STORYTELLING

Storytelling is an ancient and deeply respected tradition in Ireland. This tradition, and the Irish love of stories in general, have influenced writers, actors, comedians, broadcasters and filmmakers – both those born in Ireland and those of Irish ancestry. Irish writers have contributed seminal works to world literature and have had a profound influence on the development of literary movements. Through their work, they have greatly affected how Ireland is perceived by the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Irish performers have become household names the world over.

EDNA O’BRIEN (1930–)

An award winning shortstory writer, screenwriter and novelist, Edna O’Brien’s writings depict the struggle of the modern woman within a strict, traditional society –particularly in her first novel, The Country Girls. As with other 20th-century Irish writers, such as James Joyce, her novels were initially banned for their seemingly brash sexuality, in particular that of women. Her novels are a comment on the often isolated existence women face at the hands of unfair or sexist societies, in which their opportunities are limited.

TERRY WOGAN (1938–2016)

Originally from Limerick, Michael Terence Wogan became a household name in Great Britain. His Wake Up to Wogan boasted over 8 million regular listeners, and he is believed to have been the most listened-to radio broadcaster in Europe. He also worked as a TV presenter for the BBC, where he hosted the chat show Wogan, and was the presenter of the BBC Children in Need annual telethon from 1980 to 2014. He was also the UK’s chief commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest from the early 1970s until 2008. Witty and affable, he was knighted in 1997 for his services to broadcasting.