Voices Literary Series: Longford's Alan McMonagle and Pat McCabe in Conversation

Both writers will be in conversation with journalist and researcher Paula Shields, discussing their work and the influence of the midlands.

Alan McMonagle gathered widespread critical acclaim for his debut novel 'Ithaca', published by Picador in 2017.

Praised as “fast and urgent, full of feeling, savage humour and all kinds of tenderness” (Kevin Barry), 'Ithaca' garnered attention in Ireland and further afield for its grit, pace, and the key personality of its child narrator-Jason Lowry.

Comparisons were made between the novel and 'The Butcher Boy', published by McCabe in 1992.

McCabe has twice been Booker nominated and is celebrated as one of Ireland’s most iconic story tellers.

Having published over twelve books since, McCabe has been praised as “A true original,”(John Banville) and continues to be an incisive voice in Irish literature.

Voices literary Series is created by Curator in Residence at Backstage Dani Gill in association with Words Ireland and Arts Council Ireland.

Future events also include authors Lisa McInerney (The Blood Miracles) & Elaine Feeney (Rise) in conversation with journalist Sinead Gleeson on Friday, May 18, and poet Leanne OSullivan (A Quarter of An Hour) & Ruth Fitzmaurice (I Found My Tribe) in conversation with journalist Edel Coffey on Thursday, June 28.

Pat McCabe & Alan McMonagle will be inconversation at Backstage on Thursday, March 22, at 8pm.

Tickets €12/€10 are available on 043 33 47888, from Farrell Coy in Longford town or online on www.backstage.ie