Institute of Irish Studies

19/10/2026

Our Professor Frank Shovlin sharing some more personal experiences of John McGahern, whose authorised biography he has written.
"John McGahern - A Writing Life" is out now with Faber Books, look out for readings in Ireland and the UK in the coming weeks!

19/10/2026

❗TONIGHT❗
Join Professor Sonja Tiernan for a talk based on her biography "Eva Gore-Booth: Irish radical poet, rebel and reformer" Manchester University Press
Gore-Booth was tireless in her pursuit of justice. She was a militant pacifist during the First World War, a champion of Irish independence and a pioneering thinker on gender and sexuality. She was also a prolific author, publishing nineteen volumes of poetry and prose that reflect the full force of her radical convictions.
Professor Sonja Tiernan's landmark biography celebrates Gore-Booth's life and work in the context of our current political climate and reclaims her place as a significant figure of Anglo-Irish letters and an unsung hero of LGBT+ history.
6pm at The Black-E
FREE, but booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998429773248
Part of Liverpool Irish Festival

Professor Sonja Tiernan speaks to her new publication on the life of Eva Gore Booth, Irish radical poet, rebel and reformer.

19/10/2026

Important summary of the vital work done by Renewing Roots and the invaluable support given to them by Liverpool Irish Festival.
Delighted to work with both organisations.
For more information about Fréa, including the free, confidential advice and advocacy they offer to individuals affected by institutional incarceration and abuse, please go to https://frea.org.uk/

16/10/2026

📚University of LiverpoolLiterary Festival📚 is starting today!
We are delighted to be contributing two events, both of which will be this Sunday, 18 October:
📘Reading by Seán Farrell, winner of the John McGahern Book prize for his debut novel "Frogs for Watchdogs" New Island Books
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-john-mcgahern-annual-book-prize-tickets-1992772021761
📙UK Launch of "John McGahern: A Writing Life" by our Prof Frank Shovlin, out now with Faber Books
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frank-shovlin-john-mcgahern-a-writing-life-tickets-1992756264631
ℹ Tickets to all events and full programme: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/literary-festival/

Join us for the 2026 Liverpool Literary Festival

15/10/2026

Professor Frank Shovlin reading from the opening of "A Writing Life", his authorised biography of John McGahern (out now with Faber).
Professor Shovlin will be discussing his work with Dr Paddy Hoey (Liverpool John Moores University) this Sunday as part of the University of Liverpool Literary Festival: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frank-shovlin-john-mcgahern-a-writing-life-tickets-1992756264631

14/10/2026

Professor Frank Shovlin on how he first became interested in John McGahern, ultimately leading to writing his authorised biography: "John McGahern: A Writing Life"
Learn more at the University of Liverpool Literary Festival this Sunday:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frank-shovlin-john-mcgahern-a-writing-life-tickets-1992756264631
John McGahern: A Writing Life is out now with Faber: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571375653-john-mcgahern/

12/10/2026

❗1 week to go❗
Delighted to support Sonja Tiernan's talk at Liverpool Irish Festival
"Eva Gore-Booth: Irish radical poet, rebel and reformer"

The Irish poet and activist Eva Gore-Booth (1870-1926) led a life defiantly at odds with her aristocratic origins. Choosing to live and work among the poor of Manchester, she campaigned on behalf of barmaids, circus performers, flower sellers and pit-brow lasses, her partner, Esther Roper, at her side.
Professor Sonja Tiernan’s landmark biography celebrates Gore-Booth’s life and work in the context of our current political climate and reclaims her place as a significant figure of Anglo-Irish letters and an unsung hero of LGBT+ history.

🗓️6pm 19 October 2026
🧭The Black-E
FREE registration: https://www.liverpoolirishfestival.com/events/sonja-tiernan-eva-gore-booth-irish-radical-poet-rebel-and-reformer/
Manchester University Press

Sonja Tiernan talks about her biography on Eva Gore-Booth, Irish poet and activist of the late 1800s/early 1900s.