Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year 2015!

Happy New Year 2015!


from Google Images
Well that was the year of the water charges or was it? If they'd given everyone an adequate allowance to begin with it would probably have passed off without too much fuss but in what can only be described as a mad attack of greed and incompetence they managed to hole the thing below the waterline and if you'll pardon the pun or whatever, it's shipping water fast A letter to the Meath Chronicle a while back said it was a mathematical certainty it would sink and hard to disagree. Listening to a bit of the Pat Kenny show this morning somebody mentioned the Merrion Square set and you could probably add to that their friends in the media. It's hard to switch on the radio or television or pick up a newspaper without tripping across them and the problem is they reflect back to the powers that be an ideal or image that is as far removed from reality as you can get. Perhaps it suits their paymasters but this time they managed to get one hundred thousand people out on the streets on a number of occasions. No mean feat. Wishful thinking is all to the good but not if you're a politician and want to get reelected. The above followed on from the medical card fiasco and the so called property or household tax and if one more of them tells me it's how they do things elsewhere... Well if you don't own what you pay for what does that make you? As the Americans say go figure it out! That aside, have a happy and prosperous New Year!! 

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Base Details!

Base Details!


In keeping with the previous post and the anniversary of the truce on the front lines here's a video of Sean Reilly reading of life in the trenches and life not in the trenches. Give a listen.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

WW1 Christmas Day 1914





A song about the truce on the front lines on Christmas Day 1914. Written by Cormac MacConnell and sung by his brother Mickey, this while not the more popular version or the best known is the one that gets the date right and is a beautiful rendition. With thanks to Listowel Arcade who posted, the singer and songwriter and the old share button on youtube. And a Happy Christmas to all!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Cork Spring Poetry Festival 2015

Cork Spring Poetry Festival 2015


Ireland's largest poetry festival runs from February the 11th to the 14th and promises to be something of a stellar affair with some of the country's best known poets and writers in attendances. The programme outline is a feast of workshops, readings, book launches, prize givings, magazine presentations, anthologies etc. You name it. Of local interest are the poets Tom French whose latest collection "Midnightstown" was published in 2014~and yet to read~ and of course Peter Fallon of the Gallery Press whose own collection "Strong, My Love" was also published this year. So if you should find yourself in that neck of the woods or just fancy a little break after the Christmas, or from the humdrum of the everyday, or whatever, this might be the thing. A couple of links to check out on the above are
www.munsterlit.ie                   

Well worth a look!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Among The Breffni Hills/Felix Halton

Among The Breffni Hills/Felix Halton


This is a beautifully produced book and contains some of the many fine poems, tributes and narratives composed by Felix in his lifetime. A native of Drumgore, County Cavan, Felix was a gifted traditional poet who recorded in rhyme both the issues and incidents of the everyday and his genuine affection and love of both people and animals shines through. Compiled by Bridie Halton the above is something of a must have for those with connections to the Cavan/Longford area. Copies sure to be had in that region and will be available in the post office in Trim in the near future, or I'm sure any member of The Meath Writers' Circle can source you one. Priced at €15 and published by www.thebookproducers.ie . 

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Navan Junior Writers' Group Christmas Readings!

Navan Junior Writers' Group Christmas Readings!


Made into the Library in Navan for the Christmas readings and prize givings by the Navan group. Facilitated by Edel Gillick, who has taken over from Tommy Murray, the junior writers entertained with stories and songs and Christmas carols and just about everyone read a poem or two. A writing competition is to be sponsored by the Meath Writers' Circle sometime in the new year and was announced by Willie Hodgins. This should take place perhaps around Easter. Sean Reilly was his usual peerless self and gave a lovely rendition of Silent Night while one the Junior Writers read the words in both German and Irish. Edel remarked upon the importance of creative space and just what happens when you allow children (or indeed anyone) a little time and encouragement. A nice lead into Christmas. 


Sean Reilly



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

More Songs & Poems!

"More Songs & Poems" CD.

Jimmy Peppard and Michael Sheils

Last Saturday night saw the launch of the above CD in Jack Quinn's of Scurlogstown. Recorded live at The Haymaking Festival in the Porchfields during the Summer it features a number of local poets and artists some of whom performed on the night. But it was also a night of story telling and song and Christmas Carols from Margaret and Ciara Geraghty also one from Brendan Cummins. Tales from Dunsany Castle and Swainstown House livened up the night though most of the staff who worked on these estates have long passed on. The mikes gave more than a little trouble but James Linnane came to the rescue and read a poem or two himself. A copy of the recording can be had for the princely sum of €5 and sure to be available around Trim or from any member of the committee. 




Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Meath Writers' Circle/Christmas Party!

Christmas Party Photos/ The Meath Writers' Circle

Just some of the photos taken at the party in the Trim Castle Hotel. And a Happy Christmas to all!!

Christmas Tree.
Noel French and Willie G. Hodgins
Sean Kane and Eugene Kane
James Linnane
Claire Kane and Bridie Halton
Attracta Moore and Husband
Michael Sheils and Peggy Murphy
Tess Ryan and Husband
Paul Martin

Sean Reilly and Verona Pentony
Eugene Kane and Claire Kane


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

"A day in Dublin" Poem.

"A day in Dublin" Poem.


I paid a visit to Dublin a number of years back around this time of year or just coming up to Christmas and it was really cold. Anyway down around Stephen's Green the shoppers were stepping over a man lying on the street and I gave him a few coins before some young guy tried to help him to his feet. It was in the middle of the Celtic tiger and there was enough money to solve the homeless crisis then and then some! Likewise the problems in the hospitals. A few days ago a man died on the street within fifty metres of the Dail and they're still talking trickle down....

A day in Dublin

Downstairs in Busaras
From Google Images
They fumble for change
Mad concourse.
Halogen yellow signs
Blurring the announcements.
Outside the Luas
Glides quietly by.
Urban chic.
Baltic blondes crossing
Against the lights
And the noise on
O' Connell Street,
The Spire
A blind eye.
Blending to indifference
The word on the street
Prada, Gucci and
Jimmy Choo,
The hustle,
In the record stores
They're playing Dylan
And damien O
Do you hear what I hear
Christmas Carols.
On Stephen's Green
A man lies...

On a piece of cardboard
On the coldest day.

Frank Murphy.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Book Launch!!

"Reflections of Time" Verona Pentony


St Audeon's Church Cornmarket Street Dublin
From Google Images
Verona Pentony invites you to join her on Thursday the 11th of December at 7pm for the launch of her second book of poems "Reflections of Time". The venue is the above and there seems to be quite a bit of history about the place so worth checking out on google. Another church of the same name quite close. A catholic one from the nineteenth century, so don't mix them up! Verona has been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for a number of years now and would love to see you there.
 RSVP thepoet@veronapentony.com . Tel: 086 8734306.
Previous publication: "Reflections from the Heart"
  www.veronapentony.com .
 So if you're a lover of poetry why not drop in on the night. I believe there is a lucky stone there so you can make a wish!  

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Book Launch!!

"Among the Breffni Hills/Felix Halton"

Piker's Lodge Lough Gowna
"Among The Breffni Hills" is the title of a book of poems composed by the late Felix Halton and set for a launch date of Saturday the 6th of December in the Piker's Lodge Lough Gowna on the Cavan/Longford border. So if you happen to find yourself in that neck of the woods and want what will be a great night's entertainment why not drop in and enjoy the craic. Anton MacGowan will do the honours on the night so there's sure to be plenty of music and song. The collection of poems has been compiled by Bridie Halton and is as they say ready to go to press. Felix was a gifted traditional poet from Mullahoran in County Cavan and much of what he composed was recorded on tape and transcribed here by Bridie over the past year. The book will retail at €15 and includes a number of photographs both black and white


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Politics and War in Meath 1913-1923

Politics and War in Meath 1913-1923




First published in 1983 the above is an often first hand account of the events that shaped the country and the county we know today. Oliver Coogan was a history teacher in Dunshaughlin Community College and his detailed and comprehensive listings and insights brings to light much of what has been forgotten or indeed passed unknown to the ordinary person. Drawing on sources such as the Meath Chronicle and the Drogheda Independent, personal reminiscences and others etc, he puts a little shape to an era that changed everything. Interesting reading through though, is the shifting loyalties and allegiance, the sweeping changes and the dust settling, though maybe not in 1923, much later out in the mid twenties I'd say. A great book for anyone with an interest in local history and available from the local library. Published by Meath County Council.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Gregory Ó Donoghue International Poetry Prize!

The Gregory Ó Donoghue International Poetry Prize!
From Google Images.

This is a prize worth winning and with a closing date fast approaching (30th November). The first prize is €1000 plus a week long retreat in the Tyrone Guthrie Centre also publication the the Southword Literary Journal and the chance to read in the Cork Spring Poetry Festival in February. So there! The second prize is €500 with €250 for third with ten runner-up poems to be published in Southwards and a standard fee of €30. Full details of everything and submission guidelines if you click on www.munsterlit.ie so do just that and good luck! Not in can't win!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Alan Seeger - Rendezvous With Death (read by Pete Seeger)

"I Have a Rendezvous With Death" by Alan Seeger (read by Tom O'Bedlam)



Following on the WW1 theme and the event in the Library here's a poem I may have posted before. Alan Seeger was an American poet who enlisted in the French Foreign Legion as the  Americans were not in the war until 1917. He died at Belloy-En-Santerre during the battle of the Somme in 1916. He was the uncle of the American folk singer and activist Pete Seeger and not forgetting Peggy. With thanks to spoken verse and youtube and the old share button.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Navan Writers' Group WW1 Commemoration.

Navan Writers' Group WW1 Commemoration!


Sean Reilly
The above is Sean Reilly who entertained at last night's event in the Library to commemorate the fallen in the first world war, an event organized by Edel Gillick and the young writers who meet every Saturday morning in the library and indeed they were the highlight of the evening with their stories and poems. Well tutored by Edel they managed to give a child's eye view on what it must have been like to watch your father or brothers march off to war and the dear diary entries or letters from the front were very good and hopefully make it into a book. There were readings from many others as well and of note was Edel's own contribution. John Doyle MCd and kept things moving along and there was a demonstration and talk by a guest from the Irish Military War Museum in Collon www.imwm.ie  on conditions in the trenches and the kind and types of equipment used by both sides. A little late arriving I think I missed some of the early contributions but a fair old crowd was there and poems and photographs are posted along the wall.    



Saturday, November 8, 2014

The Meath Writers' Circle/November 2014!

The Meath Writers' Circle/November 2014!


The Meath Writers' Circle held their monthly meeting on Thursday night last with about fifteen in attendance and all in agreement the Christmas party is a go. Anyone interested in attending should contact Willie at 086 1085528. Scheduled for Thursday the 4th of December in the Trim Castle Hotel at 8pm.The final details on the launch of the poems of Felix Halton not yet to hand but coming very soon. The launch will I believe be in Mullahoran County Cavan and a later one perhaps in Trim. Something about presents for the Christmas party but must check out. I'm off to read something beyond the pale. Next event the Library on Tuesday night. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

White Savage/Fintan Ó Toole

The Invention of America.




When William Johnson left Meath sometime around 1738 he could hardly have foreseen the part he would play in ensuring that America would be English speaking from sea to sea but his exploits in the French and Indian wars of the period would do just that. Born in 1715 close beside Killeen Castle his family were tenants of the Warrens who themselves were tenants of the Plunkets and had connections on both sides back to the Gaelic MacShanes  and the Anglo Norman. They found themselves on the wrong side after the Battle of the Boyne and for a young man from what was a Jacobite background the shift in fortunes must have been immense. For the Catholic gentry of Meath it became expedient to shift both allegiance and religion and this the Warrens and Johnsons did. Sent out to manage his uncle's estates in the new world William Johnson prospered beyond anything he could have imagined and has been cast almost as the ideal american both in literature and myth and this allowing for the fact that his family ended up on the wrong side again in the American war of independence. The White Savage by Fintan Ó Toole is a great read though it tends to run on many asides but for anyone interested in the making of America or the history of County Meath, an absolute must. Look it up! 

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Halloween!

A poem for Halloween!

Cúchulainn and Ferdia
Ardee.
Wild Things

In the half light
Between night and day
Some fractured part
To celebrate diversity
They play.

Ghost dancing
In an Indian summer
The ones we couldn't
Tame.

Before the whole
Damn thing is over
And everyone's
The same.

Frank Murphy.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Navan Writers' Group WW1 Commemoration!

Navan Library Event Tuesday 11/11/2014!

Stabannon churchyard / Co. Louth
The Navan Writers' Group with the Meath Junior Writers' Group are hosting a night of poetry, prose , drama and song at the Navan library on Tuesday the 11th of November at 6pm to commemorate the fallen in world war one while celebrating the peace of present day Ireland. The event will include a photographic exhibition by John Doyle and members of the Meath Arts Council.. A special guest from the War Museum in Collon will also attend with a presentation on the lives of those who fought or died in the conflict.. "An evening to remember lest we forget." Edel Gilick. All are welcome! 


Saturday, October 25, 2014

Anton McGowan & Paddy Allen

At the Knightsbrook



This is a short clip of Anton McGowan and Paddy Allen performing at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim on Saturday the 11th of October last. One of a series of events to raise funds for the publication of a book of poetry by the late Felix Halton of Mullahoran County Cavan.      

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Felix Halton Poetry Book!

Fundraiser Knightsbrook Trim Saturday October 11th.



Bridie and Con Halton

A large crowd turned out at the above which was one of a series of events organised to raise funds for the publication of a book of poems by the late Felix Halton of Mullahoran County Cavan. Felix was a gifted traditional poet who committed most of his work to memory and the task of retrieving this from taped recordings and other sources was undertaken by Bridie Halton with the assistance of others in her family and an input from members of The Meath Writers' Circle. A host of performers turned up on the night including Gwen Bagnall, members of the Trim Singers, Matt Murphy of Wexford who kept everyone enthralled with his recitations and songs about hurling and included one by Felix, which he put to music. Also there, was champion Irish fiddler Anton McGowan who performed with Paddy Allen of Dunsany and not forgetting Michael Brady and Michael Hughes of Ballinalee County Longford. Jimmy Gray was on the keyboard and there were other singers and poets, the names I should have taken note of, but.... all in all that's how to put a show on. The book is almost ready to go for publication and a launch date to be announced! 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Boyne Berries 16

Boyne Berries 16


Boyne Berries 16 does as it says in the intro mark the transition from one editor to another with slight modifications or changes to the layout of the magazine. Michael Farry who was editor and guided it through its first fifteen issues now  hands over to Orla Fay who opens with a fine introduction and short piece from A.E. George Russell (The Children of Lir). The cover and art work was designed by Rory O' Sullivan whose handwritten poems have been a feature of this magazine from the beginning and indeed to mention Greg Hastings whose covers and art work on the previous were outstanding. The magazine opens with an interesting poem by John Saunders -Spectre- which touches on almost all bases (almost) and is a great one to lead off on. The key pattern by Susan Connolly likewise. The prose contributions are now to the back of the book and again there's some interesting and thought provoking stuff here. Worth getting your hands on a copy and links to both Michael Farry and Orla Fay to the right, also to the Boyne Writers website. If you're in Trim the local bookshops are sure have a copy. Price €8. Finally congratulations are in order to Michael Farry who was the winner of this year's Dromineer Poetry Prize. 


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The Francis Ledwidge Poetry Award 2014!

The Francis Ledwidge Poetry Award 2014!


The closing date for this one is the 5th of November so that gives you about fifteen to twenty days to get your entries in. This is the sixteenth international poetry award and there is a trophy plus cash prizes for the winner with the first three being entered in the Forward Prize UK. The winner will receive the Ledwidge plaque inscribed with his or her name and also a cash prize with cash prizes and books for both second and third places. Merit certificates for all finalists. In addition the winner will be invited to read at the National War Memorial Gardens in July 1915. 

Rules: Poems must be the competitor's own work and not previously published or broadcast and should not exceed 40 lines. €4 per poem or €10 for three. Maximum six poems (€20) payable to The Inchicore Ledwidge Society.

Send to: The Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Award 2014.
               C/O 20, Emmet Crescent. Inchicore Dublin 8.

The winner will be notified and results will be announced at the annual awards night. 
Enquiries to 085 849 7531. Also check out Facebook page Inchicore Ledwidge Society.  


Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Meath Writers' Circle Oct 2014!

The Meath Writers' Circle Oct 2014!


About twelve people were in attendance for last week's meeting of the Meath Writers' Circle with some discussion on a future competition for schoolchildren and how best it might be realised, or such. Also an update on  the funds raised from the table quiz in Jack Quinn's and how best we might spend them. (Christmas Party!) After than it was poetry and a few stories before we adjourned, some to the festival in Bailieborough and others to a fundraiser in the Knightsbrook for the forthcoming launch of the poems of Felix Halton. (Both of them last night) And more on that to follow!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Table Quiz/ Jack Quinn's Scurlogstown!

Table Quiz/ Jack Quinn's Scurlogstown!

Some of the winning team?

The above were some of the winning team in the Meath Writers' Circle table quiz in Jack Quinn's last Thursday night (minus Sean) and some of the questions were really hard! Google proofed and vaulted the prizes were supplied by Verona Pentony and the Writers' Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way or brought sandwiches or spots etc. The takings will go towards the Christmas party or some such thing and just a reminder there's a meeting on this Thursday in the Trim Castle Hotel at seven thirty.   





Sunday, October 5, 2014

Bailieborough Poetry Festival!

Baileborough Poetry Festival!

From Google Images

The Bailieborough Poetry Festival runs from Thursday the 9th of October to Saturday the 11th so if you happen to be in that next of the woods or just "journeying" why not drop in for a while. The schedule is something as follows but check the website below for further or even full details. 

Thursday 9th: Opening of festival and exhibition of work by artist Rósín Duffy in Bailieborough Library at 8pm.

Friday 10th: Reading by Welsh poet Nerys Williams to mark the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas at 8pm in Murtagh's Lounge. Poetry and open mic in local pub.

Saturday 11th: Workshop by Nerys Williams in Bailieborough Library Arts Space at 10am to 12am. Presentation of poetry competition prizes followed by reading of short listed poems at 2pm.

Skirmish of the Writing Groups at 5pm in Murtagh's Lounge followed by an evening of poetry starting with local performance poet Patsy McDermott and this. followed by a reading by Iggy McGovern.

Full details: www.bailieboroughpoetry.com   Also see Michael Farry's site. Link to the right!    

The "Skirmish of the Writing Groups" invites local groups to send along a team of three to five members. Each group will be given a set period of time to read. (Probably 10 to 20 minutes).     

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The Two Cow Satire!

The Two Cow Satire!


I came across this in a copy of the Ireland's Own a while back and thought there was a fair degree of truth to the thing, and not a little humour but what the cows thought is another story. The milk of human kindness and all that. Anyway from Dan Conway's corner and I thought I might add a few pints myself. 

Socialism: you have two cows, you give one to your neighbour who promptly eats it and then complains because you won't give him the other one.

Communism: you have two cows, the state takes both, ties them up in red tape and when their udders burst shoots them. 

Bureaucrat ism: (EU) you have two cows. The state takes both, shoots one, milks the other and then throws the milk away. (Thanks Dan!)

Capitalism: you have two cows, the herd multiplies, the economy grows, supply exceeds demand, the bottom falls out of the market and the state collapses.

Fascism: you have two cows so you steal another two and then when your neighbour complains you shoot him 

Let them out on the long acre I say, there's grass for everyone and if they don't come back wait awhile and another two will come along depending on the season that's in it of course! And there's Blackberries and the air's free and the water's free,

From Google Images!
sure what more could you want?



Saturday, September 27, 2014

Table Quiz/The Meath Writers' Circle!

Table Quiz/The Meath Writers' Circle!


A table quiz to raise funds for the Meath Writers' Circle (That's Us!) will be held in Jack Quinn's of Scurlogstown on Thursday night next the 2nd of October, at nine thirty sharp! Well sharpish! Lost of prizes  and other things and plenty of spots for the raffle etc. Easy questions and you never know you and your table might win. Tables of four at €10 each or €40 per table. So if you happen to be in the vicinity why not drop in and try your luck .All welcome. Quiz Master will be Mr Willie G. Hodgins who is chairman of the group and we hope to see everyone there on the night.   

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Scurlogstown Heritage Park/Set Dancing!

Scurlogstown Heritage Park/Set Dancing!


This is a short clip of some of the set dancers at Scurlogstown Heritage Park on Sunday the 31st of August last.  A day of poetry and song and stories of times past

Saturday, September 20, 2014

SiarScéal Festival 2014!

"The Hanna Greally Literacy Awards!




The overall prize winner for this will receive a Publishing Services Package valued at €1000 from the Manuscript Publisher. Your book will be published professionally, in print and e-book editions. Runners-Up prizes will also be awarded in categories that include the National Poetry Winner, National Prose Winner, National Short Story Winner, Highly Commended and National Schools. Presentation of the Ger Hanily Memorial Cup for the best entry on the theme of Coman's Wood.  The above info is off the brochure and the usual conditions of entry apply. For detailed information visit www.SiarSceal.com 
Entries are limited to three poems/prose/stories per person. Poems must not be longer than 100 lines and prose no longer than 1000 words. 

Online or postal entries and at €5 per poem or 3 for €10 great value. Please make your entries payable to SciarScéal Festival Group and include with your group submission.

Send to: SciarScéal Festival/c/o Richie Farrell, County Librarian, Roscommon County Council Library Services, Abbey Street, Roscommon, Ireland, you can also enter online. The closing date for entries is 5pm Friday the 10th of October. So still a little time to get your entries in. But check out the details on the website!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

War Anniversaries (4)

War Anniversaries (4)

Patrick Pearse
from Google Images
Walking through the book section of a supermarket in far off Jeddah once I picked a book off the shelves and opened it to a poem of Patrick Pearse, and it was one of those moments and never having read him before I think my first reaction was could they not see it coming. Pearse almost wrote it up before it happened and it is something that is not often commented on. Others like W.B. Yeats, that play of mine send out, is another question and his poems were part of the groundwork for sure, but I suppose many of them played their part in that minority of a minority. The idea that poetry makes nothing happen was not something Ó Shaughnessy (1844-1881) had in mind when he wrote "Ode" One man with a dream at, pleasure, shall go forth and conquer a crown; And three with a new song's measure, Can trample an empire down. And worth giving a read if you've got a few minutes free.. Don't march on Moscow and don't annoy poets is probably good advice. All the parts were in place for an uprising by 1916 but Pearse was probably the key to it and without him few would remember.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Allingham Festival 2014!

Allingham Festival 2014!


Another Ballyshannon man!
From Google Images!
This competition also has a closing date that is approaching fast and you have only about two weeks to get your entries in. If you visit their website there's a nice video for your entertainment "A Walk with Allingham" which is worth a look and will fill you in on the writer's background and history. The competition is for both poetry and flash fiction and you may submit up to five poems, maximum of forty lines per poem and up to five flash fictions, maximum 700 words each. Your entries (whether emailed or otherwise must not have any identifying names on them. Must be typed and you must be over 18. The entry fee for both competitions is €4 for one entry, €10 for three entries and €15 for five entries. Poems and flash fiction must be submitted separately. The competition judges are Donal Ryan and Monica Corish. 

Send your entries to:  Alingham Poetry Competitio or Allingham Flash Fiction Competition
                      
                                 A Novel Idea
                                 Castle Street
                                 Ballyshannon
                                 Co. Donegal

In your cover letter list: The number of entries
                                   The titles
                                   Your name and address
                                   Contact details/Ph number and email.

Cheques made payable to "Allingham Festival".

E-mail entries: allinghamfest@gmail.com  

Website address: www.allinghamfestival.com 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards 2014!

The Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards 2014!




The closing date for the above is the 30th of September coming so still a little time to get your entries in. Entries may be in Irish or English with three poems for €10 or €4 for a single poem, so well worth the effort. There is a prose section restricted to one entry with an entry fee of €5 and a maximum length of 1500 words. Poems should not exceed 45 lines and fees made payable to "Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards". The judge is the award winning Catalan/Tallagh author Maria Wallace and her decision is final. Winners will be notified seven days in advance and must be prepared to read their work if possible at the award ceremony on Saturday the 1st of November at the Heritage centre in Saggart Co. Dublin. Usual rules about not being published or broadcast apply to entries and they must be typed in plain font Times Roman point 12 single spacing, without decoration or illustration. The entrants name must not appear on the typescript but only on the entry form. Must be the author's original work.

Send to : Margaret Ennis "Teach Guise",
              Boherboy, Saggart, Co. Dublin. 

Saturday, September 6, 2014

The Meath Writers' Circle/September Meeting 2014!

The Meath Writers' Circle/September Meeting 2014!

Eugene Kane, Willie G. Hodgins,  Josephine Marray and Clare Kane

A selection of poems written by members of The Meath Writers' Circle and in tribute to the late Tommy Murray was presented to his wife Josephine on Thursday night last by Eugene Kane who collected the different items and designed the booklet form. The Meath Writers' Circle would like to thank everyone who was there or contributed in any way to the book. The presentation was followed by tea and sandwiches and some lively conversation on times past. Also to thank Trim Castle Hotel for their generosity over the years in providing facilities for the Writers group.  
          

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Scurlogstown Heritage Park/Sunday 31st August!

Scurlogstown Heritage Park/Sunday 31st of August!

Easy Riders outside Jack Quinn's Public House Scurlogstown!
An old Bogey, I remember...
Willie G. Hodgins and the Ladies


Jimmy Peppard

A mix of poetry, song and dancing was one of the many heritage events around the county last Sunday. This time courtesy of the Scurlogstown Olympiad Group at the Folk Park beside Jack Quinn's Public House. And all while Dublin and Donegal went head to head in Croke Park!




Monday, September 1, 2014

A Turn at Tara!

Feis Teamhra/ A Turn at Tara!

Phil Robson and Christine Tobin

The Visitor Centre at Tara was the place to be yesterday and just about this time of the year every year with a host of stars coming for what is perhaps the best free afternoon's entertainment in Ireland. Paul Muldoon, Peter Fallon, Christine Tobin and Phil Robson were the ones I caught on what was a very busy day and if you haven't penciled this one in for next year you should. It rivals events where you would pay an awful lot of money just to see these guys. And if you start adding up the awards the Picnics and the Parks would get more than a run for their money. I would imagine that the only reason the place is not jammed out to the  roads  is that it's not given the big treatment in the social media, either local or national. Guests or performers here have included Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, Hollywood stars, leading musicians, national and international and all free! 


Paul Muldoon

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Pearl Jam Masters Of War





Eddie Vedder here does a superb take on the old Bob Dylan classic "Masters of War" but there's more of them than ever now and no protest singers and the media is selling soft soap and the young people are gone and water poverty is just down the road. Papers Please? With thanks to the guy who posted!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Dromineer Literary Festival 2014!

Dromineer Literary Festival 2014!

Dromineer/From Google Images.
Here's a competition that has been kind to local writers and has a closing date that's now approaching fast.  (September 8) Two competition in fact, one for poetry and the other for flash fiction. Entrants must be over 18 years of age and the fees are €5 per poem with the numbers of entries unlimited and €10 for the flash fiction competition. Again with the number of entries unlimited. Mathew Sweeney is the judge for the poetry competition and Donal Ryan for the flash fiction. The max number of lines per poem is 40 and the number of words per story is 600. You may enter by post or by e-mail but you'll need to download an entry form for the postal end and likewise see details for e-mail entries. Visit site for all details and read instructions! Good luck!.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

National Heritage Week/Tribal Drumming-Tara.

Tribal Spirit Drumming/Tara.
Two of the drummers tapping it out!

The Music Inside



Marquee

Paid a flying visit to Tara yesterday for the above event where up to two hundred drummers gathered to launch Heritage Week in County Meath. Facilitated by John Bowker who is also a very fine singer, for anyone who managed to make it there either by accident or design it made for a very entertaining afternoon. Batteries running out in the camera I managed to snap a few photos and if you ever get the chance to get to one of these events, you'll really enjoy. Very powerful indeed!

Link to John at: bookings@tribalspiritdrumming.org or telephone 00353 (0) 65683 5736.