Booker nominated author Niall Williams and highly acclaimed musician Mike Hanrahan join forces for this very special evening of readings and song.
Readings from Niall’s new novel, The Time of the Child will be interspersed with the soulful vocals and intricate guitar playing of Mike Hanrahan.
The Time of the Child is set in the fictional town of Faha, Co Clare. It’s approaching the Christmas of 1962 and a baby is found in the town after the annual cattle fair. It's left in the care of GP Dr Robert Troy who lives with his daughter Ronnie. As the winter passes, father and daughter's lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.
Set in the majestic setting of Abbeyleix’s Preston House this is guaranteed to be an evening to remember.
Niall Williams was born in Dublin. He is the author of nine novels, including History of the Rain, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize and Four Letters of Love, which will soon be a major motion picture starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. His most recent novel, This Is Happiness was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards Book of the Year and longlisted for The Walter Scott Prize. He lives in Kiltumper in County Clare, Ireland.
Photo by John Kelly
Mike Hanrahan is a singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Ennis, County Clare. He spent fifteen years with Stockton's Wing as songwriter, guitarist and singer, and ten years with Ronnie Drew as guitarist, writer and producer. His memoir, Beautiful Affair about music and food was published in 2019 and was shortlisted for the Irish Books Awards. He recently completed a Fellowship and Post Graduate Certificate in Equity and Brain Health at The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin