The Leaves Festival of Writing & Music returned to Laois earlier this month and proved a big success.
Events brought a vibrant celebration of Irish literature, music, and storytelling to local audiences.
This year’s festival shone a spotlight on local voices and national treasures.
This year’s One County One Book author Róisín O’Donnell was joined by fellow writer Lisa Harding for an insightful conversation facilitated by Miriam O’Callaghan at St Peter’s Church in Portlaoise
Through her broadcasting career Miriam O’Callaghan has often used her voice to raise awareness and foster public understanding of the insidious nature of coercive control.
This topic is explored by both Roisín O’Donnell and Lisa Harding in their current novels, Nestings and The Wildelings.
Both novels are psychologically rich narratives that centre on vulnerable women navigating oppressive relationships.
This was just one of the many excellent events that took place throughout the week.
Photographers Denis Byrne, Michael Scully, Alf Harvey and Jeff Harvey were out and about at these.
Check out their great pictures below:
Miriam O’Callaghan, Lisa Harding and Roisin O’Donnell at St Peter’s Church Portlaoise
Author & R.T.E Presenter Miriam O’Callaghan in conversation with Author’s Roisin O’Donnell and Lisa Harding for Laois County Council’s Leaves Festival of Writing & Music 2025 Photo Denis Byrne
R.T.E Current Affairs presenter Miriam O’Callaghan enjoying Laois County Council Leaves Festival at St. Peters Church Portlaoise on Saturday Night Photo Denis Byrne
Laois County Council Arts Officer Muireann Ni Conail speaking ahead of the Roisin O’Donnell and Lisa Harding conversation with Miriam O’Callaghan held at St. Peters Church Portlaoise for the Leaves Festival 2025 Photo Denis ByrneLauren Healy with a copy of Miriam O’Callaghans Book on Saturday Night Photo Denis ByrnePictured are Muireann Ni Chonail, Laois Co Co Arts Officer, Author Roisin O’Donnell, Author & R.T.E Presenter Miriam O’Callaghan, Monica Flynn, Laois Co Co Author Lisa Harding and Kate Scott, Laois Co Co Photo Denis ByrneEnjoying Laois County Council Leaves Festival of Writing & Music 2025 were Author Roisin O’Donnell, R.T.E Presenter Miriam O’Callaghan and Author Lisa Harding Photo Denis ByrneSarah Osborne and Ann MoorePictured with a copy of Miriam O’Callaghans book was Lisa Marie Duffy Photo Denis ByrneLaura Kelly and Claire SudaDoreena Jenninigs and Melanie DunneMary Delaney and Irene Murray
Emma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers
Emma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyEmma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyEmma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyCurator of the Leaves Festival Marina Rafter speaking before Emma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyVera Quinn, Walter Lawler, Jackie Costigan, Curator of the Leaves Festival Marina Rafter, facilitator Shauna Bowers from the Irish Times and Emma Fogarty who spoke about her bookEmma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyBridie Moran and Evelyn Mulhall from Ballyroan with Emma Fogarty before her conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyEmma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyEmma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyShauna Bowers in conversation with Emma Fogarty at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyShauna Bowers in conversation with Emma Fogarty at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyCurator of the Leaves Festival Marina Rafter speaking before Emma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyCurator of the Leaves Festival Marina Rafter speaking before Emma Fogarty in conversation with Shauna Bowers at Abbeyleix Library supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff Harvey
Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter in Portlaoise Library
At Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyLaois County Librarian Bernie Foran, Catherine Kirwan, Andrea Carter, Catherine Ryan Howard and Aoife Moore, Portlaoise Library at Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyGuests enjoying the evening at Portlaoise Library for writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Catherine Kirwan in conversation with Andrea Carter supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff Harvey
One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell
At Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyLaois Library team members Rachel Hoban, Joe McCane, Aoife Moore, author Roisin O’Donnell, Aoife Anton, Eilish Dillon and Rachel Homan Reid at Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff HarveyAt Portlaoise Library One County One Book Laois Libraries Book Club Discussion with Roisin O’Donnell supported by Creative Ireland Laois during the Leaves Festival of Writing & Music. Picture: Jeff Harvey
Images from other Leaves events
Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Section of the attendance . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Curator, MMarina Rafter introduces the participants. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Ryan Shiels performing . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Karen Coss , Waterford Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Section of the attendance listening to Karen Coss . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Section of the attendance . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Patrick Rielly sings . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Declan Finn – the spoken word . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Maeve Heneghan reads her poem .Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Declan Finn – the spoken word . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Declan Finn – the spoken word . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Gaelen, performing . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Gaelen performing . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Patrick Marshall , poet. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Karen Coss and Trish Coss, Waterford . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Maeve Heneghan Classical guitarist – Alzbeta Bundova , Portlaoise. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Classical guitarist – Alzbeta Bundova , Portlaoise. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Patrick Reilly, Portlaoise . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” Spotlight Sessions ” at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Deborah and Gaelan Guidera O’Rourke. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri students at the event . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri students at the event . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri students – Akshi Singh, Maeve Kelly, Kate Ging and Lucy Gallagher . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri students – Agatha Jasevskaja, Holly Purcell and Robyn O’Brien . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri students – Rannaya Naveed, Waniya Rehman and Chahed . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri students – Nini Grorgadze, Andrea Ajaegou, Chiamaka Echegiri ans Angel Tunga . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: ” One County One Book ” Martina Mulhall in conversation with author Roisin O’Donnell at Dunamaise Arts Centre : Scoil Criost Ri student – Ciara Keenan with Kate Oxley. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: Mike Mc Cormack Masterclass at Dunamaise Arts Centre – Mike Mc Cormack and participants in his workshop . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: Mike Mc Cormack Masterclass at Dunamaise Arts Centre – (l. tor.) Dr. Arthur Broomfield and Eddie Critchley . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: Mike Mc Cormack Masterclass at Dunamaise Arts Centre – (l. tor.) Rachel Fitzpatrick, Kate Heffernan, Marina Rafter ( Curator), Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Laois Arts Officer ), Mike Mc Cormack and Eddie Critchley . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: Mike Mc Cormack Masterclass at Dunamaise Arts Centre – (l. tor.) Rachel Fitzpatrick, Kate Heffernan, Marina Rafter ( Curator), Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Laois Arts Officer ), Mike Mc Cormack and Eddie Critchley . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Leaves Festival of Writing and Music: Mike Mc Cormack Masterclass at Dunamaise Arts Centre – Dorreann Ni Dhufaigh, Mike Mc Cormack and Dr. Arthur Broomfield . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
