About
An Fód Dúchais: Home, Heritage and Origins
The 8th International Flann O’Brien Conference
Alley Arts & Conference Centre, Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Public Entry:
Keynote speakers: Dr Tobias W. Harris (Birkbeck College, University of London), Dr Michael Pierse (Queens University Belfast), Dr Emily Ridge (University of Galway).
Following successful conferences in Cluj (2023); Boston (2022); Dublin (2019); Salzburg (2017); Prague (2015); Rome (2013); Vienna (2011), The 8th International Flann O’Brien Conference will convene in Strabane, Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Hosted by the International Flann O’Brien Society, the Strabane Historical Society and the University of Notre Dame delegates will meet to discuss and debate the latest research, trends and topics in the growing discipline of Flann O’Brien studies while also celebrating the life and work of one of Ireland greatest 20th-century prose writers
On the border between the Republic of Ireland and the North of Ireland, between the Lagan and Donegal, and at the confluence of the Rivers Mourne and Finn as they merge to form the River Foyle, Strabane served as a “second home” for The O’Nolans/Na Nuallánaigh. An Srath Bán (The white river-holm) conveys notions of flooded plains, submerged levels, hidden spaces and liminal zones as well as contested and divided places and hybridity. “Home” is a key concept, a place of emotional and physical refuge to which the fortunate among us frequently long to return. Ideas of home are often expressions of a “nostalgia for the past”, alerting us to the present’s faults and fault lines.
In addition to Flann O’Brien and Ciarán Ó Nualláin, Strabane is home to the hymn writer Cecil Frances Alexander of All Things Bright and Beautiful fame; and John Dunlap, printer of the American Declaration of Independence. The conference will be an in-person event (no online or hybrid components).
The conference consists of academic presentations, book launches, art exhibits, performances and discussions concerning Flann O’Brien. The events are open to the general public on purchase of a general admittance ticket. Highlights include an exhibit of the art of Micheál ÓNualláin, keynotes addresses, presentations by scholars from around the world, presentation of prizes and awards to local children, the annual IFOS Father Kurt Fahrt, S.J. Memorial Prize, a guided tour of Strabane with special emphasis on locations pertaining to Flann O’Brien and Strabane’s rich history, a civic reception, the and much, much more.
The International Flann O’Brien Society (IFOBS) organizes conferences, publications and events dedicated to the life and works of Brian O'Nolan. To learn more about the International Flann O’Brien Society:
https://www.facebook.com/FlannOBrienSoc/
