Happy Christmas and Round Up.

Happy Christmas.

Round Up 2009.

The writing scene in Meath has probably never been better served than at the moment with different groups in both Navan and Trim for those who wish to put pen to paper. (And perhaps others I'm not aware of). The more senior of these, if I may use the expression, was set up by Tommy Murray and Deirdre McGivern back in the early nineties and since then many of its members have gone on to win awards and prizes in various competitions in Ireland. Tommy Murray launched his first collection of poems "Counting Stained Glass Windows" in the Trim Library during the year with Tom French doing the honours, published by Lapwing of Belfast it is available as they say in all good bookshops, or just click on the Meath Writers' Link opposite for more details.

William G. Hodgins, another member, launched his book of poems "Sunflower", in the Navan Library with Tom French again doing the honours. Tom French is a winner of the Forward Prize and is one of the most successful poets in the country. Check it out as they say. Hopefully other members of the group will publish in the coming year. Myself I managed to pick up a couple of awards during the year, so no complaining. Though its hard to keep going back to the inkwell!

The Boyne Writers' Group since it was set up has managed to sweep through the writing scene, picking up awards in just about every competition in the country and a few outside. Their literary magazine "Boyne Berries", was a gamble and one that seems to have paid off, pushing Trim firmly to the centre of the literary map. Also the introduction of open-mic sessions at the Knightbridge Village Hall with guest readers, both poetry and prose, managed to gather together those who would otherwise read only the reviews.

The Small Impact Writers' Group based in the Navan Library is the latest kid on the block and has a number of very interesting writers to boast of, some of whom drop into The Writers' Circle now and again, and hopefully the New Year will be successful for all of the above, not forgetting those who prefer their own company!

Finally the poetry broadsheet ~Riposte~ , which has published a good number of writers from Meath and comes through the letterbox every month without fail. A word of thanks!

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Photo: Musical Bears/Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.