Profile
Bernie Comaskey is a well-known Mullingar writer, columnist, and community figure, whose life and work reflect a deep connection with Westmeath people, stories, and everyday experience.
Having left school at 15, Bernie describes himself as having “no qualifications in anything,” a modest reflection of a remarkably varied working life. Over the years, he has worked as a bus driver, miner, shopkeeper, postmaster, farmer, turf producer, sports and leisure centre owner, and publican.
Bernie has always enjoyed writing, dating back to his school days, and prefers to describe himself as someone who likes to write rather than simply calling himself a writer. He has published four books, and for the past 20 years his weekly column, You Can’t Be Serious, has appeared in the Westmeath Examiner.
His articles have also featured in Ireland’s Own, The Farmer’s Journal, and other publications. Bernie lives in Mullingar with his wife, Pamela.
At the Festival
- Date: 3rd July 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Venue: Caffreys, Mount Street, Mullingar
Join us for the official opening of the inaugural Mullingar Literary Festival on Friday, 3rd July 2026, at Caffrey’s Bar, Mount Street.
Festival Chair Laurence Meehan will welcome guests and introduce Bernie Comaskey who will officially open the event followed by an exciting programme of readings, conversations, workshops and performances taking place across the weekend.
This opening event marks the 2nd year of the Mullingar Literary Festival in Mullingar, celebrating the town’s proud literary and musical traditions while honouring emerging voices, local creativity and wider literary heritage.
All are welcome to gather for an evening of words, inspiration, community spirit and celebration as the festival officially begins.