Irish Eyes

By Mattie Lennon

It has been said that a storyteller can’t afford the luxury of an ordinary life. If that is the case there were many extraordinary lives in Listowel, Irelands’ Culture capital, for the 7th Annual Listowel International Storytelling Festival- September 18th to September 21st.

After a week of sharing stories and weaving magic in Ireland, Master storyteller Omar Belaarej returned home to his residency in the World Storytelling Cafe Marrakech. As Omar said goodbye at the bus-stop it was obvious that a bridge had been built between the World Storytelling Café in Marrakesh and the storytelling hearts of Ireland. A World Storytelling Festival with eighty storytellers from all continents taking part in Marrakesh earlier this year. And I’m sure Omar Belaarej would agree that Sonny Egan and Frances Kennedy could hold their own with any of them.

As the 7th Annual Listowel International Storytelling Festival finished for another year, Cara Trant, Executive Director of Kerry Writers’ Museum, and Festival Director of Listowel International Storytelling Festival, thanked everyone associated with this, now legendary, festival. Ms. Trant said a big thank you, “To our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and the dedicated team in Kerry Writers’ Museum — your support makes this festival possible. Listowel has long been a home of the story, and it’s a privilege to see that tradition grow stronger each year. Here’s to the stories we’ve shared, and those still to come. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year so special. To our incredible storytellers, musicians, poets, and artists — thank you for sharing your voices and traditions with us. To our audiences — local and international — your warmth and enthusiasm keep the spirit of storytelling alive in Listowel. We were especially honoured by the presence of Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, Moroccan Ambassador to Ireland, Morocco in Ireland, and his wife Leyla, whose support underlined the growing cultural bonds between our countries. Listowel has long been a home of the story, and it’s a privilege to see that tradition grow stronger each year."

This year's line-up included many incredible storytellers, musicians, poets, and artists. From local legends like Sonny Egan, Frances Kennedy, and Seosamh Ó Maolalaí, to the former Storyteller in Residence and Festival Director Maria Gillen, and international guests Ines Alvarez, Storyteller (Spain), Omar Belaarej (Morocco), John Row (UK), and Godfrey Coppinger (USA) — their stories reminded everyone that tales travel across generations, cultures, and borders.

Part of the festival was held by the cosy fireside of Sheehans Storytelling Cottage in Finuge, which has been a “Rambling House” for generations, a few miles outside the town of Listowel. This year also saw artist Priscilla Donovan open her inaugural solo exhibition, while Aidan O’Leary and Sandra Behan launched their debut books, milestones that remind us how deeply creativity thrives in Kerry.

Sonny Egan. There has never been anyone before quite like Sonny Egan. He is not just a champion storyteller, he is a musician, a singer, a podcaster, an actor and an expert on many subjects. He is generous with his talents and for years opened his door to everyone in his famous rambling house. On the opening night of the festival, a tribute was paid to Sonny, one of Kerry’s cultural icons. Featuring music, song and dance with Lixnaw Comhaltas, of which Sonny is a member, with storytellers Frances Kennedy, Daisy Kearney, Conor Cox, and other special guests.

Frances Kennedy. Frances Kennedy is one of North Kerry's most popular traditional storytellers, and entertainers. Originally from Freemount, Co. Cork, Frances now calls Listowel, Co. Kerry her home.

Brendan Kennelly. On Tuesday, 30th September 2025, at midnight, a Midnight Court was held at Carrigafoyle Castle in partnership with the OPW - Office of Public Works and the Brendan Kennelly Literary Trust.

There was a rare screening of a short film featuring Brendan Kennelly (1936–2021) reading his poetry within the walls of the castle – a unique opportunity to experience the voice and words of one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets in an unforgettable setting.

This screening formed part of the Rivers of Words archive project, which has preserved over 100 original recordings of North Kerry writers. Thanks to Jimmy Deenihan, Joe Murphy, and The Heritage Council, these tapes have now been digitised by Kerry Writers’ Museum, ensuring that an important part of our literary heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

I’ll check if it is available on disc and let you know next month.

See you in November.