Join Martin Doyle, the Books Editor of The Irish Times, for an illuminating discussion on his latest work, Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Home Place. Appearing at the Belfast Book Festival on 10th June 2024, Martin will showcase his compelling book, which offers a deeply personal history of the Troubles, viewed through the microcosm of a single rural parish—Doyle’s own. This area is part of the Linen Triangle, the heartland of Northern Ireland’s defining industry, and the Murder Triangle, a region devastated by paramilitary violence.
In Dirty Linen, Doyle lifts the veil of silence that has long shrouded the horrors of the past, detailing with heartrending precision the terrible toll the conflict exacted, including more than twenty violent deaths within a few square miles. He also explores the long-lasting trauma left in the wake of these events.
Doyle has been with The Irish Times since 2007 and previously served as Editor of The Irish Post in London from 1992 to 2001. He also worked for The Times in London from 2001 to 2006. Dirty Linen (Merrion Press, 2023) has been shortlisted for Irish Nonfiction Book of the Year. Doyle’s contributions include essays in The 32: An Anthology of Irish Working-Class Voices (Unbound, 2021) and A Handbook of the Northern Ireland Troubles and Peace Process (Routledge, 2023). He also edited A History of The Irish Post in 2000 to commemorate the newspaper’s 30th anniversary and made a brief appearance as an extra in Father Ted.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Martin Doyle as he delves into his home place’s profound and often painful history, shedding light on the personal stories behind the Troubles.
Visit www.belfastbookfestival.com
