PICTURES: British Ambassador visits Longford for literary festival launch

The British Ambassador to Ireland, her Excellency Kara Owen, had high praise for the Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival

Published 20th May 2026, 15:22 BST Updated 20th May 2026, 15:23 BST The Maria Edgeworth Festival Launch | Shelley Corcoran The British Ambassador to Ireland, her Excellency Kara Owen, had high praise for the Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.

Edgeworthstown welcomed a very special guest last Friday as the annual literary celebration, the Maria Edgeworth Festival, got underway.

Presentation: Janine Roder, Audrey Whitty, Matt Farrell, British Ambassador Kara Owen, Michael McCabe, and Kerri Magan. | Picture: Shelley Corcoran ​The British Ambassador to Ireland, her Excellency Kara Owen, officially opened the festival in Edgeworthstown Library, marking its 30th year.

During her visit, Ambassador Owen toured the Maria Edgeworth Centre and, following her arrival at the library, delivered a speech about the ‘Wonderful Friendship’ postcard exhibition on display.

Claire McEnroe and Carmel Noone | Picture: Shelley Corcoran The exhibition - which consisted of a vibrant collection of student artwork in keeping with the theme of friendship - was inspired by the bond between Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth.

Craig Lucas, Kim Taylor, British Ambassador Kara Owen, Cathaoirleach Gary Murtagh, Paula Mulry, Cllr Paul Ross, and Deputy Micheál Carrigy. | Picture: Shelley Corcoran Speaking to the Longford Leader, Ambassador Owen stated that her trip to Edgeworthstown was not her first time in the county.

“It's not my first time to visit Longford, but it’s my first in my official capacity as British Ambassador, and it couldn't be a better occasion to come than the launch of the Maria Edgeworth Festival, bringing these fantastic postcards that have been produced by kids all across the UK and Ireland, and that celebrate the friendship between Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth.”

British Ambassador Kara Owen, signing the visitor book in the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre | Picture: Shelley Corcoran Ambassador Owen added, “There’s nowhere better to have them on display than in this phenomenal library that the town pushed and pushed for and that is used by people, young and old, from early in the morning to late at night. “

Chairman of the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre Matt Farrell speaking with the British Ambassador Her Excellency, Kara Owen | Picture: Shelley Corcoran Matt Farrell, Manager at the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre spoke of the centre’s delight at having the British Ambassador to open the festival, which, he said, came about through the celebrations of Jane Austin’s 250th anniversary and the postcard friendship project that had been established.

Also in attendance was TD Micheál Carrigy, Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh, and Deputy Chief Executive John Brannigan, John Brannigan.

Kim Taylor, British Ambassador Kara Owen, and Audrey Whitty. | Picture: Shelley Corcoran Deputy Carrigy praised the committee involved for their work on the festival which, he said, brings Maria Edgeworth and Longford to the international stage.

John McGerr and Tom Dooley | Picture: Shelley Corcoran Cathaoirelach of Longford County Council, Garry Murtagh, praised the exhibition which consisted of 800 postcards collated by the students of 35 different schools across Ireland and the UK.

Mary Chapman, Matt Farrell, British Ambassador Kara Owen, Deputy Chief Executive John Brannigan, Cllr Paul Ross, Martin Morris, Angela Tuite, Goretti Hannon, Hugh Quinn, Audrey Whitty, and Kerri Magan. | Picture: Shelley Corcoran Cllr Murtagh complemented the Maria Edgeworth festival committee for keeping the focus on Edgeworthstown and making it one of the top visitor attractions in Longford.

Related topics: Longford Micheál Carrigy Schools Longford County Council Maria Edgeworth Festival Of Literature & Arts Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.