An Asylum for My Affections: Sketches of Maeve Brennan (New Island Books) is a new anthology of essays inspired by the life and work of renowned Irish writer Maeve Brennan, its title taken from a letter Brennan wrote to her editor at The New Yorker. Ten of Ireland’s finest writers have contributed essays which consider the various meanings of the world ‘asylum’. Featuring writing that explores cityscapes and girlhood, mythology and folklore, loneliness and transience, the emotional impact of history and diaspora, as well as family connections to Brennan, these ‘sketches’ give fresh new perspectives on Brennan’s life and her enduring legacy. Join us for this launch evening with the anthology’s editor Molly Hennigan, along with readings from contributors Roddy Doyle and Éilís Ní Dhuibhne.

Molly Hennigan is an Irish writer and editor. She has been published in The Stinging Fly, Tolka, The Pig’s Back and Banshee. Her first book The Celestial Realm was nominated for the 2023 An Post Irish Book Awards Newcomer of the Year and shortlisted for the 2024 Royal Irish Academy Michel Déon prize for non-fiction. She is the non-fiction editor for Banshee and she is the 2025 Arts Council Writer in Residence at University of Galway.

Roddy Doyle was born in Dublin in 1958. He is the author of twelve acclaimed novels including The Commitments, The Snapper, The Van and Smile, two collections of short stories, and Rory & Ita, a memoir about his parents. He won the Booker Prize in 1993 for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha.

Éilís Ní Dhuibhne was born in Dublin in 1954. She was educated at University College Dublin (UCD) studied Pure English for her BA and Irish Folklore for her PhD. Her first short story was published in 1974 and since then she has written several novels in both English and Irish. She is also the author of five short story collections and four children’s books as well as three plays. Éilis is the Laureate for Irish Fiction 2025 – 2028. She is a member of Aosdána.