Leabharlann na Meán

President announces the Laureate for Irish Fiction 2018 – 2021, Sebastian Barry

At a ceremony in the Arts Council, President Michael D Higgins today announced Sebastian Barry as the Laureate for Irish Fiction 2018-2021.

Sebastian Barry is taking over the role from Anne Enright, who was appointed the first Laureate for Irish Fiction in 2015.

The Laureate is awarded by the Arts Council to an Irish writer of national and international distinction, writing in the English language. The honour is used to promote Irish literature nationally and internationally and to encourage the public to engage with high quality Irish fiction.

The inaugural Laureate was Anne Enright, who was awarded the honour by the Arts Council and began her three-year term in January 2015.

Speech at the UCD Centre for Ethics in Public Life

President Higgins delivered the keynote address at UCD’s Centre for Public Ethics.

In the speech, President Higgins welcomed the creation of the Centre for Public Ethics, and called for more analysis and critical reflection in classrooms, in the media and in public debate.

President Higgins Marks St Brigid’s Day, Or Lá Fhéile Bríde 2018

The President is Guest of Honour at an event celebrating the creativity of women.  
The event, organised by the Irish Embassy in London, celebrates the contributions and talents of women in many fields, including the arts, architecture, fashion, business, science and technology.
St Brigid’s Feast Day was originally a pagan festival called Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring. Lá Fhéile Bríde celebrates the arrival of longer, warmer days and the early signs of spring. In the pagan tradition, the day also celebrates Brigid's divine femininity.