The late John Broderick bequeathed monies to the Arts Council with the intention they would be for; '...the benefit and assistance and advancement of the arts in Athlone'. He had 12 novels published in London, the best known being The Pilgrimage (1961). His bestseller was An Apology for Roses (1973), which sold 30,000 copies in the first week of its publication in 1973. Both these novels, along with The Fugitives and The Flood are all set with Athlone as a backdrop.

The Arts Council in partnership with Westmeath County Council have agreed a three year residency programme beginning with literature in 2018

The successful writer will be supported with time to develop their own work as well as being asked asked to stimulate greater awareness of the works of John Broderick, the art of creative writing and encouraging more opportunities for people to engage with the work of writers. Athlone Library contains a selection of Broderick’s collection of books, gramophone records, discs and tapes as well as artworks bequeathed by Broderick to the library.

The residency will take place over a 10 week period later in 2018 and the value to the successful writer is €15,000 to include all expenses.

The residency is being managed by Westmeath County Council and the deadline for applications is Thursday 1^st March at 3pm. Further information can be sought from miriam.mulrennan@westmeathcoco.ie