Higgins Selected Poems Launch

I attended the launch of the the Father and Son: Selected Poems, at Higginsbrook House, Trim, Co. Meath. This is a handsome volume published by Arlen House with an introduction by Joe Woods, former Director of Poetry Ireland.

Higginsbrook House is a fine Georgian house in which F.R. Higgins spent many summers. The house was used in the films Becoming Jane and Northanger Abbey in 2007.

A most enjoyable celebration of the poet with interesting contributions by local historian Noel French and Aidan Gray of Higginsbrook, a relative of the author.

There were a number of fine readings of poems from the volume and English poet, P.J. Kavanagh, had the honour of reading Higgins' best known poem, Father and Son. He did it with style.

P.J. Kavanagh is a most interesting writer. He knows Irish writers well, having written Voices in Ireland: A Traveller's Literary Companion in 1994. We talked about T.H. White who had lived near Trim for a while during World War II, Francis Ledwidge and also the Gloucester poet, Ivor Gurney, whose Collected Poems Kavanagh edited in 2004. Guardian Review here.

Two more launches of the book will take place:
The Abbey Theatre, Dublin City – Monday 9th September from. 5.30pm.
The Mayfly Hotel, Foxford, Co. Mayo – Tuesday 10th September from 7pm.

For further information please contact: Aidan Gray (Tel: 087 682 6934, Email: grayajh@eircom.net)