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WG Lyttle and Me

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Darren Gibson presents  WG Lyttle and Me

20/05/2018

BBC Radio Ulster - WG Lyttle and Me

Darren Gibson explores the life and works of 19th-century writer WG Lyttle.

Darren Gibson goes on a journey around the Ards peninsula to find out about the life and works of 19th-century writer WG Lyttle.

Writer Darren Gibson goes on a journey in his homeland of the Ards to dig for clues as to what the work and life of WG Lyttle was all about. Who was this 19th-century bard and why have his books assumed such cultural significance and a renaissance of interest in the 21st century? More than 100 years after the stirring events portrayed in Lyttle's trilogy of novels; Betsy Grey, Sons of the Sod and Daft Eddie - the stories are as alive as ever. To this day curiosity stimulates debate on their origins, language and cultural significance.

In Darren's own words... 'WG Lyttle's writings are what first inspired me to write. I find his work endlessly giving. His deep love for the people of the Ards provides continual motivation in my own writing. Lyttle's remarkable characterisations, his dramatic flair and humour still captivates me today. I read with great joy and pride - the voices of the sons and daughters of County Down, smiling to myself because - this is my tongue, this is my place, these are my people.'

Listeners to Radio Ulster DAB will hear live coverage of the Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final between Tyrone and Monaghan from 15.30-18.30.

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