A Clare-born writer is set to have her legacy secured in this county with the renaming of a library in her honour this evening.
An event taking place later on will officially mark the renaming of Scariff Public Library to the Edna O’Brien Library, following a unanimous decision by East Clare local representatives earlier this year.
Born in Tuamgraney on December 15th 1930, Edna O’Brien has long been considered one of Ireland’s most gifted, groundbreaking and provocative creative figures.
Before embarking on her literary career, she attended the National School in Scariff, the Convent of Mercy at Loughrea and the Pharmaceutical College in Dublin.
No stranger to controversy, her first novel “The Country Girls” was banned in Ireland for its sexual imagery and national critique, but has been credited with breaking the silence on sexuality in Ireland.
For her work, the Tuamgraney native has been appointed to the state-supported association of Irish artists, Aosdána and has been bestowed the organisation’s highest title of Saoi.
Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh says Edna’s talent has always went hand-in-hand with her ferocity and bravery.
An event at Scariff Public Library at 7 o’clock this evening will see the Mayor of Clare officially rename the building The Edna O’Brien Library.
The move has come about following a motion tabled by Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes in January which received the full support of the Killaloe Municipal District.
Councillor Hayes believes that given the level of opposition Edna has faced throughout her career, having her local library named after her is symbolic of great social change in Ireland.
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