Birth of new era in Irish writing

Madam, – In 1974, following the publication of some letters of mine in newspapers outlining an interesting Scandinavian approach…

Madam, – In 1974, following the publication of some letters of mine in newspapers outlining an interesting Scandinavian approach to co-operative publishing, I received a call from Peter Sheridan which resulted in a meeting in Captain America's restaurant, Grafton Street. Those present were Neil Jordan, Peter Sheridan and myself. At that meeting was born the Irish Writers' Co-operative. The first manuscript considered for publication by Co-Op Books was The Ikon Maker, by Desmond Hogan. In time, other writers, including Ronan Sheehan and the late John Feeney, came on board.

The significance of the Irish Writers’ Co-operative is difficult, perhaps, for young writers these days to appreciate. It was virtually impossible to get new fiction published in this country. Here was a group of young writers doing it for themselves. It gave rise, in my view, to the Irish publishing industry as we now know it which, along with the arrival of major overseas publishers, offers a significant opportunity for the publication of new fiction. Co-Op books published many of the major writers of the time, and playscripts were also published.

Given all of this, I think it is high time there was something in or outside Captain America’s Grafton Street restaurant to mark the birth there of the Irish Writers’ Co-operative and, arguably, a new Irish literary renaissance. Dublin is aiming for the Unesco City of Literature title.

It seems fitting that the birth of a new era in contemporary Irish writing should at least be commemorated by a modest plaque. – Yours, etc,

FRED JOHNSTON,

Circular Road,

Galway.