Frances Browne honoured with voices from Ireland’s vision-impaired writers

Frances Browne Storytellers: Seeing Beyond Sight, a unique anthology celebrating the creativity of blind and vision-impaired writers across Ireland, was launched in Donegal. 

Twin Towns Library, Stranorlar, was the setting on Friday, October 10, for the official launch, which formed part of the annual Frances Browne Literary Festival, honouring the life and work of Frances Browne, the “Blind Poetess of Ulster.”

Frances Browne Storytellers: Seeing Beyond Sight was edited by Donegal-based writer Isla McGuckin, who also hosted a series of online writing sessions to support contributors in developing their work. Speaking at the launch, Ms McGuckin highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and connection, noting the depth, humour, and resilience expressed in the contributions.

Donna Cavanagh, Senior Executive Librarian of Donegal County Library Service, commended the project as “a fitting tribute to one of Donegal’s most remarkable cultural figures and a meaningful opportunity to showcase the creativity of today’s vision-impaired writers.”

Celebrating creativity at the launch of Frances Browne Storytellers - Daithí Ramsay, Jennifer Doherty, Isla McGuckin, Sinead Noonan and Celine McGlynn

A number of the anthology’s contributors were in attendance at the launch, with some travelling from as far as Clare to be part of the occasion. Guests also enjoyed a performance by harpist Mary Crossin, while Jennifer Doherty captivated the audience with an inspiring address about her experiences of life as a vision-impaired adventurer.

Reflecting on the significance of the anthology, Sinead Noonan, Executive Librarian, commented: "This anthology builds on the important work already undertaken by Donegal County Council’s Culture Division in celebrating Frances Browne’s legacy. It was important to us that Seeing Beyond Sight reflected not only the creativity of the contributors but also our commitment to accessibility. The collection has been produced in large print, is available digitally for use with screen readers, and, with the support of Vision Ireland, a Braille edition has also been made available to borrow through Donegal County Library Service - ensuring it can be enjoyed in a number of ways.”

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Copies of Frances Browne Storytellers: Seeing Beyond Sight are now available to borrow from Donegal County Library Service. A digital edition can also be accessed online, ensuring that the voices of today’s vision-impaired writers are shared widely and continue the proud legacy of Frances Browne.

The project was supported by Donegal County Council through the Culture Division and funded by Creative Ireland.