ATHENS—The Willson Center at the University of Georgia will host a program featuring internationally known Irish novelist, dramatist, scholar and critic Colm Toíbín; Irish Times writer, literary editor and drama critic Fintan O’Toole; and Irish singer/composer/musicologist Iarla Ó Lionáird.

Toíbín is presenting as the second annual Delta Visiting Chair for Global Understanding. He is the author of acclaimed novels, including “The Blackwater Lightship,” “The Master,” “The Testament of Mary,” and “Brooklyn,” which was also adapted for the screen and nominated for three Academy Awards.

On Thursday, March 16, at 3:30 p.m. Toíbín will deliver a talk in the University of Georgia Chapel, entitled “Staying Home, Leaving Home: Ireland and America.” It will be followed by a book-signing event at Avid Bookshop on Prince Avenue at 6 p.m.

On Friday, March 17, at 7 p.m. Toíbín will have a public conversation with O’Toole, like himself a leading commentator on Irish and world affairs. This event will take place at the university’s Seney-Stovall Chapel. It will be followed by a St. Patrick’s Day Concert by Ó Lionáird, one of Ireland’s leading exponents of sean-nos singing, a musical tradition in the Irish language notable for its elaborate ornamentation and emotional resonance.

The program was organized by Nicholas Allen, a native of Ireland and director of the Willson Center. All events are free and open to the public.

For information visit: https://willson.uga.edu/news/author-colm-toibin-to-visit-uga-and-athens-as-delta-chair-for-global-understanding/.