesday September 11th.

Alternatively the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy survey can be completed online at https://arcg.is/WyfeW

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By Waterford City & County Council

Sewing Repair Workshops and Demonstrations

Sewing repair workshops

Are you looking to make a positive environmental impact while enhancing your practical skills? Join us this Circular Economy Month for our Sewing Repair Workshops and Demonstrations!

Repairing clothes is one of the most effective ways to cut down on emissions and reduce waste. By learning how to mend items like zippers, buttons, and hems, you can give your wardrobe a new lease on life while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Here are the opportunities for you to get involved:

Sewing Repair Workshops:

  • Friday afternoons in October at Central Library
    Book at 051849975 / centrallibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie
  • Tuesday mornings in November at Carrickphierish Library
    Book at 051 849696
  • Thursday mornings in November at Portlaw Family Resource Centre
    Book at 0892027653

Sewing Repair Demos:

  • Dungarvan Library, 6 p.m., 10th October
    Book at 058 21141
  • Ardkeen Library, 10 a.m., 4th October
    Book at 051 849755

Don’t miss this chance to gain practical sewing skills and extend the life of your clothes. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your sewing techniques, this free workshop is for you. Sign up today!

By Waterford City & County Council

Launch of new Community Energy Hub in Waterford

On September 10th, the South East Energy Agency, in collaboration with Waterford City and County Libraries, will unveil the new Community Energy Hub at Waterford Central Library.  This initiative that will empower the residents of Waterford with knowledge and tools to take control of their energy use!

What is the Community Energy Hub?

The Community Energy Hub is designed to be your go-to resource for everything related to energy. Whether you’re looking to understand your energy consumption, explore ways to reduce your energy use, or find out about the latest energy-saving technologies, the Hub will have the information you need.

The Hub aims to support the community in making informed decisions about energy efficiency, ultimately helping to lower energy bills and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Waterford.

Why Should You Attend the Launch?

The launch event is not just about introducing the Hub—it’s an opportunity for you to engage directly with experts and get tailored advice on your energy concerns. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Informative Sessions: Learn about various supports available for energy upgrades, which can help you make your home more energy-efficient.
  • Expert Drop-In Clinic: Have specific questions or need personalized advice? Visit the drop-in clinic and consult with energy experts who can provide practical solutions and insights.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meet like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about climate action and energy efficiency.

Spaces for the launch event are limited, so make sure to register now to secure your spot. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required to manage attendance and ensure a quality experience for all participants.

How to Register

Just follow the link below to secure your spot: Register for the Community Energy Hub Launch

Event Details:

  • Date: September 10th
  • Location: Waterford Central Library
  • Time: Check the registration link for the event schedule

Join the Movement for a Greener Waterford

This event is more than just a launch—it’s a step towards a more energy-efficient future for Waterford. By participating, you’re contributing to a larger movement focused on climate action and sustainable living. Your involvement can make a significant difference in our community’s efforts to combat climate change.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something impactful. Spread the word, bring a friend, and join us on September 10th at Waterford Central Library. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable Waterford.

Stay tuned for more updates and information by following Waterford City and County Libraries and the South East Energy Agency. Let’s make climate action and energy efficiency a priority for a Greener Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tomorrow: A Slice of Culture, Wyse Park

A Slice of CultureWaterford’s Multicultural Festival, A Slice of Culture, will take place during this year’s Waterford Harvest Festival.

A Slice of Culture, first held in 2021, is collaborative effort between migrant individuals and communities of the Waterford New Communities Network, supported by Waterford City and County Council, Creative Ireland and SICAP.

Taking place in Wyse Park in the city centre tomorrow from 11am to 7pm, September 7th, the event promises a day of vibrant cultural celebrations, showcasing the rich diversity in Waterford’s communities.

The jam-packed lineup will feature music, dance and performances from Waterford’s varied cultural groups, food stalls with cuisines from across the globe, along with arts and crafts exhibitions showcasing art and international traditional attire.

At 3pm there will be the unveiling of a collaborative art collage created by migrant groups. The event is free and all are welcome.  The Slice of Culture festival is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of multiculturalism and foster community spirit.

For further details of Waterford’s Multicultural Festival at Waterford Harvest Festival, follow Waterford New Communities Network on social media or visit www.waterfordncn.ie

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By Waterford City & County Council

Remember: A Slice of Culture – Waterford’s Multicultural Festival

A Slice of Culture

Waterford New Communities Network are excited to invite you to Waterford’s multicultural festival, A Slice of Culture. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of vibrant cultural celebrations, showcasing the rich diversity that makes our community unique.

Event Details:

  • Date: September 7th 2024
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Wyse Park, Waterford City

Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and community at Wyse Park, Waterford City!

Event Details:
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
Gates Close: 7:30 PM

Program Schedule:

  • 12.30 PM Zumba with Susanna
  • 1:00 PM  Hungarian Zither Performance by Zoltan Kincses
  • 1.20 PM Belly Dance with Layla from Brazil
  • 1:30 PM  Songs in English and Romanian by Mara Matthews
  • 1:50 PM  Traditional Dance by the Filipino-Irish Community in Waterford
  • 2:00 PM  Children’s Performance
  • 3:00 PM Special Event: Mayor of Waterford is Unveiling of New Dara, a Collaborative Art Collage created by local migrants
  • Guest Speakers:
  • Dr. Ebun Joseph -Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism, Ireland
  • Marc Ó Cathasaigh  – Green Party TD
  • 4:00 PM Afghan Cultural Showcase  Rumi’s Poems and Traditional Aton Dance
  • 4:30 PM African Drumming by Frank and Friends
  • 5:00 PM Ukrainian Emeralds Performance
  • 5:30 PM Performance of Igbo Community in Waterford
  • 6:00 PM Irish Traditional Music by Cormac and Pádraig
  • 6.30 PM Music from Brazil – Karolliny e Beatriz and Lubão

MCs of the event:  Monica and Mara

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate Waterford’s diverse community!

You can register to participate here:

Register for A Slice of Culture

Stay updated and help spread the word through our Facebook pages:

Your presence and active participation would mean a great deal, as it reinforces the collective effort we are making toward a more integrated and harmonious community.

By Waterford City & County Council

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy : Public Consultation

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy

Waterford City and County Council is in the process of developing the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Action Plan and has appointed Outscape to assist in the preparation of the plan.  This project is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 – Project Development Measure.

The purpose of the Strategy is to provide a vision for the development of quality, well-planned and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains, which will not only benefit local communities and economy, but also ensure the protection and conservation of this wonderful upland area.  The project output will consist of a 10-year vision and roadmap, including a high-level action plan with more detailed actions for Years One to Three.

Waterford City and County Council is inviting the views of local communities and general public on how recreation could be managed in the Comeraghs to allow us all to connect and engage with outdoor recreation in this region of natural beauty.

A public consultation event will be held in The Park Hotel, Shandon Rd., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 CC97 at 7p.m. on Wednesday September 11th.

Alternatively the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy survey can be completed online at https://arcg.is/WyfeW

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By Waterford City & County Council

Launch of new Community Energy Hub in Waterford

On September 10th, the South East Energy Agency, in collaboration with Waterford City and County Libraries, will unveil the new Community Energy Hub at Waterford Central Library.  This initiative that will empower the residents of Waterford with knowledge and tools to take control of their energy use!

What is the Community Energy Hub?

The Community Energy Hub is designed to be your go-to resource for everything related to energy. Whether you’re looking to understand your energy consumption, explore ways to reduce your energy use, or find out about the latest energy-saving technologies, the Hub will have the information you need.

The Hub aims to support the community in making informed decisions about energy efficiency, ultimately helping to lower energy bills and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Waterford.

Why Should You Attend the Launch?

The launch event is not just about introducing the Hub—it’s an opportunity for you to engage directly with experts and get tailored advice on your energy concerns. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Informative Sessions: Learn about various supports available for energy upgrades, which can help you make your home more energy-efficient.
  • Expert Drop-In Clinic: Have specific questions or need personalized advice? Visit the drop-in clinic and consult with energy experts who can provide practical solutions and insights.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meet like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about climate action and energy efficiency.

Spaces for the launch event are limited, so make sure to register now to secure your spot. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required to manage attendance and ensure a quality experience for all participants.

How to Register

Just follow the link below to secure your spot: Register for the Community Energy Hub Launch

Event Details:

  • Date: September 10th
  • Location: Waterford Central Library
  • Time: Check the registration link for the event schedule

Join the Movement for a Greener Waterford

This event is more than just a launch—it’s a step towards a more energy-efficient future for Waterford. By participating, you’re contributing to a larger movement focused on climate action and sustainable living. Your involvement can make a significant difference in our community’s efforts to combat climate change.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something impactful. Spread the word, bring a friend, and join us on September 10th at Waterford Central Library. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable Waterford.

Stay tuned for more updates and information by following Waterford City and County Libraries and the South East Energy Agency. Let’s make climate action and energy efficiency a priority for a Greener Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

A Slice of Culture – Waterford’s Multicultural Festival

A Slice of Culture

Waterford New Communities Network are excited to invite you to Waterford’s multicultural festival, A Slice of Culture. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of vibrant cultural celebrations, showcasing the rich diversity that makes our community unique.

Event Details:

  • Date: September 7th 2024
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Wyse Park, Waterford City

Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and community at Wyse Park, Waterford City!

Event Details:
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
Gates Close: 7:30 PM

Program Schedule:

  • 12.30 PM Zumba with Susanna
  • 1:00 PM  Hungarian Zither Performance by Zoltan Kincses
  • 1.20 PM Belly Dance with Layla from Brazil
  • 1:30 PM  Songs in English and Romanian by Mara Matthews
  • 1:50 PM  Traditional Dance by the Filipino-Irish Community in Waterford
  • 2:00 PM  Children’s Performance
  • 3:00 PM Special Event: Mayor of Waterford is Unveiling of New Dara, a Collaborative Art Collage created by local migrants
  • Guest Speakers:
  • Dr. Ebun Joseph -Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism, Ireland
  • Marc Ó Cathasaigh  – Green Party TD
  • 4:00 PM Afghan Cultural Showcase  Rumi’s Poems and Traditional Aton Dance
  • 4:30 PM African Drumming by Frank and Friends
  • 5:00 PM Ukrainian Emeralds Performance
  • 5:30 PM Performance of Igbo Community in Waterford
  • 6:00 PM Irish Traditional Music by Cormac and Pádraig
  • 6.30 PM Music from Brazil – Karolliny e Beatriz and Lubão

MCs of the event:  Monica and Mara

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate Waterford’s diverse community!

You can register to participate here:

Register for A Slice of Culture

Stay updated and help spread the word through our Facebook pages:

Your presence and active participation would mean a great deal, as it reinforces the collective effort we are making toward a more integrated and harmonious community.

By Waterford City & County Council

Author Andrea Mara in conversation

Andrea Mara
Waterford Libraries are delighted to welcome the wonderful Andrea Mara Author to Central Library Waterford on Saturday 7th September at 3pm.
Andrea Mara is a Number One Irish Times, Top Ten Sunday Times, and Number One Kindle bestselling author, who has been shortlisted for a number of awards, including Irish Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Book Awards in 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2018.
📚 Bestsellers ‘All Her Fault’, ‘No One Saw a Thing’ and her latest book ‘Someone in the Attic’ are riveting suspense novels, compulsive until the last page and hugely popular with our readers and book clubs.
This is a Free Event, but booking is essential – please contact Central Library on 051 849975 to book your place.
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