Padraic Colum Gathering 2026 to celebrate Longford's Literary Legacy

Full programme of events in Granard Community Library

Press Release: Thursday 1 October 2026

Longford County Library and Archives Services will host the annual Padraic Colum Gathering in Granard Community Library on Saturday, 10 October, bringing together writers, readers, historians and music lovers to celebrate the enduring legacy of Padraic and Mary Colum

The day-long event, which runs from 11am to 4pm, honours one of Longford's most distinguished literary figures, Padraic Colum, and his wife Mary, an acclaimed writer and literary critic. The Gathering is organised by Longford County Library and Archives Services with support from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport's Commemorations Programme.

The programme opens at 11am with award-winning writer and film producer John Connell who will explore Padraic Colum's place within Longford's rich literary tradition. Connell is the author of six books and is co-organiser of the Granard Booktown Festival.

A special highlight of the day will be the launch of the inaugural Clíona Ní Shúilleabháin Letter-Writing Competitions at 12.30pm. Established in memory of Padraic Colum's grandniece, an enthusiastic supporter of the Gathering, the competition will feature both junior and senior categories and aims to encourage a new generation of letter writers.

The afternoon programme begins at 2pm with the launch of ‘Mary and Padraic Colum: Lives and the Dream’ by Professor Margaret Kelleher MRIA. Holding the Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at UCD, Professor Kelleher has written the first major scholarly biography to examine the lives of both Mary and Padraic Colum together.

The publication will be launched by Vona Groarke, Ireland Professor of Poetry, who hails from a well-known Longford family and is the author of nine poetry collections.

The event concludes with music and song from Edgeworthstown performer Aoife Mulligan, whose programme will include a rendition of ‘She Moved Through the Fair’ often described as the ‘Song for Longford’.

Throughout the day, visitors will also have an opportunity to view a special exhibition of letters exchanged between Padraic and Mary Colum. The collection has been donated to Longford County Archives by the Literary Estate of Padraic Colum.

The Padraic Colum Gathering is an important celebration of Longford's literary heritage. This year's programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the lives, work and influence of Padraic and Mary Colum through talks, literature, music and archival material.

The Gathering is free to attend and all are welcome. For further information, contact Longford County Library and Archives on 043 334 1124.