University of Ulster hosts leading writers

A-Level students in Northern Ireland got the opportunity to meet two contemporary Irish-language writers - poet Gréagóir Ó Dúill and novelist Séamas Mac Annaidh – at the University of Ulster last Friday.

Dr Malachy Ó Néill, Head of the School of Irish Language and Literature, said that the university was “reaching out to over 200 young people to encourage them to study Irish at higher education level and help them understand the variety of rewarding careers that it can open up such as media, translation, teaching and academia. This strongly reflects our commitment to supporting schools and communities in the delivery of Irish language programmes.

“With the help of highly respected and talented Irish language writers, the University of Ulster is opening up the wealth of knowledge and expertise that exists within the university and is helping these students to achieve excellence in their studies.”

The writers gave an insight into their work, its themes and inspirations while conducting tutorials with the students who had the chance to discuss their writing with the authors.