Boyne Berries Launch

Tonight we launch Boyne Berries 9. All is in readiness. We even have the magazine, have had them for a week beforehand actually which is a record. At least twice I've collected them from the printers on the morning of the launch. Greg has done the usual great job on the black and white cover.

Noel Dempsey who recently retired is officially launching the magazine. He launched the first issue in March 2007 when he was Minister for Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources so we are delighted to have him back.

We are hoping for the usual large attendance of members, locals and those who travel a distance to read their contributions and enjoy the occasion.

Boyne Berries 9 Launch

The ninth issue of our magazine Boyne Berries will be launched on this Thursday 31 March at 8pm in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim by recently retired Noel Dempsey. Noel, then a Government Minister, launched issue 1 of the magazine in March 2007 (picture right).

This issue has poems and prose from writers in Trim, Meath, Ireland, UK, USA, and Australia. Local writers are well represented. Anne Crinion has a poem on a memory from Trim past, Ned McManus’ Forge, Jenny Andersson writes about her Aunt Hilda, Maria Durnin writes about a shopping experience and Paddy Smith has an intriguing story called The Back Seat. Rory O’Sullivan of the Boyne Writers group has a typically dark mysterious poem called Graveland with his own evocative illustrations.

There are stories and poems about love lost and found, about childhood memories good and bad, about playing cowboys and Indians, about the past, about Vietnam, about cancer. The recent harsh winter inspired Eamon Cooke to write about the experience: A winter of extremes in keeping with the economic conditions that had recently prevailed.

A sample of some of the titles gives a hint of the variety of reading which is contained in the magazine: Inishmaan Snailbox, This Crowded Solitude Eventually, The Rat Beneath the Shed, I Took a Course in Buddhism, The Witch.

At the launch many of the contributors will attend, including one from North Yorkshire, and read their work. Admission is free and all are welcome. Previous launches have been very enjoyable occasions and have been very well attended. Boyne Berries 8 costs €8 and will be on sale at the launch, in Antonia’s Bookshop, and in SPAR Trim or can be purchased through the website. It is also available in Dublin at the bookmarket in the Twisted Pepper Building at 54 Middle Abbey Street each Saturday afternoon from 1pm – 6pm.