Tom Crean – Ireland’s Unsung Hero 

Michael Smith, Tom Crean’s biographer, discusses the Antarctic explorer’s remarkable adventures and the creation of an iconic figure in Irish history.  

Michael Smith is the best-selling author whose book, An Unsung Hero, the biography of Tom Crean, stimulated widespread interest in Ireland’s role in Polar exploration. Crean’s story is now included on the curriculum in all Irish schools and a new Irish naval vessel has been named in honour of Tom Crean.  Michael’s books have sold over 250,000 copies around the world, he has appeared on TV and radio and lectured extensively at literary festivals and prestigious venues such as the National Library of Ireland, Royal Society of Irish Antiquarians, National Maritime Museum and Royal Geographical Society London and the Princess Grace Memorial Library, Monaco.  Michael is a former award-winning journalist with The Guardian and The Observer.

Location: Mayo County Library, Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 H330

Time: 7.30pm

Booking info: All events at this year’s festival are on a first come, first served basis. As some venues have limited availability, we'd recommend arriving early to secure a seat. All events are free of charge.