Centenary of writer John Broderick's birth marked with major Athlone event

The centenary of the birth of Athlone writer John Broderick was marked with a major ceremony hosted by the Arts Council and Westmeath County Council last week.

The event, in Athlone's Luan Gallery, was a tribute to Broderick’s life, his influential work, and his enduring legacy in the Irish literary canon and LGBTQ+ fiction.

The event saw author Eithne Shortall announced as this year’s recipient of the John Broderick writer’s residency. This was accompanied by the relaunch of John’s acclaimed novel, The Waking of Willie Ryan, in print and for the first time, as an audio book.

Westmeath County Council also announced the development of a 'One Town One Book' programme, around The Waking of Willie Ryan, in Athlone in 2024 to be delivered through the Westmeath Libraries and The Athlone Bookshop.

The initiative seeks to introduce John Broderick to a wider audience and contribute to ensuring Broderick’s legacy to Irish literature lives on and his contribution to the arts in Athlone is recognised.

Laura McCormack, Westmeath County Council Arts Services and Communications Coordinator, who organised and hosted the event, confirmed the council will award an emerging writer bursary this year.

John Broderick, born on July 30, 1924, in Athlone, was a distinguished author and literary critic. Throughout his lifetime, he authored 12 novels, with notable works including The Waking of Willie Ryan and the once-banned, The Pilgrimage. Broderick passed away in Bath, England, in 1989.

Following his death, Broderick bequeathed his estate to the Arts Council for "the benefit and advancement of the Arts in Athlone".

This generous endowment has since established a writer’s residency in Athlone, benefiting writers Annemarie Ní Churreáin (2018), Martin Dyar (2019), and Keith Payne (2021), who have all deeply engaged with Broderick’s works during their residencies.

The 2024 recipient of the John Broderick writer’s residency, Eithne Shortall, is an esteemed author, columnist, and broadcaster. Eithne has penned five bestselling novels, including Love in Row 27 and Grace After Henry, the latter winning Best Page Turner at the UK’s Big Book Awards. She has also contributed significantly to journalism and broadcasting, working with RTÉ, BBC, and TG4. Eithne will begin her residency in September.

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said: "We are thrilled with the selection of Eithne Shortall as the John Broderick Writer In Residence 2024. John's work during the 1960s and 1970s inspired and challenged readers with its depth and honesty.

"He wrote about topics rarely expressed at the time and his generous legacy has profoundly impacted the arts in Athlone.

"The writer's residency established through his bequest has nurtured remarkable talent, allowing writers to delve deeply into Broderick’s works and create new, resonant literature.

"This centenary celebration, including Eithne's appointment, is a testament to his enduring influence and the vital role the arts play in our community."

Speaking at the launch, Sinéad O’Reilly, Director of Combined Arts in the Arts Council, said: "With this centenary event and residency series we are shining a spotlight on his legacy and his rightful place alongside literary peers such as Brendan Behan and Flann O’Brien.

"His dedication to the arts and hometown of Athlone deserves this celebration of his life and works and the affirmation of his lasting impact on the literary world. As we move into the centenary programme, the new writer in residence, Eithne Shortall will play a vital role in bringing John’s legacy to life".

She also drew parallels between the late Edna O'Brien and John Broderick, noting that both wrote about the oppressive nature of Ireland in the 1960s, and both had some of their books banned initially. She also called for greater recognition of the name of John Broderick in Irish literature.

Also in attendance was Cllr Frankie Keena, Mayor of Athlone Municipal District, who said: "Westmeath has produced some fine cultural figures, and among its best is John Broderick. The centenary of Broderick’s birth allows us the opportunity to celebrate Broderick’s significant contributions to Ireland’s literary culture and his cultural contributions to the town of Athlone..”

Historian, writer and former librarian Gearoid O'Brien told the audiences of his interactions with John Broderick over the years, including arranging a public talk by the writer on the book Wuthering Heights in St Peter's school hall.

In conjunction with the centenary, Broderick’s acclaimed novel, The Waking of Willie Ryan, has been republished by Lilliput Press. This new edition will be available in both print and audiobook formats, narrated by actor Naoise Dunbar.

The novel tells the story of Willie Ryan, a sixty-year-old gay man who returns to his hometown after twenty-five years in an insane asylum, where he was committed by his family. Naoise will read extracts from this book at the event.

The paperback will also be available via the libraries network and can also be purchased through Lilliput Press and bookstores across the country.

The event included poetry recitals were by previous Writers In Residence, Keith Payne and Annemarie Ní Churreáin as well as local poet Jackie Gorman.

Insights into John's writing was offered from Maynooth University lecturer Martin G. Cronin. Actor Naoise Dunbar performed a reading from the newly republished The Waking Of Willie Ryan, while music was provided on the night by Bream/Dylan O’Muineóg.