The Blind Poetess of Ulster
Born in Stranorlar in County Donegal in 1816, Frances Browne was blinded by smallpox at an early age, but despite this became a prolific and well-known Victorian author of poetry, novels, essays, and a best-selling collection of children’s stories. In recent times there has been a revival of interest in her life and work. There is now an annual Frances Browne Literary Festival, and a statue has been erected in Stranorlar’s Historical Park. Shirley-Anne Godfrey, who is both a fellow Stranorlar woman and a fellow writer presents this portrait of Frances Brownes, Ulster’s blind poetess.
Producer: Claire Cunningham
Sound design by Regan Hutchins
A Rockfinch Production for RTÉ lyric fm supported by RTÉ Independent Radio Productions and Coimisiún Na Meán’s Sound and Vision broadcasting funding scheme.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 22nd March, 6pm-7pm
