Stephen Connolly says he experienced hostility anti-Northern bias and from people angry at restructuring of Listowel Writers’ Festival
After the May 31st-June 4th festival, he says, there was no feedback or discussion. Within weeks, without a word to him , the festival advertised for a 2024 curator.What Connolly had thought was “a dream job” had gone sour.Over the past week there has been social media commentary about references Connolly made in Andersonstown News about encountering anti-Northern bias in Listowel.
He describes an incident during the festival, in the midst of two best-selling events . With two standing ovations still ringing in his ears, somebody approached him, saying: “Well, that was interesting. I used to be involved here. You’ve destroyed everything.” The disjuncture was almost comical, “in an absurd sense”, he says.
There was “sustained negativity towards Stephen”, agrees former chairwoman Catherine Moylan. “I received some negativity from sources so I know how difficult it has been for him. Thankfully, there were others who welcomed him and made every effort to include him in the community. But nothing is black and white. Connolly went into it enthusiastically, and committed to getting to know the town and its people. He made lasting friends, was welcomed by many and mentions several kindnesses. Moylan observes “he made time to get to know the town and the people in it. He made friends and had support from people who understood his vision and hopes for the festival. As a result, the programme included new venues and attracted a wider audience. It was a breath of fresh air.
Local Senator Ned O’Sullivan, a long-time supporter of the festival and whose wife was on the volunteer committee for decades, has more recently been a vocal critic of what he calls “the shocking treatment of the democratically elected committee”. He has also criticised “the murky role of the Arts Council and its practice of providing lucrative funding for ‘reports’ carried out by previous [Arts Council] ‘insiders’.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Aimee Connolly jets off for destination weddingAimee Connolly is preparing to walk down the aisle. The makeup mogul and her husband-to-be John Greene are en route to their wedding venue!
Read more »
Aimee Connolly celebrates night before her weddingAimee Connolly celebrated the night before her wedding in the gorgeous French countryside surrounded by her nearest and dearest.
Read more »
Four for €325,000 and under: homes in Tipperary, Wicklow, Kerry and DublinMove-in-ready homes at keener prices around the country
Read more »
Derry, Monaghan, Kerry, Dublin and Mayo players honoured in GAA minor awardsAll-Ireland football champions Derry have six players included.
Read more »
Kerry Katona praises Fury’s Netflix show for explaining Bipolar battle to kidsFormer Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona had nothing but good things to say about Tyson and Paris Fury's new Netflix show, At Home with the Furys
Read more »
Rising Kerry and Longford stars sign AFL deals with Carlton BluesRob Monahan and Matt Duffy are both heading to Australia for pre-season later this year.
Read more »