2. Aims & Objectives The Centre The Kerry Writers The Kerry Writers’ Museum Other Facilities Arts Activities SeanchaíKerry Literary & Cultural Centre
3. Aims & Objectives Establish and develop an Arts & Cultural Centre in the town of Listowel for the benefit of the public as a whole, to advance the unique artistic, musical and literary tradition of the Irish people To develop the cultural centre as a tourist destination and to promote tourist interest in Irish culture and heritage. To promote and disseminate information, to engage in research in connection with the literary and musical heritage and to provide educational opportunities for students and the general public in relation to literature, music and other matters of local interest.
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6. The Kerry Writers Bryan MacMahon 1909 to 1998 Known as ‘The Master’ Folklorist, short story writer, poet, playwright and producer of plays, novelist, lecturer and ballad-maker Co-founder of Listowel Drama Group & Listowel Writers’ Week
7. The Kerry Writers John B. Keane 1927 to 2002 Dramatist, novelist, poet and raconteur First play ‘Sive’ winner of the All-Ireland Drama Festival in 1959 Other plays include ‘The Field’ and ‘Big Maggie’ Co-founder of Listowel Writers’ Week
8. The Kerry Writers Brendan Kennelly Born in 1936 in Ballylongford Professor of English Literature in Trinity College First book of poetry ‘Cast a Cold Eye’ published in 1959 Two novels – ‘The Crooked Cross’ & ‘Florentines’ Most recent poetry collection ‘Reservoir Voices’ published in 2009
9. The Kerry Writers Maurice Walsh 1879 to 1964 Employed by British Excise Service in 1901 and was based in the Highlands of Scotland First novel ‘The Key Above the Door’ was published in 1923 Published over 20 novels Short story ‘The Quiet Man’ (1934) made into an award winning film in 1952.
10. The Kerry Writers George Fitzmaurice 1877 to 1963 Son of Church of Ireland father & Roman Catholic mother Moved to Dublin in 1900 and joined the Civil Service First play ‘The Country Dressmaker’ staged by the Abbey Theatre in 1907 Wrote 13 other plays including ‘The Pie Dish’ and ‘The Dandy Dolls’ Suffered from neurasthenia, a severe shyness of people
