Leeanne-ing into the new year

An award-winning documentary maker has been announced as the 2025 Cork County Council Library and Arts Service writer in residence.

West Cork-based writer and podcaster Leeanne O’Donnell will spend next year working with communities in across the county to improve access to literature and creative writing.

A key aspect of Cork County Council’s Writer in Residence programme is the use of local library branches as centres of creative writing.

During her residency Ms O’Donnell will work libraries in Castletownbere, Charleville, Fermoy, Macroom, and Schull and has proposed an exciting programme of engagement with writers’ groups, community groups, and young people, as well as podcasting.

Speaking on her new appointment, Ms O’Donnell said: “Cork abounds with creativity at every turn and the wonderful county libraries are a sanctuary of culture and inspiration for all who enter. Reading, writing, and sharing stories are an essential part of our culture and we are all enriched when we take part in this cycle of creativity and connection. I can’t wait to support readers and writers across Cork to get inspired and get connected.”

Ms O’Donnell started her storytelling career working in radio with RTE and BBC and has made a number of award-winning documentaries for RTE’s Doc on One series. She also produces and presents the popular Irish mythology podcast ‘Into The Mythic’.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said: “With this residency we aim to promote creative writing, reading, and other literary engagements in the community.

“We are really looking forward to working with Leeanne O’Donnell. I am sure that she will bring great enthusiasm, ideas, and energy to the role.”

County Council’s Writer in Residence programme is managed by Cork County Council Library and Arts Service and is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Creative Ireland.