About IASIL 2004

Registered Speakers

Timetable

Traveling to Ireland

Keynote Speakers and Readings

Galway - links

About NUI Galway

Independent Panels

Join IASIL

Report on IASIL 2004 Conference

IASIL delegates from around the world gathered in Galway for the 2004 conference, “Writing Ireland—Past, Present, Future,” hosted by NUI-Galway. Under the leadership of IASIL president, Riana O’Dwyer and her team, the conference was a glowing success with plenty for all to enjoy. Held concurrently with the renowned Galway Arts Festival, IASIL added to the artistic opportunities with a screening of the film Aqua and readings by notable authors, including John McGahern, Eilis Ni Dhuibhne, John Montague, Patricia Burke Brogan, Joan McBreen, Mike McCormack, John Menaghan, and Tony O’Dwyer. Other highlights included plenary lectures by outstanding scholars. Kevin Barry spoke on “James Joyce and Misunderstanding.” Margaret Kelleher brought to our attention“Irish Literature, 10 Vols., 1904: the Forgotten Anthology.” Antoinette Quinn celebrated “Patrick Kavanagh: Towards a Centenary Edition of the Collected Poems. And Christopher Murray parted the curtain on “Echoes Down the Corridor: The Abbey Theatre Centenary.” Additionally, representatives from 25 countries presented 191 papers at concurrent sessions. Of course, there were plenty of opportunities for good food and socializing, with receptions hosted by NUI-Galway and Kenny’s Bookshop; book launches for Joan Dean, John Montague, and TD Redshaw; and the extras that included a gourmet barbecue, a boat trip on the Corrib and walking tour of Galway, and the festive final banquet that took place in the lovely Clarenbridge Court Hotel.

Following the conference, a number of delegates elected to go on a three-day trip to County Clare. The group visited Thoor Ballylea, Coole Park, literary and historical sites in the Burren, and Bunratty Castle. They stayed overnight in The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, childhood home of Kathleen McNamara, wife of Dylan Thomas. Along the way, they enjoyed the usual good music and storytelling that accompanies all such IASIL journeys. Congratulations to the Galway team for making the conference and the tour an absolute delight!