Dr Eamon Maher, Technological University Dublin and Director, National Centre for Franco-Irish Studies will be in conversation with Pierre Joannon, former Consul General of Ireland in south-east France (1973-2023) and Member of the Royal Irish Academy about Pierre’s two books: ‘Graham Greene, Ireland and the Honorary Consul – A view from the South of France’ (2024)’ and ‘Michel Déon de l’Académie française, Pierre Joannon, Correspondance 1973-2016’ (January 2025).
More details soon!
Pierre Joannon is a former trustee of the Princess Grace Irish Library and was instrumental in the idea behind the creation of the Library in 1984 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Although retired since last year, Pierre can still claim to be the longest-serving diplomat for the Irish government. He is an elected member of the Royal Irish Academy and served as Consul General of Ireland to France for 50 years.
Pierre met the famous English writer Graham Greene in the 1970s when both lived in the same building in Antibes and they became lifelong friends. He was also a firm friend of the celebrated French writer Michel Déon, a member of the Académie française, who lived in Ireland for the latter part of his life, where Pierre holidays each summer.
Pierre Joannon's book launch 'Graham Greene, Ireland and the Honorary Consul - A view from the South of France' took place in October 2024 at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. His next book ‘Michel Déon de l’Académie française, Pierre Joannon, Correspondance 1973-2016’ will be published in January 2025.
Pierre wrote the comprehensive foreword to the commemorative book to mark the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Irish Library, which traces the history of this wonderful institution, inaugurated by Prince Rainier III and inspired by his late wife Princess Grace, née Grace Kelly.
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This event is made possible by the generous support of our patron Mr Wil Byrne.