Fergal Keane will join via Zoom from Gaza.

Library of luminaries for Granard Booktown Fest

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Fergal Keane will join via Zoom from Gaza.

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Doom creator John Romero recently published his autobiography. Rosdiana Ciaravolo

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Sinéad Gleeson’s conversation with Shaunagh Connaire takes place at Granard Library.

Seamus Enright

Published: Fri 19 Apr 2024, 9:40 AM

Granard is buzzing with anticipation, and excitement permeates the air, as the north Longford town prepared to welcome bibliophiles from across the region for their upcoming Booktown Festival, April 19 – 21.

The 2024 literary extravaganza promises, as always, a stellar line-up of renowned authors, journalists, and artists, each celebrating the transformative power of literature and the arts through captivating storytelling and riveting discussions.

One of the festival’s most anticipated guests is Fergal Keane, the award-winning journalist and author, who will join remotely from Gaza via Zoom where he is currently working for the BBC.

Keane’s closing of the festival in conversation with Fran McNulty at the Scared Heart Primary School, April 21, at 7.30pm (€15), promises to enrich proceedings with unique perspective on current affairs and historical events. Adding a touch of digital dynamism meanwhile is John Romero, legendary designer behind the groundbreaking video game Doom.

With the recent publication of his long-awaited autobiography, ‘Doom Guy: Life in First Person’, Romero, in conversation with Ronan O’Toole at Fay’s Bar, April 20, 6.30pm (€7.50) offers attendees a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most iconic and influential games in history. A number of changes to the original programming have been announced.

Actor Aidan Gillen has had to withdraw due to a scheduling conflict, but journalist and artist Victoria Mary Clarke, known for her eclectic body of work spanning journalism, painting, and spirituality, will instead be bring her multifaceted perspective on the interconnectedness of creativity and human experience in conversation with John Murry- April 19, Fay’s, 7.15pm (Sold Out).

Other changes include Sinéad Gleeson’s conversation with Shaunagh Connaire being moved to Granard Library. The Fashion Panel will now also take place at 1pm in Granard Library on April 20, and the Publishing Workshop will occur in Fay’s Bar, not Granard Library as originally programmed.

Patricia Gibney, in conversation with Anne Griffin, will now take place at 7:45pm in Granard Library.