Histories Uncovered Kevin Rafter and Lin Rose Clark in conversation with Hugh Linehan

Join us for a captivating afternoon around two men who experienced some of the most dramatic events in the first half of the 20th century. Dillon Rediscovered (Martello Publishing) by Kevin Rafter illuminates the life of Emile Joseph Dillon, a special correspondent at a time of shifting geopolitics and the birth of modern journalism. Swift Blaze of Fire (The Lilliput Press) by Lin Rose Clark is a meticulously researched and deeply personal account of one of Ireland’s best-known International Brigadistas and the author’s own grandfather, the enigmatic Robert “Bob” Hilliard. Join the authors in conversation with Irish Times editor and writer, Hugh Linehan.

Kevin Rafter is Full Professor of Political Communication at Dublin City University and a former political journalist. He has written extensively on Irish politics and media, including acclaimed biographies and histories of key political parties. His latest book, Dillon Rediscovered, has been widely praised and was described as ‘vivid, compelling’ (Sunday Times), ‘breaks new ground’ (Irish Times), ‘fascinating’ (Irish Examiner) and ‘truly exceptional’ (Irish Independent). He has chaired both the Arts Council and Culture Ireland, and was a Fulbright Scholar at Boston College in 2024.

Lin Rose Clark was a teacher and civil servant before becoming a writer. She has a BA in English Literature from University College London and an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. Her book, Swift Blaze of Fire, was shortlisted for the Biographers’ Club’s Tony Lothian Prize.