2026 Coorganisers

Sorcha is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

Ciara Bourke is a new writer from Waterford city. She is passionate about reading, writing and all things human rights. She joined the lit to meet like-minded people and to express her love of reading. Since joining the lit, Ciara has been inspired to begin writing her own stories and she hopes to continue. Books like 'All the bright places' by Jennifer Niven and 'A taste of honey' by Shelagh Delaney has also inspired her writing. She is currently exploring her life experiences through her writing and discovering her own unique writing style.

Clíonadh is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

Doireann Ní Chuilleanáin is a huge fan of coffee, the sea and all things bookish. She's a member of the Lit Book Club, an Irish speaker and occasionally dabbles in writing.

Gráinne is a reader,singer and athlete.She speaks +is interested in the Irish language.Her favourite book series is Boys of tommen by Chloe Walsh at the moment. She hopes to maybe write her own book someday. She loves going to and watching gaa matches and plays camogie + Gaelic football. She loves to sing and her favourite band is Kingfishr. A fun fact about her is that her favourite crisp flavour is prawn cocktail. This is her first year as a co-organzier of the lit festival.

Gray Kennedy Rowe is a Waterford writer and illustrator who has been inspired by TTRPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons. Specialising in world building and character design in order to tell riveting stories. He is staunchly anti-AI and wants to encourage creativity in everyone, no matter their age or skill level. In his art he wishes to spread strong messages, whether that's in a novel, on the stage or through illustrations. Gray is a jack-of-all trades who will have his cake and eat it too.

Hannah has a huge interest in reading. She reads whenever she has spare time and enjoys every moment of it. Through the Lit, she wants to inspire younger age groups to explore what they enjoy most about reading! 📚💗

Jack Santillo is a singer/songwriter currently living in Dungarvan. He released his first album this year. Amateur poet, professional procrastinator, and musical theatre enthusiast, Jack has travelled extensively, having visited over 40 countries. Jack recently joined the lit, and is thrilled to meet like-minded people, express himself creatively, and bring a novel perspective to modern day issues.

Laoise is a gaelgóir from Dungarvan. Some of her favourite things to do are writing short stories, drawing, and character design, as well as character arc building. Not only that, She adores connecting with fellow storytellers. She takes inspiration from lots of media, such as A Good Girl's Guide To Murder, and Project Hail Mary in her writing. Laoise writes historical fiction and focuses primarily on politics and feminism throughout history.

Molly is a huge reader and an avid lover of literature. 📚 Through the Lit, she wants to encourage the youth to enjoy reading as much as she does, and to help them meet like-minded individuals!

Niamh is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

Noa is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

Sarah Bradley Murphy is a multi-disaplinary artist from West Waterford. She has studied singing, the fine arts and dabbled in fabric arts including embroidery and clothes making. For ten years she participated in horseriding and equestrian liberty and her love of the natural world has inspired a lot of her art and writing. She lives with her family, including her beloved dog and cat near the seaside village of Ardmore.

Scott is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

Aoibhinn Shanahan is a writer and lit co-organiser since 2025. From being read to as a child by her parents, to reading on her own, Aoibhinn would hardly ever be found without a book near. As well as literature, Aoibhinn has a huge love for the outdoors. She’s a patrol leader for her scout group and won 7 awards in her first competition. She’s enthusiastic about music, playing guitar for the past five years and recently taking on piano.
With school, Aoibhinn sits as secretary for the Irish committee, attending weekly meetings to try and find creative ways to spread love for the country’s native language.

A creative, talented, musical artist Bláthnaid strives to make the world a kinder place. With her love for reading and writing her own songs this co organiser is using their art to champion inclusivity

Clara Wemyss is an aspiring writer, filmmaker and actor from Waterford. She is a creative individual with many hobbies, and is a member of Waterford Youth Arts. Clara took her first jump into filmmaking in 2024, writing and directing the short film ‘a Holy Show’. This year, she has written and plans to direct a short film entitled ‘Project Infiltration’.
Clara has also written a handful of poems, and hopes to write many more. Clara likes cats and ducks, and owns a plethora of teddies. She can usually be found at home with a good book or film, and a nice cup of tea.

Ellie is a returning co-organiser and a long time book lover who takes an interest in all things literature and storytelling.She’s looking forward to developing skills such as story writing, public speaking and festival planning, to name just a few amongst any and all other aspects involved in the festival. She hopes anyone who comes along this year will learn to love and enjoy literature as much as she, and everyone else involved does!

Eóghann is a young creative from Waterford City with an intense love of the arts. Eóghann got started in the arts through drama but has since discovered and embraced every type of creativity. Eóghann is a proud member of The Lit 2026 and is honoured to have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills within the festival.

Evan is an filmmaker from Waterford who specialises in audio and editing. This year, he attended Dáil na nÓg with Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, blending creativity with activism to challenge social perspectives. Wemyss has also been involved with Cinemagic, Webwise and the National Youth Assembly.

Kate is a waterford creative who has developed a love for Waterfords creative and cultural scene since a young age, she has a passion for photography and writing which has brought her towards joining the lit festival subsequently she has strengthened her skills and relationship with her creative side and is a proud member of waterfords artistic community.

Leon is a theatre and film actor based in Waterford City who is very inspired and motivated to help young people follow there dreams. Leon is apart of the Lit and holds a strong passion for it. Leon acted in an award-winning short film in 2025 called soft shock. Leon has a strong passion for acting but is now exploring writing and directing. Leon Kavanagh will currently be assistant directing a midsummer nights dream.

Molly is an actor and athlete aswell as being a Lit co-organiser. She enjoys the Lit Fest and getting to talk to new people. She has experiences in performing arts and has gained a better understanding of literature. Aswell as art Molly also has a great love for sport and plays rugby in Waterpark RFC. Molly enjoys listening to music, photography and going on long walks with her friends and dog.

I am Nathan. I live in gracedieu Waterford I have been in the creative arts for 6 years. I have done filmmaking for multiple groups Waterford youth arts (WYA) young Irish film makers (YIFM). I made a independent short film whit mountsion where I made it to a few film festivals I’ve done multiple performances whit WYA I’ve done plays I’ve made movies directed and acted and I’ve done a few st Patrick’s days and worked whit spraoi and whit WYA I’ve also got to go on a exchange program to Belfast where a few people and I whit WYA went to work whit a circus group and in 2027 I’ll be working whit a polish Darma group whit WYA and more independent films and more plays in the future

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Polly is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

Sadhbh is awesome (but we don't have a bio yet!)

A lifelong story lover, Síofra leads the Lits Book Club at Dubrey. With community, books and fantasy stories at the centre of everything she does, Síofra deeply believes in stories being for everyone and that accessibility is a must