This event takes place in The Chapel in the North Range at IMMA Venues.

Join us for a captivating afternoon around two men who experienced some of the most dramatic events in the first half of the 20th century. Dillon Rediscovered (Martello Publishing) by Kevin Rafter illuminates the life of Emile Joseph Dillon, a special correspondent at a time of shifting geopolitics and the birth of modern journalism. Swift Blaze of Fire (The Lilliput Press) by Lin Rose Clark is a meticulously researched and deeply personal account of one of Ireland’s best-known International Brigadistas and the author’s own grandfather, the enigmatic Robert “Bob” Hilliard. Join the authors in conversation with Irish Times editor and writer, Hugh Linehan.

Please note we may be capturing candid imagery at this event for use on our social media and website.

Kevin Rafter is Full Professor of Political Communication at Dublin City University and a former political journalist. He has written extensively on Irish politics and media, including acclaimed biographies and histories of key political parties. His latest book, Dillon Rediscovered, has been widely praised and was described as ‘vivid, compelling’ (Sunday Times), ‘breaks new ground’ (Irish Times), ‘fascinating’ (Irish Examiner) and ‘truly exceptional’ (Irish Independent). He has chaired both the Arts Council and Culture Ireland, and was a Fulbright Scholar at Boston College in 2024.

Lin Rose Clark was a teacher and civil servant before becoming a writer. She has a BA in English Literature from University College London and an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. Her book, Swift Blaze of Fire, was shortlisted for the Biographers’ Club’s Tony Lothian Prize.

To hear first about our future events sign up to our newsletter here.