Leeanne O’ Donnell Announced as Cork County Council Writer in Residence 2025
Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service has announced the appointment of Leeanne O’ Donnell to the position of Writer in Residence 2025. Leeanne is a writer and podcaster who lives on the foothills of Mount Gabriel in West Cork. She will work with communities in 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, Leeanne 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.
Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll says
Méara
Méara Chontae Chorcaí, An Comhairleoir Joe Carroll
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.
Leeanne brings a wealth of experience in creative writing facilitation, media and journalism, and psychotherapy to the role. Speaking of her new appointment, Leeanne said “It is an absolute honour to be appointed Writer in Residence 2025 for Cork County Council. 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.”
The residency is managed by Cork County Council Library and Arts Service and is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Creative Ireland.