Hitching for Hope

Registration is free and attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the event. Email questions to: info@hitchingforhope.com

Chelsea Green Publishing is proud to partner with the University of Denver (Leadership and Irish Independence Course), Denver Gaels and The Irish Network of Colorado to bring you this free virtual event with acclaimed author, social entrepreneur and former member of Ireland’s Council of State Ruairí McKiernan.

Originally from Cootehill in County Cavan, McKiernan now lives in Lahinch, County Clare, on the wild west coast of Ireland. His debut book Hitching for Hope – a Journey into the Heart and Soul of Irelandwas recently published by US publisher Chelsea Green and went straight to number 1 in the Irish Times paperback non-fiction bestseller charts.

Described as a ‘powerful manifesto for hope and healing in troubled times’, Hitching for Hope is part personal pilgrimage, and part political quest that captures the power of human resilience’. The book is a reflection of a hitchhiking listening tour McKiernan undertook around Ireland during the bleak 2013 recession, while he was contemplating the prospect of emigration. The book is also a memoir reflecting on his 20 years’ work as a trailblazing social leader in Ireland and it is very much a timely celebration of the value of community spirit, kindness and collective action in today’s troubled world.

The book has received widespread praise from readers and reviewers alike and has been championed by the likes of Christy Moore, Peggy Seeger, Colum McCann, Frances Black, Damien Dempsey, Joanna Macy, Bill McKibben and more.

McKiernan was previously named by the Ashoka global foundation as one of the top 10 changemakers in Ireland. He is the founder of the pioneering SpunOut.ie national youth organization, a Fulbright Fellow, a regular contributor to the national media and host of the chart-topping Love and Courage podcast. In 2012, he was appointed to Ireland’s Council of State, the president’s advisory body, by President Michael D Higgins where he served a 7-year term.

You, your family, friends and colleagues are invited to join us for what is sure to be an uplifting, enlightening and inspiring event full of stories, conversation and humour with one of Ireland’s most gifted public speakers. Registration is free for all and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during this live 1-hour event.

More information on Ruairí McKiernan and his book can be found at www.hitchingforhope.com. The book is available to order direct from Chelsea Green Publishing (a discount code will be provided to attendees) and from usual outlets such as independent bookstores, Bookshop.org Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Book Depository.