Scheduled for Sunday, May 26th at 3:00 PM, the event will take place at The People’s Museum of Limerick, situated at 2 Pery Square, Limerick.

Marking a significant milestone for both the author and the publisher, “The Golden Ass” marks the debut entry of Limerick Writers’ Centre into the prestigious realms of the Booker Prize. Dominic Taylor, the managing editor of Limerick Writers’ Centre publishing imprint, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We faced rigorous scrutiny during the eligibility assessment, and I’m delighted to announce that ‘The Golden Ass’ emerged as a worthy contender for the esteemed £50,000 prize.”

With Irish writers holding a prominent position among Booker Prize recipients, including Paul Lynch, whose family live and are native Limerick people, clinching the award last year for his dystopian masterpiece, “Prophet Song,” there is palpable anticipation surrounding “The Golden Ass.” The publisher aspires to further strengthen Limerick’s literary legacy by securing at least a longlisting for the 2025 Booker Prize.

Residing in Limerick since 1986 and a distinguished member of Aosdána, Ciaran O’Driscoll boasts an illustrious literary career, with ten published volumes of poetry and a poignant childhood memoir titled “A Runner Among Falling Leaves” to his credit. “The Golden Ass” stands as his second venture into the realm of novels. In collaboration with Dominic Taylor, he also oversees the newly established Gerald Griffin First Adult Fiction Prize.

“The Golden Ass” weaves a compelling narrative around Martin, a teacher and former monk, embarking on a journey to confront his inner demons. His path intertwines with that of Hilary, a youthful rent boy, leading to a tumultuous affair set against the backdrop of Europe. As Martin’s wife Sarah endeavors to locate him, a series of unforeseen events ensue, including encounters with Irish musician Christy and Parisian colleague Ella, culminating in a dramatic turn with the pronouncement of a fatwa.

O’Driscoll says, “I aimed to explore themes of sex and beauty with a touch of humor reminiscent of classical authors, offering a blend of dark comedy and introspection.”

Early reviews of “The Golden Ass” are overwhelmingly positive, with Shelley Marsden of The Irish World hailing it as “disturbing, heart-warming, and imbued with generous doses of darkly humorous moments.”

For media inquiries, author interviews, or review copies, please contact:
Dominic Taylor email limerickwriterscentre@gmail.com mobile 087 2996409

About Ciaran O’Driscoll:
Ciaran O’Driscoll is a celebrated poet and author residing in Limerick, Ireland. A member of Aosdána, O’Driscoll has penned numerous acclaimed works of poetry and prose, including “A Runner Among Falling Leaves” and “The Golden Ass.” He is also actively involved in promoting literary excellence through initiatives such as the Gerald Griffin First Adult Fiction Prize.

About Limerick Writers’ Centre:
Limerick Writers’ Centre is a dynamic hub for literary exploration and creative expression, fostering a vibrant community of writers and readers alike. Committed to nurturing emerging talent and celebrating established voices, the centre plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural enrichment and artistic innovation within the Limerick community and beyond.