A fusion of verse, music, images and the magic of Paros.
Join us for two evenings celebrating the life, poetry and the enduring spirit of Rory Brennan.
Readings in English and Greek will be woven together with film, classical guitar and piano, creating a engaging program shaped by Ireland, Greece and Rory’s deep connection with the landscape, people and the light of Paros.
His friends, his translator and musicians will gather to bring his words vividly to life.
They will recite poems from Rory’s latest collection, The Early Hours, revisit treasured moments from his literary journey and reflect on the friendships and places that inspired him.
Together, the two evenings will explore how poetry travels across languages, cultures and generations — and how a poet’s voice can continue to move, connect and remain with us.
FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
7:30 PM — Doors open
Welcome
Alegre Eskaloni opens the first evening.
The Early Hours
Award-winning poet Patrick Deeley introduces Rory Brennan’s latest collection and reads a selection of poems.
Rory on Film
Film portraits by Orla Brennan, including the 2024 launch of Irish Poets / Ιρλανδοί Ποιητές.
Poetry in Translation
Rory’s Greek translator, Takis Papageorgopoulos, speaks about the art of translating poetry and reads from the book.
Classical Guitar Recital
Nikos Karavias performs works by Bach, Paco de Lucía and Mikis Theodorakis.
10:00 PM — Close
Introduction to Saturday’s programme.
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
7:30 PM — Doors open
Welcome
Poetry Reading
Friends of Rory read a selection of his poems in English, accompanied by Greek translations.
Music & Poetry
Terence Mortimer performs two piano pieces, including an Irish traditional work. Maroulia Kondou brings piano and poetry together in a performance designed to lift the spirits.
The Laughing Boy / Το Γελαστό Παιδί
The historical, literary and musical story of Brendan Behan’s poem and its transformation into the celebrated Greek song To Gelasto Pedi, set to music by Mikis Theodorakis.
10:00 PM — “When All Is Said and Done”
Final reading and close.
The running order may be adjusted during the evening.
Poets, Performers & Contributors
Fiona Brennan — Host 
Rory Brennan’s daughter, Fiona Brennan, is a clinical hypnotherapist, bestselling author and speaker. Her books include The Positive Habit, The Self-Love Habit and Sleep Well. Her work focuses on wellbeing, sleep and positive mental habits. Raised partly on Paros, she has a close personal connection to the island and to Rory’s work. Fiona will host both evenings of the Rory Brennan Poetry Festival and guide audiences through the programme.
Patrick Deeley — Poet
Galway-born poet Patrick Deeley has been widely published and anthologised in Ireland and abroad for more than forty years. His poetry has been translated into several languages and has received numerous awards, including the 2019 Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Prize for Poetry. He is also the author of the bestselling memoir The Hurley Maker’s Son. At the festival, Patrick will introduce The Early Hours, Rory Brennan’s latest collection, with selected readings.
Nikos Karavias — Classical Guitar
Nikos Karavias — Classical GuitarNikos Karavias will present a classical guitar recital featuring works by Bach, Paco de Lucía and Mikis Theodorakis.
Terence Mortimer — Piano
Terence Mortimer will perform two piano pieces, including an Irish traditional piece.
Maroulia Kondou — Piano & Poetry
PoetryMaroulia Kondou combines piano and poetry in a performance designed to lift the spirits.
Takis Papageorgopoulos — Greek Translator
Takis Papageorgopoulos is Rory Brennan’s Greek translator. He will give a short talk about translating poetry and read from Irish Poets / Ιρλανδοί Ποιητές.
Orla Brennan — Film
Orla Brennan will present film portraits of Rory, including footage from the 2024 launch of Irish Poets / Ιρλανδοί Ποιητές.
Alegre Eskaloni — Welcome
Alegre Eskaloni will welcome guests and open the first evening of the Rory Brennan Poetry Festival.
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