Date: 20 Oct 2025
New Anthology Honours Frances Browne with Voices from Ireland’s Vision-Impaired Writers
Twin Towns Library, Stranorlar, was the setting on Friday, 10th October for the official launch of Frances Browne Storytellers: Seeing Beyond Sight, a unique anthology celebrating the creativity of blind and vision-impaired writers across Ireland. The launch formed part of the annual Frances Browne Literary Festival, which honours the life and work of Frances Browne, the “Blind Poetess of Ulster.”
Addressing those gathered, 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.”
The project was supported by Donegal County Council through its Culture Division and funded by Creative Ireland.
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.
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.”
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 at https://www.donegalculture.ie/en/services/libraries/local-history/projects-and-podcasts/ ensuring that the voices of today’s vision-impaired writers are shared widely and continue the proud legacy of Frances Browne.
