Friday, December 29, 2017

Peggy Murphy R.I.P.

Peggy Murphy R.I.P.


My mother passed away on the 23rd after eleven weeks in hospital. Although not very well for some time she loved writing poems about family and friends and was much in demand, especially for christenings, marriages and all kind of celebration but she also wrote poems in memory of loved ones and friends who had passed on. She was a regular contributor to The Meath Writers' Circle and The Christian Writers and many of her poems were published in the Meath Chronicle. She also brought out a number of poetry books and Paul Hennessy the well known tenor recorded her on DVD. Also some of her stories were broadcast on LMFM. Her poems about Dunshaughlin and the old Workhouse and her childhood days in Derrickstown have gone to many countries. Christmas was a special time of the year for her and she loved the get-together's with grandchildren and other relations. She also raised a considerable amount for different charities over the years and on one of her birthday parties instead of presents everything was donated to animal rescue. She purchased a knitting machine at one time and must have knitted jumpers for just about everyone in the parish. She was a member of the Kilmessan Active Retirement Group and the Dunshaughlin Friday Club and travelled all over Ireland on their special outings. She also went to Lourdes a number of times. To everyone who came to the funeral service or went in to visit her in hospital or sent their regards, a very big thank you.

The Hand of God

I see beauty in the stars
In the moon that shines on high
In the sun and in the rainbow
That arcs across the sky.

I see beauty everywhere
In the little birds and bees
The cattle grazing in the fields
The hedges and the trees.

The Hand of God is everywhere
In all things that I see
He made it all for us to share
And everything is free.

Peggy Murphy.

She will be missed. (Born 4th of July 1929 ~ Died 23rd December 2017)


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure!

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure 


Christmas Tree/Kilmessan
Chaired by Jim Owens the "Poetry For Pleasure" group had their Christmas get together last night in An Tobar Navan where the theme naturally enough was on the Christmas season and memories of times past. Everyone got to read or recite a favourite poem with Patrick Kavanagh coming up more than a few times. Other writers included were, Christina Rossetti, Henry Wordsworth, Anne Ridler, Mary Oliver, Sean Reilly, Camilus Kane, Noel Monahan, Carol Owens, Eugene Kane, Sean Kane, Frank Murphy, David Olney, Milo O' Shea and Willie G. Hodgins. I'm sure there were a few more that I've missed and there were some other stories told as well. Sean Reilly finished of with the Christmas carol, "Silent Night". The next meeting will be on Tuesday the 16th of January where the theme is "starting afresh".

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Christy Moore on politicians





Checked out a few versions of this. Heard it on The Late Late Show a couple of weeks back. The sound is not the best but it may be the best version. Written by Pat Quinn of Inisheer and a great piece of satire. With thanks to youtube and Joe.ie who posted.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale Of New York (Official V...





Over 42 million people can't be wrong. Here's Shane and Kirsty. With thanks to youtube and Rhino UK who loaded.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

The Meath Writers' Circle/December Meeting!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ December Meeting 2017!


About eleven people turned out for what was our last meeting of 2017, with a summary or review of magazine sales or such, and to date more that a few hundred have been sold with more on order. A number of poems and stories were read and in the midst of all this a birthday cake came out so it was celebrations all round! Our Christmas or yearly party has been postponed though until February and anyone who is interested in going should get their name in asap.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The Moth Poetry Prize 2017!

The Moth Poetry Prize 2017!


This one has a closing date that's fast approaching so only a few weeks left to get your entries in. The first prize is €10,000 for an unpublished poem with three runner up prizes of €1000 and a short list of four will be chosen by the judge Daljit Nagra. the poems will be published in the spring 2018 issue and the overall winner will be announced at a special award ceremony at Poetry Ireland in Dublin in the spring. You can enter online or by post and an entry form and list of previous winners is available on the site. €12 per poem. Check out details!


Saturday, December 2, 2017

Kilmessan/Keep Memories Alive!

Snippets From The Skane Valley!

Front Cover
The Skane Valley Active Retirement Group which was founded in 2013 has today over 60 members and they meet every Tuesday morning in the old schoolhouse Kilmessan at eleven onwards. The above booklet which was launched this afternoon includes contributions from many of its members and covers a wide variety of topics and different interests, including poetry, prose, story telling, recipes , paintings, hints and tips, sayings, recollections and historical pieces. The introduction is by Joe Whelan and the painting on the cover is by Sheila Keating. If you would like some information about joining the group, contact Mary Carroll at 085 179 0744. The booklet retails at €3. 

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Glen Hansard and Colm Mac Con Iomaire Raglan Road





Patrick Kavanagh ~ Born 21st October 1904 - Died ~ 30th November 1967.



Here's a fine rendition of Kavanagh's Raglan Road. Most would go for Luke Kelly but Glen does a fine job here and worth a listen. I loaded this one some time back but tomorrow is the 30th of November so here goes. Great story about this and a true story. With thanks to youtube and the person who loaded!

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Book Launch/Brendan McCann!

"Erne Valley" Brendan McCann
Image/Artist
Eilish McCann

"Erne Valley" a new poetry collection by Brendan McCann will be launched at Johnston Central Library, Farnham Street, Cavan on Thursday the 30th of November 2017 at 7 pm by acclaimed national poet Noel Monahan. Information from Cavan County Council Arts and Library Service. Contact details below.


Tel: 049 4378549

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

4. ronnie drew - turning the psyche of the irish inside out





Ronnie telling it as it is or was. Where have all the characters gone? If we get anymore politically correct the country's gone! With thanks to youtube and eyebrightirl for loading.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Poetry Competitions/2017

Poetry Competitions ~ To end the year!


These competitions have a closing date that's fast approaching, so if you intend entering a poem or two you only have few days left to do it. Myself I might enter two of them. See how it goes! All worth a mention in. Strokestown and the Gregory O' Donoghue are two of the biggest in the country and the Doolin Festival is ... well if you haven't been! Links below.


Doolin Festival

Good Luck!

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight. By Dylan Thomas. Read By Richard B...





Brendan Gleeson does a stirring version of this over on RTE. Played just before the match last night. But enough said. Sport is a funny thing and a touch here or a touch there and the result could have been different. But when it goes wrong out there and at that level its like war in the desert. With thanks to youtube and guy who loaded.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

The Carter Family - Wildwood Flower





Always meant to post something on these guys. So on a busy Sunday. Enjoy. With thanks to youtube and the guy who loaded!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Meath Writers' Circle 3rd Annual Magazine Launch Night 2017 - Meath Dail...





Many thanks to Gemma and Meath Daily TV for turning out for the launch! Many other videos of interest here as well. Link below.

Meath Daily TV 

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Magazine Launch/Photos!

The Meath Writers' Circle/Third Annual Magazine Launch 2017!


Monica Sherlock
Kathleen Miggin
Claire and Eugene Kane
Michael Farry and James Linnane
Jim Owens and Willie G. Hodgins
Bridie Halton
Noel French

Some photos taken at last night's launch in Jack Quinn's. With thanks to Jim Owens for launching the magazine and to everyone who contributed or assisted in any way. And finally a big thank you to Meath Daily TV for their recordings on the night. More on that to follow! 




Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Magazine Launch 2017!

The Meath Writers' Circle/Magazine Launch 2017!

The launch of our third annual magazine takes place this Friday night in Jack Quinn's of Scurlogstown (TĂ©ach Scurlog) at 7.30 pm. A mix of poetry and prose with pieces of historical interest, the magazine is A4 size and runs to over sixty pages including biographical notes and introduction. It is printed on glossy paper with a number of illustrations. It would make an ideal Christmas present or gift for anyone interested in the written word. It includes contributions from a number of writing groups and poems by some of Ireland's best known writers. Refreshments will be served and hope to see you there!

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards 2017!

Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards 2017!


Ms Maria Wallace
Made it up to Saggart this afternoon for the 2017 awards and the 10th year anniversary. Award winning Catalan/Tallagh author Ms Maria Wallace was the judge and the winners and shortlisted entrants should be up on their Facebook page in the next few days. Will add them here as soon as possible. Managed a Highly Commended but that was it. Nice to get something on the 350th of Swift's birth!



Poetry:  1st - Karen O' Connor - Beached
   Joint 2nd - Berni Dwan - Department Store Restaurant
                    AĂ­ne Lyons -  The Return
           3rd - Roisin Browne - Morning Manoeuvres RPG Avenue

Prose: 1st - James Conway - Imagination
          2nd - Andrew MacLaughlin - Los Otros Peregrinos
  Joint 3rd - Noel King - Black Socks
                  Patrick A Gavin - Goat's Hair

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Verona Pentony/The Mansion House!

Verona Pentony/The Mansion House!



Mrs Dowling, Mrs M O' Grady
And Verona Pentony.
Verona Pentony reciting her poem, "Fr. Joseph Mallin" at The Mansion House, Dublin as a guest of the Mallin family on September the 28th 2017 and then on the 1st of October at the unveiling of the plaque at number 105 Ceannt Fort, Kilmainham. Michael Mallin and his wife Agnes lived there but it is now owned by a Mrs Dowling. Michael Mallin was executed on the 8th of May 1916. His son Fr. Joseph Mallin is now aged 104 and lives in Hong Kong.

  

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Marino Casino - John Sheahan and Eamonn Campbell (The Dubliners)



Eamonn Campbell died on the 18th of October. Originally from Drogheda Co. Louth he was born on the 26th of November 1946 and I believe it was on his suggestion that the Dubliners would record with the Pogues. Many other credits to his name but he was one of the legends of the Irish Music scene. Here he performs with John Sheahan. With thanks to Lemurie who posted and youtube.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

The Ledwidge Issue/Boyne Berries!

The Ledwidge Issue/Boyne Berries!

Boyne Berries 22 is a special issue commemorating the centenary of the death of war poet Francis Ledwidge who was killed at Passchendaele in 1917. Born at Janeville near Slane, County Meath and only 29 years of age when he died he was sometimes known as the "poet of the blackbirds". Many of the pieces here reflect in some way on the nature of conflict or its awful aftermath, or by direct connection to the places he knew or knew best and really it's one for your bookshelf  or especially for those with an interest in the poets of WW1 or with any connection to County Meath. Edited by Orla Fay, The Ledwidge Issue is priced at €10. Cover image is by Rory O' Sullivan. Boyne Berries link to the right.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Magazine Launch/The Meath Writers' Circle!

The Meath Writers' Circle/3rd Annual Magazine 2017!


The launch of our third annual magazine takes place in Jack Quinn's of Scurlogstown (TĂ©ach Scurlog) on Friday the 3rd of November at 7.30 pm and all are invited to attend. The magazine includes both poetry and prose and pieces that are of historical interest and for the first time we've included a section on junior poets that is sure to be of interest. Refreshments will be served on the night and if you are looking for something that would make an ideal gift for the Christmas or perhaps have a friend or relative abroad then the magazine would make a beautiful present. Hope to see you there! 




Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Tom Petty - Learning To Fly





One for Tom. R.I.P. With thanks to youtube and TomPettyVevo for loading.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

The Meath Writers' Circle/October Meeting 2017!

The Meath Writers' Circle/October Meeting 2017!

About eleven people turned out for the October meeting of The Meath Writers' Circle in the Trim Castle Hotel with some discussion on both the Christmas Party and a launch date and place for our annual magazine. Details of these will hopefully be finalized next week. Given a number of difficulties though the party is now set for early February and we should have all info on this in the next few days. Poems and stories were also read and the best poem of the night must go to Willie for his reading of "Autumn" a poem he wrote for the An Tobar group in Ardbraccan where the theme was just that. 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Award 2017!

The Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Award 2017!


Francis Ledwidge
The closing date for this one is the 5th of November and the winner will receive both a cash prize and a plaque inscribed with his or her name (A keepsake).  There will also be cash prizes and books for the second and third places and merit certificates for the other finalists. The first 3 poems will be entered in the Forward Prize UK. In addition, the winner will invited to read at the annual Francis Ledwidge Commemoration at the National War Memorial Gardens in July 2018.

The poems must be the competitor's own work and not previously published or broadcast and must not exceed 40 lines. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The entry fee is €5 per poem and made payable to the Inchicore Ledwidge Society. Name and address on a separate sheet of paper. Send S.A.E. or e-mail address for winners' list. Poems will not be returned.

Send to: The Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Award 2017, C/o 20, Emmet Crescent. Inchicore, Dublin 8. Check out  on Facebook page: Inchicore Ledwidge Society

Saturday, September 30, 2017

SiarScéal Festival 2017!


Hanna Greally International Literary Awards 2017!



The closing date for this one is fast approaching (Tuesday 10th October 2017) and entries may be submitted online or by post. €10 for three entries and entries may consist of poetry and /or short-story/prose compositions that have not been previously published. The overall prize winner will receive a publishing package deal from the Manuscript Publisher valued at € 2000 and a cash prize of € 700 will be awarded for 1st prize. Trophy prizes will be awarded to Highly Commended entries in the various categories and the Ger Hanily Memorial Cup will be presented to a local winner. There are a number of terms and conditions with regard to the overall prize and competition rules require that entries must not have been previously published. 

Send your postal entries to: Mary Butler, a/County Librarian, Roscommon County Council Library Service, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town. 

For further information and to check out terms and conditions go to: www.SiarSceal.com/competitions
Also the above to enter online.

The theme for this year is: Beneath Western Skies

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Meath Land Commission/Heritage Group!

Dunshaughlin Library/Harvest Festival!

Meath  Land Commission/Heritage Group

As part of the Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival the Meath Land Commission Heritage Group held an information day at Dunshaughlin Library last Saturday to showcase the heritage of the Resettlement Programme. The event was followed by an evening of stories, music, poetry and song. Chaired by Michael Durkan the group is interested in compiling a publication and can be contacted at : meathlc@gmail.com

Sunday, September 24, 2017

The Ledwidge Issue/Photos!

The Ledwidge Issue/Boyne Berries 22, Autumn 2017!

Francis Browne, Ciaran Mangan and Orla Fay
Orla Fay, Ciaran Mangan and Caroline Carey Finn
Liam Cahill, Michael Farry and Paddy Smith
Michael Farry and Richard Hawtree
Orla Fay and Ciaran Mangan
Ciaran Mangan of Meath County Library did the honours at last Friday's launch of the Boyne Berries literary magazine in the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim County Meath.  This was a special issue commemorating the poet Francis Ledwidge who was killed at the battle of Passchendaele in 1917 during WW1.  Above are some photos taken on the night.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure!

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure


An Tobar/Ardbraccan, Navan.


The summer break over, the Poetry for Pleasure group at An Tobar recommenced last night with readings on a poetic theme relating to the season of autumn. Poems read included, Autumn by Willie G. Hodgins, Autumn Leaves by Jacques Prevert/Johnny Mercer, The Deserted Village by Oliver Goldsmith, The Wild Swans of Coole by W.B. Yeats, The Diary of a Church Mouse by John Betjeman, The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W.B. Yeats, The Meteorological Fall and The Astronomical Fall by Carol Owens, The Death of a Field by Paula Meehan, Robin Redbreast by William Alingham, All-Hallows Eve by Francis Ledwidge, September 1913 by W.B. Yeats, An Evening by Francis Ledwidge, Ode to Autumn by John Keats, The Solitary Reaper by William Wordsworth and a prose reading, School Report on the Teacher by George Knightley. The next get-together is on Tuesday the 17th of October and the theme is on something along the same lines. 

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Boyne Berries 22 Launch!

Boyne Berries 22 Launch!
                                                       
A special edition commemorating the death of war poet Francis Ledwidge will be launched this Friday night in the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim by Meath County Librarian, Ciaran Mangan. Entry to the event is free and many of those who contributed poems or other material will be there for what promises to be a special occasion. More details and information over on the Boyne Berries and Orla Fay blogsites. Links to the right! Tea and coffee will be served after the readings and the book will retail at €10. So if poetry or war poetry or just good writing or WW1 is your interest, why not come along! Start time 8 pm.  



Tuesday, September 12, 2017

The Blossom or the Bole/ Pheme Glass

The Blossom or the Bole/ Pheme Glass


Set against the religious difference and community divide of rural Tyrone in the days leading up to and the outbreak of world war one, the friendship of two boys and their decision to enlist will have far reaching consequence and leave no happy ending. The play out of events and expectations on both sides will separate them and the outcome for them and for many of their comrades caught in either of the conflicts will leave too many scars. The turbulent years between 1914 and 1921 would leave a divided country but friendships such as here seem to endure in some way or other.

Pheme Glass is a native of Cookstown, County Tyrone and this is her first novel. She has published a collection of poetry, "Seeds of Memory" in 2013. "The Blossom or the Bole" is published by Shanway Press, Belfast and retails at €12. 

Friday, September 8, 2017

The Meath Writers' Circle/September Meeting 2017!

The Meath Writers' Circle/September Meeting 2017!

Jamie Rennicks and Willie G. Hodgins
Carmel Murray, Jamie Rennicks and Willie G Hodgins
Paul Martin, Gemma Macey, Carmel Murray, Pat Bennett, Jamie Rennicks, Verona Pentony , Willie  G. Hodgins,
Eugene Kane, Patrick Nolan and Rex Lee.
About twelve people turned out last night for the September meeting of The Meath Writers' Circle with a presentation made to Jamie Rennicks of the Meath River Rescue by Willie Hodgins on behalf of the group. Other items discussed at the meeting included the launch of our magazine and a mention or two of our annual Christmas party. We also found time to read a poem or two and Sean read us an interesting take on the television soap opera. There was also a mention of the late and great Benedict Kiely. 

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Saggart Heritage & Arts Centre

10th Annual Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards!


Ms Maria Wallace and Mervyn Ennis
The closing date for this one is Monday the 2nd of October 2017 and entries may be in Irish or English. The work must be the author's own original work and not have been published or broadcast. Poems not to exceed 45 lines and must be typed in plain font Times Roman point 12 single spacing on plain white A4 sheet, without decoration or illustration. Entrant's names not to appear on the typescript but only on the entry form which can be downloaded from their Facebook page. A cover charge of €4 per poem, or three for €10 with a max of 6 poems, €5 for prose. Entries made payable to Jonathan Swift Creative Writing Awards.

Ms Maria Wallace, Award winning Catalan/Tallagh Author and Poet will judge the competition. The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winners will be notified seven days in advance and must be prepared to read their work if possible at the awards night at the Heritage centre in Saggart Dublin on the 28th of October 2017.  

Address entries to : Margaret Ennis "Teach Giuise", Boherboy, Saggart, Co. Dublin.



Friday, September 1, 2017

Swords Heritage Week 2017!

Annual Literary Awards 2017!

Cllr. Mary McCamley the Mayor of Fingal
And Pauline Giffney
Made it up to Swords on Wednesday night for the Annual Literary Awards which were presented by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Mary McCamley. The winner of the McDonagh Trophy for poetry went to Pauline Giffney for her poem, I'd Love To Be At My Own Funeral  and the short story award, The Tom O' Shea Trophy went to Anne Lawlor for her story, The Good Suit. The award for "What Swords Means To Me" and the Betty Brown Trophy went to Joseph Smyth for A Sea Town Childhood. Managed to make it on to the short list but that was it. The trophies though are beautiful and Bernadette Marks and others are to be congratulated for what is perhaps one of the best presentation nights in the country. The venue was The Lord Mayor's, Main Street and a lot more information and the second and third places if you click on the link to Swords Heritage below.



Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Braveheart & Myths and Legends

Salmon of Knowledge Festival, Trim 2017!





Cllr. Noel French did the honours at the launch of The Castle Art Group's, Braveheart & Myths and Legends at The Salmon of Knowledge Festival last Sunday. This booklet is a selection of paintings by Anne Crinion, Jenny Anderson, Sheila Keating, Angela Keliher, Teresa McCole and June Smith. The painting are on display at the Trim Tourist Office and St Joseph's Community Nursing Unit, Trim and include scenes of Trim Castle, The Salmon of Knowledge by Angela Keliher, the Fairy Ring Fort At Laracor by Anne Crinion, the Children of Lir by Teresa McCole, the Echo Gate by June Smith and Tara by Sheila Keating. Also included in the booklet is some history on the filming of Braveheart in 1994 and a number of paintings of Trim Castle during its construction for the film with painting of production marquees as well. Noel French is a noted historian and Director of The Meath Heritage Centre.  


Saturday, August 26, 2017

Seven Arch Bridge Trim.

Packhorse Bridge/Scurlogstown Trim!


Over twenty people turned out on Thursday night for a talk by Paul Kerr on the history and details of what remains of the old Packhorse or seven arch bridge over the Knightsbrook river which is just up the road from Scurlogstown. A lot of the vegetation and growth that obscured it has now been removed and what is an important part the local heritage of the area is now visible and can be preserved for future generations and perhaps further enhanced. Something of the history of this type of construction can be found over on Wikipedeia and other sites and is worth a read through to get an idea of how important this bridge must have been to commerce in the Trim area. The road or pathway that crossed the bridge equally so but perhaps long forgotten. 

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Family Fun Day Scurlogstown 2017!

Family Fun Day Scurlogstown 2017/Photos!



Although it rained heavily and then some and Mayo were playing Kerry in Croke Park, people still turned out to the Folk Park at Scurlogstown for the beginning of Heritage Week. A few photos taken before I left to watch the game!

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Trim Salmon of Knowledge Festival!

Trim Salmon of Knowledge Festival 2017!




The Trim Salmon of Knowledge Festival is on Sunday the 27th of August with a number of events running throughout the day including adventure races on the Boyne, a production and re-enactment of the catching of the Salmon of Knowledge by the Trim Musical Society and the Trim Drama Group, a story that many will be familiar with from their schooldays, the Salmon of Knowledge Experience by Gerry Meade, the crowning of the Goddess Boann (Queen of the Boyne), novelty races, activities and amusements, cultural traditions with music and dance, stalls from the Trim and Boyne Valley regions, poetry from local writers with readings from 2 to 4pm and a book launch by the Castle Arts group at 2pm, and ending with an evening and night of entertainment throughout Trim venues. And all of this coincides with the start of the Race Around Ireland. Full details of everything on the day if you go to the Trim Tourism website. 

Trim Tourism Network

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Family Fun Day/Scurlogstown Heritage Park 2017!

Family Fun Day/Scurlogstown Heritage Park 2017


Jack Quinn's Public House
Scurlogstown/Heritage Sunday

As part of Heritage Week the Scurlogstown Olympiad group will be holding a "Family Fun Day" in the Heritage Park just across the road from Jack Quinn's on Sunday the 20th of August. All are welcome with games for the children, music and poetry and Pet's Corner and if you should be thirsty just over the road is one of the best known pubs in Meath. Just outside Trim on the main Dublin road Scurlogstown is close to some of the most important visitor attractions in the county and if you happen to be passing on the day why not stop in for a while!



Saturday, August 12, 2017

Poetry Reading/St Elizabeth's Athboy!

Poetry Reading/St Elizabeth's Athboy.


The Meath Writers' Circle were guests last Thursday for an afternoon of poetry and song in St Elizabeth's of Athboy and would like to thank the residents and staff there for what was an enjoyable gathering. Poems that were schoolbook favourites or songs from yesteryear made for an entertaining get together and ended with light refreshments and tea for all. Again a big thank you to everyone there.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

True Grit (1969) - La Boeuf (Glen Campbell), Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne...





The remake of this is perhaps as good as the original which takes nothing from either and John Wayne won an Oscar here for playing Rooster, but both Kim Darby and Glen Campbell put in some great performances here in what is one of the great classic westerns. (As is the remake!) With thanks to youtube and ~ "Glen Campbell - a Tribute" who posted.

Glen Campbell ~ "Highwayman" (Jimmy Webb) LIVE! 1980 L.A. Forum





Sad to hear of the death of Glen Campbell, one of the great contemporary ballad singers. I remember buying an eight track cassette of his back in the early seventies or so, and while the sound from those things was something else, they had a tendency to jam and it did somewhere on the back road from Rathfeigh to Duleek  in the middle of, "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife" or maybe it was, "Gentle on my Mind". Anyway he was a fine singer and guitar player and will be missed and to borrow a line from another song, "Another piece of America's gone!" With thanks to youtube and Diamond's In The Rough who posted.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

The Meath Writers' Circle/August 2017!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ August 2017!


About eight or nine people turned out for the August meeting of The Meath Writers' Circle, so a small number this time. The magazine is finished and with the printer and we should have a proof to go through for our next get together. Thanks to everyone who contributed a poem or article. A number of events coming up, or possible other projects, but yet to be ironed out and interesting to see how it goes. On the night we read some poems and stories and finished off with a song.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Bray Literary Festival 2017!

Bray Literary Festival 2017!


The Bray Literary Festival 2017 has prizes in two categories and a closing date of not later than 5 pm on Thursday the 31st of August. There are prizes here for both poetry and flash fiction with the winner of each category receiving €200 and the runner-up €50. The judges are Breda Wall Ryan (author of the award winning, "In a Hare's Eye ~ Doire Press) for poetry and Catherine Dunne, author of nine novels, including the award winning, "The Things we Know Now" ~ MacMillan). There are a number of terms and conditions and entry is by post only with fees at €5 for a single entry and €10 for three entries. 

Postal address: Bray Literary Festival Competitions, 9 Martello Manor, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 T389. 

Check out details at: Here!