Joseph O'Connor has been announced as the inaugural Frank McCourt Chair in Creative Writing at the University of Limerick (UL). The position was named in honour of the late Limerick-born writer Frank McCourt.
Professor O’Connor will officially join the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences this Summer and will teach students of the new UL Masters in Creative Writing programme set to commence in September 2014. As part of the role, he will also present public literary events in the Limerick area.
Commenting on his new position, O'Connor said: "I am thrilled, grateful and deeply honoured to be entrusted with this new position at the University of Limerick.
"Frank McCourt was a writer of immense gifts and extraordinary achievements. But he was a teacher first and last. He knew teaching can change lives."
O'Connor added: "With my colleagues I look forward to building a first-rate Creative Writing department at UL, a programme that is fit for 21st century purpose, and working hard for all lovers of literature and storytelling in Limerick."
Joseph O’Connor is the author of the internationally acclaimed STAR OF THE SEA, as well as many other novels including GHOST LIGHT and REDEMPTION FALLS, and several short story collections. He was born in Dublin. His latest novel, THE THRILL OF IT ALL, will be published by Harvill Secker later this year.
Praise for Joseph O’Connor:
‘Joseph O’Connor is a fantastic writer…[STAR OF THE SEA] contains the whole echelon of society, as if Ireland actually is that creaking hull.’ -- David Morrissey, Actor, BAFTA winner
‘A fine storyteller’ – Sunday Times
‘The most exciting writer of his generation.’ -- Sue Leonard, The Irish Examiner