Episode 4: Eoin Colfer
Eoin Colfer is Ireland’s leading children’s author and Laureate na nÓg. He created Artemis Fowl, a rather wicked young character whose ambition in life is to steal a crock of gold from the local leprechaun. His books have sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Hollywood now beckons. Not only is Colfer the author of the new Iron Man novel, which he sets in Dublin, but famed Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein is set to make a major film version of Artemis Fowl, Colfer’s most famous creation and Kenneth Brannagh is set to direct.
Eoin Colfer hails from Wexford. He says his “Wexford roots and his band of brother’s help to keep his feet on the ground as none of them take his achievements too seriously.”
Both his parents were teachers and he followed in their footsteps. He still misses his years as a teacher but puts the experience to good use when talking to his young fans. Colfer grew up in a traditional large Irish family, steeped in the Catholic church teachings. Like some of his generation he is now critical of the Church and wrestles with his faith. But despite his doubts, he still cannot bring himself to say he doesn’t believe in God. He is suspicious of certain certainties.
A witty and open hearted man, he shares his doubts and beliefs with Gay Byrne in this week’s Meaning of Life