Film screening on poet's work and life and his links to Longford

On Friday night, November 28, 2025 a screening of the acclaimed film “Patrick Joseph O’Connor” will be shown in the Breffni Arms Hotel, Arva at 7pm.

O’Connor’s father - Bernard - was born in Pound Street, Arva and moved to Belfast where Patrick Joseph was born. Writing under the pen name Padraic Fiacc he became internationally known for his poetry and was a close friend of Padraic Columb. The film is an exciting exploration on his work and life and his links to Arva.

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The evening will start with a wine reception and the filmmaker will be present to chat about the film. There will be poetry readings, music and general conversations on the life of O’ Connor and his place in Irish and International Literature.

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All this is being facilitated by his literary executor Mr Michael Kernon, Belfast who was a friend of O’Connor for over 20 years. Patrick Joseph O’ Connor was born in 1924 and died in 2019 aged 95 years and he has 2 cousins living in Arva – Malachy O’Connor and Kathleen Hourican. A small committee was formed to help with this event and they look forward to a good turnout on the night. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.