Rónán Hession facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mumblin' Deaf Ro
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| Birth name | Rónán Hession |
| Born | 1975 (age 49–50) |
| Origin | Dublin |
| Genres | Blues, folk |
| Instruments | acoustic guitar |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Villain Records Popical Island |
| Associated acts | Nigel Cosgrave |
Rónán Hession (born in 1975), also known by his music name Mumblin' Deaf Ro, is an Irish writer and blues musician. He has been nominated for many awards for his books and music. He also has an important job working for the Irish government.
Contents
Music Career as Mumblin' Deaf Ro
Before becoming known as Mumblin' Deaf Ro, Rónán Hession played in several bands in Dublin. Some of these bands were Rinty, Boxcar, and The Critters. He also performed music using the name 'Johnny Horsebox'.
His first music release as Mumblin' Deaf Ro came out in 2003. His album Dictionary Crimes, released in 2012, was a big success. It was chosen as the Irish album of the year by music critics like Nialler9 and the Irish Independent. This album was also nominated for the Choice Music Prize, which is a major music award in Ireland.
Music Albums
Rónán Hession has released several albums as Mumblin' Deaf Ro.
- Señor, My Friend (2002)
- The Herring and the Brine (2007)
- Dictionary Crimes (2012)
Books and Writing
Besides his music, Rónán Hession is also a successful writer. He has written several novels.
Novels by Rónán Hession
- Leonard and Hungry Paul (published in 2019)
- Panenka (published in 2021)
- Ghost Mountain (published in 2024)
Other Writing Work
Rónán Hession also writes reviews of books for Irish Times newspaper. He often focuses on books that have been translated from other languages. He has also written articles for LitHub, which is a popular website about books and literature.
In May 2025, it was announced that his novel Leonard and Hungry Paul was being made into a TV series. The BBC and Subotica are working together to create this six-part show. Famous actors like Alex Lawther, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, and Laurie Kynaston are starring in it. The show is being adapted for BBC Northern Ireland.
Awards and Recognition
Rónán Hession's books have received many awards and nominations.
- 2019 An Post Irish Book Awards Best Newcomer (shortlist) for Leonard and Hungry Paul
- 2019 Dalkey Festival Debut of The Year (shortlist) for Leonard and Hungry Paul
- 2019 Society of Author's Debut of The Year (shortlist) for Leonard and Hungry Paul
- 2019 #BooksAreMYBag Book of The Year (shortlist) for Leonard and Hungry Paul
- 2019 Republic of Consciousness Prize (longlist) for Leonard and Hungry Paul
- 2020 British Book Awards Debut Book of the Year (finalist) for Leonard and Hungry Paul
- 2020 An Post Irish Book Awards Short Story of the Year (longlist) for 'The Translator's Funeral'
- 2021 An Post Irish Book Awards Author of the Year (shortlist) for Panenka
- 2021 An Post Irish Books Award for Novel of the Year (shortlist) for Panenka
- 2021 Books Are My Bag Awards Novel of the Year (shortlist) for Panenka
- 2021 Leonard and Hungry Paul was chosen for the One Dublin One Book program, where everyone in Dublin is encouraged to read the same book.
Personal Life
Rónán Hession lives in Dublin, Ireland, with his wife and two children. He is a fan of the Watford Football Club.
