Biography
Elaine Feeney (born 1979) is a renowned Irish poet, novelist and playwright, a pioneer in the field of literary excellence. She currently shares her expertise as a lecturer in poetry and creative writing at the prestigious National University of IrelandGalway, Feeney demonstrates a deep passion for nurturing the next generation of writers. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she is a founding member of the Tuam Oral History Projectdedicated to preserving the rich stories of Irish heritage.
Focusing on history, national identity and the impact of state institutions, Elaine Feeney creates literary masterpieces that delve into the complex fabric of Irish society. Through her compelling prose, she delves into the lives of Irish women, illuminating the complexities of their everyday lives.
Elaine Feeney’s poetic talent shines through her acclaimed collections, including Radio is the Gospel (2014), Increase (2017), and is eagerly anticipated All the good things you deserve (2024). Each verse exudes melodic resonance, illuminating human experience with heartfelt introspection and a uniquely Irish perspective.
Diversifying her literary repertoire, Elaine Feeney ventured into fiction writing with considerable success. Her debut novel, As You Were (2020), which catapulted her into the literary limelight, winning numerous prestigious awards including the Dalkey Book Festival Emerging Writer Award, the Kate O’Brien Award, and the Society of Authors McKitterick Award.
Notably, the novel received further recognition through being shortlisted for Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards and the Rathbones Folio Prize. This win was followed by her second novel, How to build a boat (2023), continues to captivate readers and earned a place on the prestigious Irish Book Awards shortlist.
Irish poet
Elaine Feeney |
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 Elaine Feeney: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Elaine Feeney |
| Born: | June 25, 1996 (age 54) |
| Place of birth: | Athenry, Ireland |
| Education: | University of Galway |
| Nationality: | Irish |
| Height: | 1.57 minutes |
| Parents: | Do not have |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Ray Glasheen |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | 2 |
| Job: | Poet • Novelist |
| Net worth: | $1 million – $5 million |
Early life and education
Elaine Feeney, Ireland’s most celebrated literary figure, was born in the picturesque embrace of Athenry, County Galway, in 1979. Raised on a peaceful farm, she was nurtured by the love of her parents and the camaraderie of her four siblings. The seeds of her literary journey were sown in this idyllic setting.
Elaine Feeney’s passion for knowledge and words led her through the halls of learning. She embarked on a literary adventure, first at Scoil Croi Naofa and then at Presentation Athenry Collegewhere she delved into the enchanting world of English Literature. These formative years ignited her creative fire and nurtured her deep appreciation for the written word.
Continuing her intellectual pursuits, Elaine Feeney pursued higher education at the prestigious school University of Galway. Immersed in the hallowed halls of academia, she absorbed the wisdom of literary giants, broadening her academic horizons and honing her expressive abilities. The intellectual canvas of her studies shaped her into a beacon of literary excellence.
With a strong academic background, Elaine Feeney begins a new chapter as an educator. Instructing students at St Jarlath College At Tuam, she nurtured young minds and instilled in them a love of literature. Her dedication to nurturing a passion for words and intellectual curiosity left an indelible mark on the lives of her students.
Driven by a relentless thirst for knowledge, Elaine Feeney pursued further education, earning an Associate of Education degree at Cork University CollegeThis endeavor enhanced her pedagogical skills and gave her a deeper understanding of teaching, while further strengthening her commitment to education.
Career
Elaine Feeney has captivated audiences with her poetic talent and poignant storytelling. Hailing from the idyllic town of Athenry in County Galway, she grew up on a farm surrounded by the warmth of her parents and siblings.
Elaine Feeney’s literary journey began at a young age when she discovered her passion for writing and immersed herself in poetry. Her first collection of poems, Where is Katie?marked the beginning of a remarkable career, followed by a series of fascinating books. Radio is the Gospel And IncreaseThrough her evocative verse, she explores the complexities of love, loss, and the human experience, leaving an indelible mark on her readers’ hearts.
While her poetic voice resonates deeply, Elaine Feeney ventured into the realm of prose with her debut novel, As You Were. This insightful work has received critical acclaim and prestigious accolades, including the Dalkey Book Festival Emerging Writer Award and the Kate O’Brien Award. Her ability to craft compelling stories and illuminate the complexities of history, national identity and the impact of institutions on women’s lives has established her as a literary force to be reckoned with.
In addition to her literary endeavours, Elaine Feeney shares her wisdom and passion as a lecturer in poetry and creative writing at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Her commitment to education and nurturing young minds is evident in her role as a founding member of the Tuam Oral History Project, where she helps preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of her community.
In addition to her creative work, Elaine Feeney’s impact extends to business and advocacy. She has demonstrated her leadership acumen as the founder and principal of Great Divide Investments, a private equity firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. Furthermore, her commitment to environmental conservation is demonstrated through her involvement on the boards of organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and PointOne Development Corp.
Social media
- Instagram: Elaine Feeney (@ecfeeney11)
- Twitter: Elaine Feeney (@elainefeeney16)
- TikTok: eagenfeeneyy
Personal life
Elaine Feeney is married to graphic designer Ray Glasheen and they have two sons. She lives in Athenry, County Galway. Feeney is also a teacher and lecturer. She is currently interim director of the MA in Creative Writing at NUI Galway.
She is also a founding member of the Tuam Oral History Project, set up to record, archive and explore the life stories of survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.
Book
Poetry Collection
- Where’s Katie? (2010)
- Radio is Gospel (2013)
- Rise (2017)
Novel
- As You Were (2020)
- How to Build a Boat (2023)
Short story
- A Little Unstable Into The Light (2022)
- Same Same (2023)
Net worth
Elaine Feeney has amassed an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. She appears to have a promising career ahead of her, with several upcoming publications and a growing net worth.
