Aisling O'Connor, Maura Connolly, Bernice Connolly and Margaret Connolly at Sunday Morning Coming Down during the Wild Atlantic Words festival. Photo: John Mee

Mayo literary festival finale marked by 'an auld stock reflection'

Published: Mon 12 Oct 2026, 2:10 PM

The 2026 Wild Atlantic Words Festival has concluded with what could best be described as 'an auld stock reflection'.

Four people who were born and reared in the town - Edwin McGreal, Gerard Moran, Maura Connolly and Liam Egan - presented their memories of Castlebar in former times.

Hosted by the irrepressible John Healy, the 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' gathering has retained its wide popularity since the festival was founded in 2016.

John Healy and Edwin McGreal. Photo by John Mee

Edwin, from Breaffy, spoke about the life and times of his grandfather, the late Hughie McGartland, Castle Street, Castlebar, while Gerard, a native of Newline, recalled stories from the former workhouse at the Sacred Heart Home.

Professor Gerard Moran speaking at Sunday Morning Coming Down. Photo by John Mee

Maura gave a charming account of growing up in a family which ran a grocery and hardware shop on Main Street while Liam, formerly of Newport Road, told of his love for the county town, albeit bemoaning the absence of more colourful characters compared to previous eras.

Well done to each of them for the manner in which they enriched the afternoon for the audience.