Padraic Colum Gathering 2026 to celebrate Longford's Literacy Legacy
Full programme of events in Granard Community Library
Press Release: Monday, 5 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.’
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “The Padraic Colum Gathering is a fitting celebration of two remarkable literary figures whose work continues to inspire readers and writers today. This year's programme brings together literature, history, music and archives in a way that reflects the richness of Padraic and Mary Colum's legacy. I congratulate everyone involved in organising this important cultural event and encourage people from Longford and beyond to attend.”
Longford County Council Chief Executive Samantha Healy said, “Longford's literary heritage is one of our great cultural strengths, and the Padraic Colum Gathering provides an opportunity to celebrate it in a meaningful way. From the launch of new research on Mary and Padraic Colum to the letter-writing competition and archive exhibition, the programme connects the past with new generations of readers, writers and creatives. We are delighted to support an event that keeps this important legacy alive.”
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.
