Tommy Murray Poetry Book Launch

I attended the launch of Tommy Murray's book of poetry Counting Stained Glass Windows last evening in Trim Library. A very well attended event with a large group from Meath Writers Circle there as well as some from our own Boyne Writers Group. The book is published by Lapwing Press, Belfast.

Master of ceremonies Michael Regan praised Tommy for his long devotion to poetry and local history and congratulated him on the new book. Members of the Writers Circle read poetry and in some cases sang songs - we had a lively rendition of The Red Flag by Michael "Sheriff" Shiels. The Red Flag was written by a Meath-man of course, Jim Connell from Crossakiel. Frank Murphy and Willie Hodgins also read poetry.

The book was officially launched by award winning poet (Forward Prize 2002) Tom French who praised Tommy Murray's craft of poetry and highlighted in particular his attitudes of devotion and of rebellion, comparing these to the work of poets Philip Larkin and Michael Hartnett. Tom's new collection is being published by Gallery Press in September.

Drogheda poet Marie MacSweeney was also there and read from her forthcoming poetry collection which will be launched in the Boyne Valley Hotel, Drogheda on Friday, October 9th at 8pm.