Ré Ó Laighléis in Shannon Library for Seachtain Na Gaeilge

The author Ré Ó Laighléis visited Seán Lemass Public Library in Shannon on Friday 15th March and entertained 2nd Year students from both St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School and St. Caimin’s Community School. Ré spoke with the students for well over an hour on such diverse subjects as publishing, creative writing, bullying and speaking Irish. Ré encouraged the students to try to use their ‘cúpla focail’ every day even in a very small way and not just during Seachtain na Gaeilge. He gave examples where the teenagers could practise their Irish and explained that almost everyone has even a few words. Ré also spoke about the books he has written and read from one of his novels. He explained that although his books were written primarily in Irish, they have still been very successful throughout the world, have been translated into many languages and have won many prestigious awards including the Bisto Book of the Year award. Ré encouraged the students to put pen to paper by telling them about the recently published book ‘Flying the Banner’ a collection of short stories written by their fellow students in St. Patrick’s and St. Caimin’s schools. ‘Flying the Banner’ was compiled and edited by Ré himself and he was full of praise for the talent of the young writers involved. The students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed Ré’s visit to Shannon library and were really taken by Ré’s enthusiasm for the Irish language and for creative writing.