Joseph O'Connor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joseph O'Connor
O'Connor introducing the Czech translation of one of his books in 2008
Born	(1963-09-20) 20 September 1963 (age 61) Dublin, Ireland
Occupation	Novelist, journalist
Notable works	Star of the Sea (2002)
Spouse	Anne-Marie Casey
Children	2
Relatives	Sinéad O'Connor (sister)

Joseph Victor O'Connor (born September 20, 1963) is a famous Irish writer. He writes novels, which are long stories. His book Star of the Sea, published in 2002, was a huge hit around the world. Before he became a well-known author, he worked as a journalist. He wrote for newspapers like the Sunday Tribune and magazines like Esquire. Joseph O'Connor also appears often on RTÉ, which is Ireland's national broadcaster. He is part of Aosdána, a group for Irish artists.

Joseph O'Connor's Early Life

Joseph O'Connor is the oldest of five children. His sister was the famous singer Sinéad O'Connor. He grew up in Glenageary, a part of south Dublin, Ireland. His father, Sean O'Connor, was an engineer who later became a lawyer. His mother was Marie O'Connor.

Education and Studies

Joseph went to Blackrock College for school. After that, he studied at University College Dublin. He earned a master's degree in Anglo-Irish Literature there. He also did more studies at Oxford University in England. Later, he got another master's degree from Leeds Metropolitan University. This degree was in screenwriting, which is writing scripts for movies.

In the late 1980s, Joseph worked with a group called the British Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign. This group supported people in Nicaragua. His second novel, Desperadoes, was inspired by his time in revolutionary Nicaragua.

Joseph O'Connor's Writing Career

Joseph O'Connor has written many popular books. His novel Cowboys and Indians, published in 1991, was nominated for the Whitbread Prize. This is a well-known book award.

Famous Novels and Stories

In 2002, he wrote Star of the Sea. This book is a historical novel, meaning it tells a story set in the past. The Economist magazine said it was one of the best books of 2003.

His 2010 novel, Ghost Light, is based on the life of an actress named Maire O'Neill. It tells about her relationship with the Irish playwright John Millington Synge. This book was published by Harvill Secker in London.

In 2019, O'Connor's book Shadowplay was nominated for the Costa Book Prize. It also won the Irish Book Award for Novel that same year.

Teaching and Other Work

Joseph O'Connor has also taught writing. He was a research fellow at the New York Public Library. He was also a visiting professor at Baruch College in New York City.

In 2014, he became the first Frank McCourt Chair in Creative Writing. This is a special teaching position at the University of Limerick in Ireland. He teaches students who want to become writers there.

He used to be a regular guest on Drivetime. This is a news and current affairs show on RTÉ Radio 1.

Joseph O'Connor's Personal Life

Joseph O'Connor is married to Anne-Marie Casey. She is a writer for television and movies. They have two sons together. Joseph and his family have lived in London and Dublin. They have also spent time living in New York City.

Awards and Honours

Joseph O'Connor has won or been nominated for many awards for his writing.

Joseph O'Connor's Books

Here is a list of some of the books Joseph O'Connor has written:

• Cowboys and Indians (1991)
• True Believers (Short Stories)
• Even the Olives Are Bleeding: The Life and Times of Charles Donnelly (1993)
• Desperadoes (1993)
• The Secret World of the Irish Male (1994)
• The Irish Male at Home and Abroad (1996)
• Sweet Liberty: Travels in Irish America (1996)
• The Salesman (1998)
• Inishowen (2000)
• The Comedian (2000)
• The Last of the Irish Males (2001)
• Star of the Sea: Farewell to Old Ireland (2002)
• Redemption Falls (2007)
• Ghost Light (2010)
• Where Have You Been? (2012) (Short Stories)
• The Thrill of It All (2014)
• Shadowplay (2019)
• My Father's House (2023)
• The Ghosts of Rome (2025)

Stage Plays by Joseph O'Connor

Joseph O'Connor has also written plays for the theater:

• Red Roses and Petrol
• The Weeping of Angels
• My Cousin Rachel – a play based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier.
• Handel's Crossing