Marita with Kunak McGann

There were great celebrations to mark the 50 years of my Publishers O’Brien Press. The party was held in The Printworks at Dublin Castle as part of the busy Dublin Book Festival. It is hard to believe that it all began with Thomas O’ Brien’s little book library which he ran from his home and also went around Dublin delivering books in a cart. Over time the business has grown and grown with many of the O’Brien family involved. Michael O’Brien published my first book ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ in 1990 and they are still my publisher. We have worked together on so many lovely books over the years.

Since Michael’s death his son Ivan and director Kunak McGann continue on the good work, publishing a huge range of adult and Children’s fiction, and non- fiction books, and O’Brien press is a very important part of the Irish publishing industry.

The room was packed with authors and illustrators and book people delighted to be part of such a lovely evening. A special edition of Michael O’ Brien’s memoir of being ‘The  Accidental Publisher’ was gifted to everyone present.

Earlier that day Sarah Webb had organised a get together for Irish children’s writers in the castle too. 

Marita with Ivan and Susan Houlden , Ide ni Laoghaire, Jane O Hanlon and Siobhan Parkinson, and having lunch with friends Sarah Webb and Judi Curtin.