Ross teaches gifted youth a thing or two

YOU WOULDN'T think that Ross O'Carroll Kelly translates to Jamaican culture but Summer Hamilton (15), of Montego Bay, says she enjoys his stories just as much as any Irish person.

Speaking yesterday at the Irish Centre for Talented Youth literary day, Ms Hamilton said her cousins first introduced her to Paul Howard's books about the fictional South Dublin rugby jock. While she doesn't understand all the jokes, she still enjoys the books thoroughly, and was looking forward to hearing Howard read.

Roddy Doyle, Claire Hennessy, Tom Humphries, Ruth Gilligan, Eunan O'Halpin and Julia Kelly also gave readings of their work to more than 250 of Ireland's most talented students.

The centre's director Colm O'Reilly said the day provided "a unique opportunity for students to meet well-known authors so they can hopefully become inspired and improve their own writing skills".

The centre was established in 1992 for students in the top 5 per cent academically.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times