TALK | Real Humans, Real Stories
Acclaimed writers Mark O'Neill explores history that connected cities between the East and the West in his works.
Real Humans, Real Stories
Speakers: Mark O'Neill & Patricia O’Sullivan
Moderator: Pete Spurrier
Date: March 8, Sun
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Fringe Club - Fringe Underground
Address: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Price: HKD198
Language: English
Format: Conversation
Description:
This event brings together two acclaimed non-fiction authors, Mark O’Neill and Patricia O’Sullivan, to explore the remarkable human stories that shaped Hong Kong’s past. O’Neill uncovers the influence of European and Irish communities, from visionary traders and teachers to the devoted French Sisters who cared for thousands of abandoned children. O’Sullivan, inspired by her great-uncle’s 1918 story, delves into the fascinating and often overlooked social history of colonial Hong Kong, focusing on the lives of Irish policemen and criminal women. Together, they illuminate Hong Kong’s diverse and complex heritage through meticulous research and captivating storytelling.
Reference Readings:
https://www.ejinsight.com/eji/article/id/4300939/260120-How-the-Irish-Made-Hong-Kong
About the Speaker:
Mark O'Neill
Mark O’Neill was born in London, England and educated at Marlborough College and New College, Oxford. He worked in Washington, DC, Manchester and Belfast before coming to Hong Kong in 1978. He has lived in Asia ever since. He worked as a journalist for 30 years here, in Taiwan, India, the PRC and Japan, for Reuters, SCMP and many other publications. Since 2006, he has been writing books on Chinese, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau history and society. He has completed 20 so far in English. Eight have been translated into traditional Chinese and three into simplified Chinese. He speaks French, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Patricia O’Sullivan
Patricia O’Sullivan is a writer and researcher on the lesser-known aspects of Hong Kong’s history prior to 1941. Stumbling upon an article concerning the death of her great-uncle in 1918 when he was an inspector in the Hong Kong Police, she quickly became immersed in the social history of colonial Hong Kong. Her research led to her first book, Policing Hong Kong: An Irish History. Her latest book is about some of the criminal women of early 20th-century Hong Kong.
Don’t miss our special offer: Buy 3, Get 1 Complimentary!
Purchase 3 tickets to any events under HKILF 2026 and claim a complimentary seat at one of these exciting talks at Central Library:
• 3rd March (Tue): On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters (7:00-8:30pm)
• 4th March (Wed): I Deliver Parcels in Beijing (7:00-8:30pm)
• 5th March (Thu): Amitav Ghosh: Ghost-Eye (7:00-8:30pm)
To redeem your complimentary seat, email us at info@festival.org.hk with:
• Your 3 ticket order numbers
• The event you’d like to attend
• Subject line: Buy 3, Get 1 Complimentary!
Hurry! Offer valid until ticket lasts
Become a Patron Supporter to gain exclusive access to HKILF events. All donations are tax deductible.
ABOUT HKILF
The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) inspires the joy of reading by bringing the world’s writers and stories to Hong Kong’s diverse communities. A dynamic year-round programme and an annual festival offer dialogue, entertainment and perspective, while the Young Readers Festival (YRF) motivates students to engage with all aspects of the written word, improving communication skills, while nurturing the art of writing and storytelling.
The annual festival features established and emerging writers from around the world, alongside local literary talents, in a programme that includes panel discussions, book talks, readings, workshops, walks, school programmes, performances, and more.
We are a registered charity non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the best in the literary arts to Hong Kong. To find more, please visit our official website: https://www.festival.org.hk.
Please note that:
*We are unable to process refunds, please consider your ticket purchase a donation to the festival.
*Photos and videos of participants may be taken during the activities,which may be used by the organiser and the major sponsor for educational and promotional purposes in any way deemed appropriate, including disseminationthrough printed and online channels. Participation in the programme will constitute the participants’ consent to the above arrangement.
*The views and opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hong Kong International Literary Festival. HKILF disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared by the speakers.
*If the Black Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8 or above is in force 3 hours before the start time of an event, the event will be cancelled and participants will receive a refund. If the Red or Yellow Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 is in effect, the event will be held as scheduled.
Acclaimed writers Mark O'Neill explores history that connected cities between the East and the West in his works.
Real Humans, Real Stories
Speakers: Mark O'Neill & Patricia O’Sullivan
Moderator: Pete Spurrier
Date: March 8, Sun
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Fringe Club - Fringe Underground
Address: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Price: HKD198
Language: English
Format: Conversation
Description:
This event brings together two acclaimed non-fiction authors, Mark O’Neill and Patricia O’Sullivan, to explore the remarkable human stories that shaped Hong Kong’s past. O’Neill uncovers the influence of European and Irish communities, from visionary traders and teachers to the devoted French Sisters who cared for thousands of abandoned children. O’Sullivan, inspired by her great-uncle’s 1918 story, delves into the fascinating and often overlooked social history of colonial Hong Kong, focusing on the lives of Irish policemen and criminal women. Together, they illuminate Hong Kong’s diverse and complex heritage through meticulous research and captivating storytelling.
Reference Readings:
https://www.ejinsight.com/eji/article/id/4300939/260120-How-the-Irish-Made-Hong-Kong
About the Speaker:
Mark O'Neill
Mark O’Neill was born in London, England and educated at Marlborough College and New College, Oxford. He worked in Washington, DC, Manchester and Belfast before coming to Hong Kong in 1978. He has lived in Asia ever since. He worked as a journalist for 30 years here, in Taiwan, India, the PRC and Japan, for Reuters, SCMP and many other publications. Since 2006, he has been writing books on Chinese, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau history and society. He has completed 20 so far in English. Eight have been translated into traditional Chinese and three into simplified Chinese. He speaks French, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Patricia O’Sullivan
Patricia O’Sullivan is a writer and researcher on the lesser-known aspects of Hong Kong’s history prior to 1941. Stumbling upon an article concerning the death of her great-uncle in 1918 when he was an inspector in the Hong Kong Police, she quickly became immersed in the social history of colonial Hong Kong. Her research led to her first book, Policing Hong Kong: An Irish History. Her latest book is about some of the criminal women of early 20th-century Hong Kong.
Don’t miss our special offer: Buy 3, Get 1 Complimentary!
Purchase 3 tickets to any events under HKILF 2026 and claim a complimentary seat at one of these exciting talks at Central Library:
• 3rd March (Tue): On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters (7:00-8:30pm)
• 4th March (Wed): I Deliver Parcels in Beijing (7:00-8:30pm)
• 5th March (Thu): Amitav Ghosh: Ghost-Eye (7:00-8:30pm)
To redeem your complimentary seat, email us at info@festival.org.hk with:
• Your 3 ticket order numbers
• The event you’d like to attend
• Subject line: Buy 3, Get 1 Complimentary!
Hurry! Offer valid until ticket lasts
Become a Patron Supporter to gain exclusive access to HKILF events. All donations are tax deductible.
ABOUT HKILF
The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) inspires the joy of reading by bringing the world’s writers and stories to Hong Kong’s diverse communities. A dynamic year-round programme and an annual festival offer dialogue, entertainment and perspective, while the Young Readers Festival (YRF) motivates students to engage with all aspects of the written word, improving communication skills, while nurturing the art of writing and storytelling.
The annual festival features established and emerging writers from around the world, alongside local literary talents, in a programme that includes panel discussions, book talks, readings, workshops, walks, school programmes, performances, and more.
We are a registered charity non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the best in the literary arts to Hong Kong. To find more, please visit our official website: https://www.festival.org.hk.
Please note that:
*We are unable to process refunds, please consider your ticket purchase a donation to the festival.
*Photos and videos of participants may be taken during the activities,which may be used by the organiser and the major sponsor for educational and promotional purposes in any way deemed appropriate, including disseminationthrough printed and online channels. Participation in the programme will constitute the participants’ consent to the above arrangement.
*The views and opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hong Kong International Literary Festival. HKILF disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared by the speakers.
*If the Black Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8 or above is in force 3 hours before the start time of an event, the event will be cancelled and participants will receive a refund. If the Red or Yellow Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 is in effect, the event will be held as scheduled.
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Fringe Club - Fringe Underground
Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Hong Kong, HKI
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