Mary O’Donnell is an acclaimed Irish poet and fiction writer, recognised for her role in expanding Ireland’s literary landscape. She has published eight poetry collections, including Unlegendary Heroes and Massacre of the Birds, as well as several novels. O’Donnell’s work has been translated into multiple languages, she has co-edited an anthology of Galician women’s poetry and won the Fish International Short Story Prize. O’Donnell’s literary achievements include winning the An Post/Irish Book Award in 2023 for her poem ‘Vectors in Kabul. O’Donnell has held writing residencies internationally and taught creative writing at university level. A member of Aosdána since 2001, she is an influential figure in Irish literature and has served on various literary adjudication panels.