Cork's 2024 page-turner: 'Once was a Boy'

Cork City Libraries’ has announced the Cork One City, One Book for 2024 as 'Once was a Boy' by Theo Dorgan.

One City One Book is an initiative to get book lovers to read and discuss the same book. Individuals, groups, book clubs, workplaces and organisations are encouraged to take part, with the aim of engaging people in reading. Every year since 2017, the One City One book title has been the most borrowed book in Cork City Libraries.

This year’s author Theo Dorgan is primarily a poet, with 10 collections to his credit, but also a translator, essayist, editor, documentary screenwriter, translator and broadcaster.

Speaking about his book being chosen as the One City One Book title, he said: “I am delighted to join a list of distinguished writers whose books have been chosen for this honour before now.

"Cork city cradled me, it nurtured my young imagination, it continues to shape me still — often in the most unexpected ways. We sail our books out into the unknown, hoping they will find a home in someone's heart. With this deeply appreciated honour 'Once Was a Boy' has found safe harbour, a harbour good and safe for books. Who could ask for more?” he said.

“I hope that this book strikes home as honest witness, I hope that it speaks modestly and clearly to the reader. When I was a child I promised myself, moment to moment as I grew, ‘I will remember this’, and not just for myself. This book is, in essence, the chronicle of a promise made and kept,” he added.

Theo was born in Cork and grew up on Redemption Road. He was educated in St Vincent's Convent and subsequently at the North Monastery and UCC.

He tutored and lectured there before becoming literature officer with Triskel Arts Centre. With Mick Hannigan, he re-founded the Cork International Film Festival and went on to become director of Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éirean, the national poetry organisation.

Previous chosen authors for Cork One City, One Book have included Frank O’Connor, Billy O’Callaghan, Yiyun Li, Catherine Kirwan, Tadhg Coakley, Danielle McLaughlin, Cónal Creedon and Madeleine D’Arcy, proving hugely popular with readers in the city and beyond.

“We are Celebrating the ninth year of One City One Book which showcases the brilliant literary life of the city and Cork writers,” said Patricia Looney, Senior Executive Librarian, Cork City Libraries.

“One City One Book creates a unique sense of place and celebrates the city and its people. It builds a sense of community throughout the city by encouraging everyone to read the same book. We are excited to feature a poetry collection as One City One Book for the first time,” she said.