Michael Slavin at the Boyne Readings

A good night at the first of this year's Boyne Readings and Open Mic. Michael Slavin gave a very interesting account of the background and genesis of his books, The Book of Tara, Great Tara Legends, The Ancient Books of Ireland, Showjumping Legends Ireland 1868-1998, and read extracts from each. He would never be a poet or novelist, he told us, he wrote books which he felt needed to be written to supply a want.

His enthusiasm for his subjects was clear and his readings and explanations were warm, friendly and well-received. Quite a number of his books were sold on the night. Michael pictured above signing copies of his books.

The Open Mic was great with many members of the Boyne Writers Group reading new pieces and older pieces, some of which were changed since we last heard them. Tommy Murray of the Meath Writers Circle read from his new collection, Swimming with Dolphins (Lapwing) which will be launched in Navan Library on Thursday 24 May.

I read two poems, one of which was the translation of the sixteenth century elegy by Tadhg Dall O'Higgins. A former school principal near Trim, Peadar Ó Liatháin, well known to most of those in attendance, had died earlier that day so this was in the nature of a salute to him.

Peadar was a native of Cúil Aodha, Co. Cork and an Irish poet of note. He was cléireach (secretary) of the annual Dáimhscoil Mhúscraí Uí Fhloinn and wrote An Cheist which other poets were expected to respond to in poetry.