Boyne Berries 15 Launched!

It's done! The last of my Boyne Berries was launched last evening in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim. It was a most enjoyable function and I was delighted at how well it went and how well those who attended seemed to enjoy it.

Paddy Smith as MC was his usual bright self with plenty of attempts at humour, most of which worked well! He suggested that Fr Sean Henry, who launched the issue might give a general absolution to writers present who do such violence to the English language in the work!

The local PP, Fr. Sean Henry, then officially launched the issue and complimented the group on their work in the community and on the publication of the magazine. He spoke of the importance of the word, of reading and of books and mentioned his own love of poetry. Emily Dickinson is one of his favourites.

Then the readers. A total of seventeen contributors read. As well as the locals they came from Louth, Cavan, Dublin, Longford and Kildare. A great variety of material, prose and poetry and some nice humour as well. Sometimes these occasions see a lot of "serious" stuff read but last night there was plenty of laughs as well.

The night ended with presentations of framed prints of Greg Hasting's cover image to Fr. Henry and to myself as retiring editor. Orla Fay, incoming editor, made some very kind remarks about my tenure as editor and told us how excited she was to be taking over.

Then I was delighted and surprised to be presented with a beautiful Children of Lir by Genesis, Mullingar on behalf of Boyne Writers Group to mark my retirement. Thank you all very much.

Photos:
Top: Paddy Smith presents the Children of Lir on behalf of Boyne Writers Group.
Middle: Orla Fay presents a framed copy of Greg Hasting's cover image.
Bottom: Sharon Tighe Mooney, Mary Melvin Geoghegan and Orla Fay at the launch.