“On behalf of the board of the Writers’ Guild, I’m delighted to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Ciarán Hayden. Ciarán brings to the Guild a wealth of experience, and a real understanding of the issues that all Irish writers face. Together with our new Administrator, Miriam Devitt, who joined us earlier this summer, it’s safe to say that the Guild is in good hands, and we look forward to working with them as we continue to advocate and lobby for all our members.”

Jennifer Davidson, WGI Chair

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the Board for placing their faith in me. As a proud, long-time member of the Guild, I’m beyond excited to have taken up the position of Executive Director. In the days, weeks, and months ahead I’d love to hear from as many of you, our valued members, as possible. I sincerely wish to learn from your experiences: from your hopefully glorious successes to the barriers you’ve all had to overcome just to stay afloat in what can be a challenging industry.

As we constantly negotiate and lobby for better, fairer treatment for writers, your input will be invaluable in helping to inform our future policies and positions on a wide range of matters that impact you all. But just as importantly, your feedback and ideas will help mould the culture of the Writer’s Guild moving forward. Online meetings and remote working certainly have their benefits, but writing can be a solitary profession at the best of times, and I’m a true believer in the value of engaging with people face-to-face. So, outside of hopefully seeing you all at events, I’ll be happy to schedule in-person meetings in our offices in Temple Bar, as we constantly strive to make the guild a vital, vibrant, and inclusive space.

I’m really looking forward to working with you all, but most importantly for you all.”

Beir bua,

Ciarán Hayden

[email protected]