The 8th International Flann O’Brien Conference is celebrating the legendary writer Brian O'Nolan, who was born in Strabane in 1911, and who, writing under the noms de plume Flann O’Brien and Myles na gCopaleen, was regarded one of the greatest Irish writers of the 20th century.
O’Brien’s first novel ‘At Swim-Two-Birds’ (1939) – a riotous metafiction featuring stories within stories and characters rebelling against their authors – and his posthumously published The Third Policeman (1967) – a surreal journey through a fictionalised rural Ireland as a circular hell – are considered among the greatest works of the 20th century.
Jointly hosted by the International Flann O’Brien Society and Strabane History Society the conference marks a significant return to O ’Nolan’s birth town, Strabane.
Its theme this year is ‘An Fód Dúchais: Home, Heritage and Origins’.
The town, with its unique geographical and historical position perfectly embodies themes of fluidity and contested spaces — concepts central to O’Brien's satirical and often surreal literary output.
1. Milkwood Studio : 8th International Flann O'Brien Conference
. Photo: Karol McGonigle : Martin McKeown and Karol McGonigle
2. Milkwood Studio : 8th International Flann O'Brien Conference
All smiles at the 8th International Flann O'Brien Conference in Strabane. Derry City & Strabane District Council Mayor Ruairi McHugh is pictured with Margaret Edwards, Museum Services Manager, Brian Ó Conchubhair, Professor of Irish Language and Literature at the University of Notre Dame, Louise Boyle, The Alley Theatre Venue Manager, Roisin Doherty, Musuem Services Curator, artist Ann O'Nuallain, and Maebh Long, President of the International Flann O'Brien Society. : . Photo: Karol McGonigle : Martin McKeown and Karol McGonigle
3. 8th International Flann O'Brien Conference : 8th International Flann O'Brien Conference
. Photo: Martin McKeown and Karol McGonigle
4. Milkwood Studio : 8th International Flann O'Brien Conference
Derry City & Strabane District Council Mayor Ruairi McHugh pictured with Roisin Doherty, Museum Services Curator, Margaret Edwards, Museum Services Manager, artist Ann O'Nuallain and Tony Boyle, Museum Services. : . Photo: Karol McGonigle : Martin McKeown and Karol McGonigle