Dr Michael M. O’Connor – Upcoming Book Release

Criminal Conversation with My Wife – Women & The Laws of Men, County Mayo Case Studies 1800 – 1919

Dr Michael O’Connor will discuss his forthcoming book, Criminal Conversation with My Wife – Women & The Laws of Men, County Mayo Case Studies 1800 – 1919. Using actual case studies taken from the law reports and other sources, the book critically examines the invidious position of generations of women who came before the courts at Castlebar, Ballinrobe, Westport and elsewhere in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Subjects explored include violence against women, infanticide, broken engagements, adulterous relationships, bigamy, and insanity. The book sets the scene for the eve of the creation of the Irish Free State when a body of legislation engineered and honed to control and subjugate women was carried across wholescale and unquestioned into Irish law. In the decades that followed, it was perfected and refined by successive governments beholden to powerful and malignant influences.  

Location: Upstairs in Bridge St bar, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 PN20

Time: 6pm

Booking info: All events at this year’s festival are on a first come, first served basis. As some venues have limited availability, we'd recommend arriving early to secure a seat. All events are free of charge.