A night for local students to remember as they launch their own collection of stories

The next generation of West of Ireland storytellers have arrived on the literary scene as the Transition Year students from Moyne College, Ballina took their first steps into the world of published writing with the publication and launch of a collaborative book of short stories.

The collection titled ‘Story?’ contains stories and poetry written by the TY students at the school that range from the evocative to the humourous to the heart-wrenching and emotional.

The incredible achievement came about as a result of a collaboration between the students and local authors Kate Kerrigan and editor Luke Power with funding support from Creative Ireland. Over the course of eight months, students put together a definitive account of their stories, as told by them and owned by them.

The collection is a deep exploration, not just of the students personal lives, but of life in general, philosophized through sports such as weight-lifting or golf or through real-life traumatic experiences such as the war in Ukraine.

Other students wrote of their life experiences, including dealing with a neurological condition and taking pride in a sibling born with Down Syndrome.

A special launch event took place at Ballina Library last Thursday and featured guest readings from some local literary legends, such as Kate Kerrigan and Luke Power and in addition, Bob Johnson, Carmel McMahon, Lizann Gorman and Faith Hogan.

Students enjoyed their big night, selling plenty of books, many of which shipped to happy customers as signed copies and it was overall a successful night for Moyne College.

Copies are still for sale in Book Stand (formerly Easons) in Ballina, at Castle Books in Castlebar or online at Mayobooks.ie. Story? is also coming soon to local libraries and a selection of independent book shops.

Copies are also available from Moyne College by contacting info@moynecollege.ie or 096 21472.