Paul Durcan: ‘Poetry was a gift that he loved to give others’
Kathleen MacMahon, Conor O’Callaghan, Bernard MacLaverty, Enda Wyley, William Wall, Aifric McGlinchey and Martin Doyle pay tribute
Author Paul Perry: ‘The myth of the starving genius is harmful nonsense’
The writer on his new novel, Paradise House; his writing partnership with Karen Gillece; and the book he’s working on about Samuel Beckett in the French Resistance
Pigott Poetry Prize shortlist revealed
Books newsletter: a roundup of the latest news and a preview of tomorrow’s pages
Author Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin: ‘I’ll always be angry about the history of the church in Ireland’
Author’s debut novel, Ordinary Saints, celebrates the power of faith, even as it criticises the Catholic Church
Gustav Parker Hibbett wins John Pollard Prize
Books newsletter: a roundup of the latest news and preview of Saturday’s pages
Author Shane Tivenan: ‘People who veer away from the norm have always had a magnetic effect on me’
The author on the curious title of his short story collection, To Avenge a Dead Glacier; how his music career helped his writing; and his admiration for Aphex Twin
Listowel literary festival’s fresh start
Books newsletter: Bullaun and Gallery on major shortlists; Ballyscullion Book Festival; Poetry trail
Author Lisa Harding: ‘I have never been scared to look at the dark side of life’
The novelist on her latest book, Wildelings; her penchant for unlikeable characters; and how her acting background is a boon to her writing
Jane Casey and Stuart Neville shortlisted
Books newsletter: a preview of Saturday’s pages and a wrap of the latest news
Ardal O’Hanlon on Father Ted at 30: ‘I thought it was a sh*t idea. Who was going to want to watch a sitcom about priests?’
It’s one of the funniest TV sitcoms of all time, but success wasn’t preordained. Some of the key players look back at making its three classic series
Author Caroline Madden: ‘My luck turned when I created a female protagonist seething with quiet resentment’
The author of The Marriage Vendetta talks about what it takes to get published, her Jane Austen-inspired world record, and a surprisingly funny book
Two Irish writers feature on £25,000 Walter Scott Prize shortlist
Kevin Barry’s The Heart in Winter and Ferdia Lennon’s Glorious Exploits make six-strong shortlist
Author Catherine Ryan Howard: ‘A great cure for writer’s block is having to cover the rent’
Catherine Ryan Howard on her new thriller, Burn After Reading; heavy-drinking Hemingway; and the upcoming TV adaptation of her novel 56 Days
Andrew Krivák wins Moth Poetry Prize
Books newsletter: a preview of tomorrow’s pages and a round-up of the latest literary news