Cecelia Ahern and Kevin Barry to feature in Athlone events

A special day of events will take place in Athlone next month to mark the recent centenary of John Broderick's birth.

The Broderick Day of Books is being organised by current Writer in Residence Eithne Shortall and will celebrate the anniversary of the birth in 1924 of John Broderick and highlight his ongoing legacy.

It consists of three literary events, available to the public free of charge, on Saturday, November 9.

The idea was to create an engaging, varied programme that would offer something to everyone, and events are taking place at venues across Athlone.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite.ie, but they are limited and must be booked in advance.

Both Kevin Barry and Cecelia Ahern will be signing books after their events, with copies on sale on the day should people wish to purchase them. Tea, coffee and biscuits will also be on sale at Cecelia's event.

The schedule of Broderick Day of Books runs as follows:

Redacted: The History of Book Banning in Ireland, a lively panel discussion on the history of censorship in Ireland, will be hosted in Athlone Library at 12 noon. Speakers include Athlone native Dr Christa de Brun and Dr Aoife Bhreatnach.

This will be followed, at 3pm, by a public interview with Kevin Barry. The event in the Luan Gallery will see the acclaimed author discusses his work with Eithne Shortall.

And, at 5pm, internationally best-selling author Cecelia Ahern will discuss her work with Shortall, at an event in the Dean Crowe Theatre bar at 5pm.