Boyne Berries Launch Tonight

Everything is organised isn't it?
Oh course it is.
That's unusual.
Well I still have to collect the magazine from the printer.
What! But the launch is in a few hours.
No problem. I just have to drive up to Blanchardstown and collect them.
Have you made out the readers' list?
Well, sort of.
Sort of!
I'm not quite sure who's coming.
Oh dear. And you have an introduction ready for Noel French who is launching the issue.
No our chairman does that.
Your chairman is gone to San Francisco.
San Francisco! That's a bit drastic. It's not that difficult to introduce Noel French.
We'll see how well you can do it so.
Ok, Ok, Make me a cup of coffee, yes another one, going to be a busy day. I'll do everything in plenty of time for the next issue.
Yea right.

September Poetry in Motion in Drogheda

Poetry in Motion in Drogheda - September

The Viaduct Bards presents readings from local poets and writers on the last Wednesday of each month.
This months special guests are poets John O'Rourke and Nuala Leonard.
Venue: Droichead Arts Centre - Stockwell St, Drogheda, Co Louth
Date: Wednesday 29 September.
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Email: emerdavis@hotmail.com

Boyne Berries 8 Launch

The eight issue of Boyne Berries, the magazine published by Boyne Writers will be launched on Thursday 30 September at 8pm in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim by Noel French of the Meath Heritage Centre.

This issue of the magazine continues the pattern established by the previous issues and includes prose and poetry from local and international writers. Members of the Boyne Writers are included, Anne Crinion has two poems on aspects of Trim as it once was, Caroline Finn contributes a fictitious newsletter from a mysterious character called Hank, Jenny Andersson writes about her garden, Bill Comerford about primroses in a window box and Barbara Flood has thoughts about the summer just gone by and how Irish people react to the weather. Rory O’Sullivan of the Boyne Writers Group has one of his typically dark mysterious poems included with his own evocative illustrations.

This issue has poems and prose from writers in the UK, the USA, Canada, Italy and India. There are pieces about love lost and found, about life and death, about the past and the future. It is full of pieces which have unexpected twists and turns. A poem by Canadian resident Changming Yuan called On the Recycling Day lists contents of bins which are not what might be expected! On the other hand a poem called “Visa Photo” by Marian O’Rourke has a first line we might all empathise with as we look at a passport photo taken some years ago: The face in the photo is not mine.

A sample of some of the titles gives a hint of the variety of reading which is contained in the magazine: I Lied about Being the Indoor Type, A Love Affair with Horse Racing, and I Don’t Buy Marmalade Anymore.

At the launch many of the contributors will read their work. Admission is free and all are welcome. Previous launches have been very enjoyable occasions and have been very well attended. No matter how interesting it is to read work in a magazine, hearing the author read is a special pleasure. You can chat to the writers over a tea or coffee afterwards.

Boyne Berries 8 costs €7 and will be on sale in Antonia’s Bookshop, Trim and other local outlets or can be purchased through the website.

The Hawk's Rock 2

More pictures from Saturday's event in Sligo.

Me admiring my Hawk's Rock chapbook at the shed gallery with the Hawk's Rock in the background.

One of Conor Gallagher's paintings of the rock. This picture doesn't do justice to the painting's bright vibrant colours. Conor used a black and white version of this for the chapbook cover.

The musicians play The Hungry Rock.
The view from the summit of the rock back towards the shed gallery.

There is a photograph of the rock from the road, the usual viewpoint and the one which Conor's paintings reflect, on this page.

The Hawk's Rock

Very enjoyable and special event at the Hawk's Rock, Coolaney, Sligo yesterday. I was delighted to be asked to play a part in Conor Gallagher's exhibition of his paintings of the rock, an impressive steep outcrop on the southern side of the Ox Mountains. This place and Tullaghan Well nearby gave Yeats the title of his play At the Hawk's Well.

Conor performed miracles, got Coillte to clear a path to the top of the Rock allowing the visitors to climb and enjoy the view - all of south Sligo and Benbulben, Sligo Bay and the Donegal mountains to the north. He had a hut built near the Rock in which he exhibited his paintings, asked me to speak of the history of the area and read some poetry and had a couple of musicians there who played the Dervish tune The Hungry Rock. He made my collection of six poems on the area into a very attractive chapbook which we gave out to the audience.

A good crowd made up I think of some from Sligo town and some locals enjoyed the event. I got some compliments on the poetry and and the history as well as some additions to the stories associated with the area. The weather was perfect, a calm clear autumn day and the mountain was dry underfoot. Conor's gallery at the Hawk's Rock is open again today 2pm - 5pm and he will have more on the exhibition on his website later.

Pictures. Top: Conor Gallagher welcoming everybody. Below: Me pointing out the local landmarks.
More tomorrow.

All Ireland Poetry Day - Meath, Cavan events

All Ireland Poetry Day takes place on Thursday 7th October and events will take place in most if not all counties of Ireland. Boyne Writers Group have organised a reading in St Patrick's Cathedral, Loman Street, Trim at 12 noon and one in the Resource Centre, Kells at 5pm. All are welcome to come along and read a favourite poem, one of your own poems or just listen. Picture above is of Frank Murphy reading in the Cathedral last year. A wonderful venue!

LitLab, of which I am also a member, are reading at the Chapter 1 Cafe at 8pm that evening and we are also having a reading in Virginia but the time has not been finalised yet.

I'm off to the Hawk's Rock to day to talk (briefly) about history, read a few poems, look at Conor Gallagher's art and admire the wonderful Ox Mountain scenery.

Dromineer Poetry Competition

I had given up on Dromineer because I heard last week who had won the competition. Today I got an email saying that "Dave Lordan, the judge of the Poetry Competition at the 2010 Dromineer Literary Festival, has selected the following works for special merit" and two of my entries were included. I'm pleased about that - nice to be noticed. I'll probably go down for the presentations and stay for the Dave Lordan workshop the next morning.

I was talking or emailing two people recently about choosing poems to enter based on who the judge was and I have to admit that I chose my Dromineer entry with Dave in mind. however the one I though would really catch his attention isn't in the merit list. Ah well.

We also had a discussion recently about putting titles on poems to catch the judges attention. Just as a matter of interest this is the list of Dromineer special merit titles. What do you think? By the way can you guess which two are mine?

Sandymount Strand 111 (vigil)
Between the spaces of the song the song sang
Twilight
The Hour
Fort Madison
Skins and all
Flood
British Museum revisited again
The poet that a poet not I declenched and a bird attracted
What I'll need for the lecture
Ennui

Poetry Magazine - A Great Review

I thought about not renewing my subscription to the American magazine Poetry but I've just got the September issue and I'm enjoying it so much I may even send the money. I read the reviews and the comment section first then the poetry.

I mentioned here recently a wonderfully opinionated review in Poetry Ireland Review and there's something similar in the issue of Poetry in a review of a new collection by Robert Hass a Pulitzer Prize winning American poet who served as Poet Laureate of the U.S. from 1995 to 1997.

The review by Michael Robbins of The Apple Trees at Olema: New and Selected Poems, by Robert Hass has a iconoclastic tone, unafraid to criticise Hass and have a few swipes at other pillars of the American poetry on the way. It's not a negative review, he does praise where he considers praise is due.

A quote:

Like Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, and Sharon Olds—in their different ways—Hass has made a career out of flattering middlebrow sensibilities with cheap mystery. Unlike those poets, Hass has real talent. The Apple Trees at Olema is a frustrating blend of banality and brilliance.

He quotes Hass:

On the oak table
filets of sole
stewing in the juice of tangerines,
slices of green pepper
on a bone-white dish.

—From “Song”

and says:

This isn’t poetry, it’s a list of stuff in Hass’s kitchen.

Great stuff indeed.

Cyclamen Coum

A fine day in autumn - time to tidy up the garden. I'm afraid too many plants have been given free rein in my garden. It's time for some savage cutting back. I'm inclined to let plants have their own way and this sometimes is to the detriment of the smaller more delicate ones.

When I started to clear away foliage this week I found these - two clumps of Cyclamen Coum which I had forgotten about. No idea when I planted them but they have survived neglect and provide welcome colour at this time of year. Probably need to be moved a little towards the edge.

Tom Conaty Poetry Launch

Thursday 23rd September 2010: AN EXHALATION OF STARLINGS, poetry by Tom Conaty published by Doghouse Books, Tralee, will be launched by Seamus Cashman at 6.30pm at the Damer Hall, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Everyone welcome.

Friday 24th September 2010: The same collection will have its Cavan launch at The Courthouse, Cavan Town, Co. Cavan, where Cavan/Longford poet Noel Monahan will do the honours at 8pm. Everyone welcome.

An Exaltation of Starlings, Tom Conaty's first collection of poetry binds together earth and water, darkness and light, joy and bewilderment. It is a delightful regeneration of the natural forces in all of us. A strong and memorable collection. - Noel Monahan

Emer Davis Poetry Launch

On Wednesday 22.09.2010 the Viaduct Bards presents the launch of Kill Your Television - Episode One: Poems by Emer Davis. Emer will read some poems from the book with an introduction by Anne Marie Buckley and music from Sorcha Duggan. Venue: Grogan's Bar on South William St, Dublin 2. Time: 7pm. Email: emerdavis@hotmail.com

Emer and the Viaduct Bards organising readings from local emerging and established poets and writers on the last Wednesday each month at the Drogheda Arts Centre cafe/bar between 7.30-9.30pm. Sean Nos Singing Session on afterwards at 9.30pm. A group from Boyne Writers are featured on the 27 October. Emer will be reading from her new collection at the Boyne Readings and Open Mic in Trim on 21 October.

The Hawk's Rock Exhibition

You are invited to the opening of The Hawk's Rock, an exhibition of paintings by Conor Gallagher at the Kinnagrelly Forest Road, Coolaney, County Sligo. Opening at 2.30pm on Saturday Sept 25 with Special Guest Michael Farry. Gallery open Saturday 25 and Sunday 26, 2-5pm.

The Hawk’s Rock drawings are on view at The Model Studios, Sligo on Friday Sept 24 from 6-9pm as part of Sligo Culture Night. For more information email: info@conorgallagher.com

A special bus is leaving from Sligo bus station on Saturday Sept 25 at 2pm returning at 4.30pm fare €3 return. Click here to see map and the invitation online (pdf).

My involvement came about when Conor asked me, as a local historian, to contribute some history. I mentioned I had written a series of poems on the area so I'll combine history and poetry on the day.

Conor, a graphic designer and fine artist from Sligo, did a similar project last year at Dooney Wood, Sligo for Culture Night which appears to have been a great success. Full details are on his website.

Graiguenamanagh 'Town of Books' Festival

My kind of town - a town of books. I was tempted to go to Graiguenamanagh
but

• I have enough books to be going on with
• What about all those books upstairs I have still to read
• It's a long journey
• I was working this week - suit and tie - and need a quiet weekend at home

Still . . . .

Graiguenamanagh Tourism are pleased to announce the 8th Annual Graiguenamanagh 'Town of Books' Festival, which will take place in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, on Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, and Sunday 19th September 2010. For one weekend in September Graiguenamanagh will be transformed literally (no pun intended) into a ‘Town of Books’.

Whether you are looking for a special book, out of date and out of print, first edition or author signed, or whether you are looking for bargain books at great prices, then Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of books’ is a must for you.

And this is only the beginning. The establishment of this festival has resulted in a permanent antiquarian bookmarket being established in Graigue, and more bookshops are being planned for the future. As well as all that, the weekend will feature lots of music and entertainment and a brilliant food and craft market on the Sunday.

Metropolis in the Irish Film Institute

I went to see Metropolis this week in the Irish Film Institute. Made in Germany in 1927, directed by Fritz Lang this is one of the high points of what we call "silent movies". It's silent only in that there is no dialogue. The soundtrack is a new recording of the original score which is wonderful. This is a restored version of the film with newly discovered material added.

If you think silent movies mean only silly cops running madly around or a poor tramp trying to win the girl then go and see this. Great sets, great special effects, over 30,000 extras and a dark vision of the modern world. It has elements of Soviet revolutionary films (I've never seen so many flights of stairs in a film and crowds of almost-liberated workers rushing up and down) the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tim Burton's Gotham City, a mad scientist and an evil robot. And there is a tender love story as well.

Metropolis was the grandest, most spellbinding spectacle of 1920s silent European cinema and is still worth seeing. It's long though but after the first hour you just get caught up in the mad rush, the implausible storylines and the brilliant imagery and imagination.

Reviews here and here and here. You can see some of it on Youtube but it's not the same. Needs to be seen on the large screen.

Tom MacIntyre Literary Weekend

Tom MacIntyre Literary Weekend Sept 24th to 26th. Bailieborough, Co Cavan.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS (Free admission to all events)

FRIDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER
Official Launch by Myles Dungan RTE. 8.00 PM Market House (Bailieborough Library )
Followed by: • Lecture by Marie Kelly and by Patrick Mason
10.30PM Jazz Night with THE JAZZ REVIVAL BAND Giles’ Bar, Barrack Street, Bailieborough

SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER
12.30 PM Walking Tour of Bailieborough with local historian Eugene Markey

2.00 PM
Livin Dred Theatre Company. A Rehearsed Reading.with leading pofessional actors.
Good Evening Mr. Collins by Tom MacIntyre.Directed by Padraic McIntyre.VENUE: Bailieborough Courthouse.

8.00 PM – MAIN EVENT Reading by Tom MacIntyre. Followed by a Public Interview – ‘Tom MacIntyre In Conversation with Michael Harding’
VENUE: Bailieborough Courthouse.

10.30PM
Music: Antoine MacGabhainn & Friends. VENUE: Fox’s Bar, Main St. Bailieborough

SUNDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

12.30 PM Walking Tour of Bailieborough with local historian Phil Tierney

2.00 PM
Livin Dred Theatre Company Rehearsed Reading with leading professional actors
What Happened Bridgie Cleary by Tom MacIntyre. Directed by Padraic McIntyre.VENUE: Courthouse.

4.00 PM
Book Launch The Theatre of Tom MacIntyre: 'Strays from the Ether', edited by Marie Kelly and Bernadette Sweeney -
Introduction by Noel Monahan.Readings by contributors. VENUE: The Bailie Hotel

FROM SEPT 14th to SEPT 28th THE ABBEY THEATRE will hold an EXHIBITION on Tom MacIntyre in Bailieborough Library

Further information: www.bailieborough.com or by phoning (087)2626109

Readers and Writers Day - Navan Library

Meath County Library Services are holding a Readers and Writers Day on this day week, Wednesday 22nd September from 9.30am – 5pm in Navan Library.

This is a free event for all borrowers to hear from authors such as John Boyne, Claire Kilroy, Tom French, Kevin Power, Sarah Webb, Roisín Meaney and Ciara Geraghty.

Sessions include What's Happening in Irish Publishing Today; From Blyton to Landy - Changed in popular children's fiction over the Years; The Cinderella Story - The Growth of Irish Women's Fiction.

Book at Navan Library on 046 9021134.

Fiona Banner - Harrier and Jaguar

Photographs from Fiona Banner's current exhibition or installation in the Tate Britain from my recent visit to London. A remarkable experience to see these two once powerful war machines, a Harrier and a Jaguar, lifeless and helpless, one suspended like a turkey waiting to be plucked and the other stretched as on a slab.

The artist, who is new to me, is interested in fighter planes and has used models and drawings to create art. This time she used two decommissioned planes which had to be taken asunder to be taken into the gallery.

Her website has an interview about the project.

Results of The Black Diamond Poetry Prize

The Black Diamond Poetry Prize in association with Castlecomer Writers’ and Arts Festival 2010. Adjudicator: Grace Wells

Results
1st : Three Fears Carmel Cummins, Inistioge, Co.Kilkenny
2nd: Frida Kahlo Visits Ballinasloe Nuala Ní Chonchuir, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
2nd: White Fences Make Good Neighbours Eileen Casey, Tallaght, Dublin

Winner of Mealy’s Rare Books Prize: Librarian Michael Herron, Dromod, Co.Leitrim

Highly Commended [arranged in random order]

H3 Michael Herron, Dromod, Co. Leitrim
Waiting For Judy Mary O’Gorman, Clonmel, Co.Tipperary
The Road To Narnia Karen O’Connor, Tralee, Co.Kerry
Honey From The Rock Breda Joy, Killarney, Co.Kerry
Marta Becket At The Amargosa Opera House Peter Goulding, Castaheany, Dublin
one mood another mood Darren Caffrey, Piltown, Co.Kilkenny
Advice From A Cat Margaret O’Brien, Carrick-on-Suir, Co.Tipperary
Heavy Concept Kevin Dowling, Freshford, Co.Kilkenny
Salmon Leap Mary O’Byrne, Larchfield, Kilkenny
The Pools Of Light Poem Kevin Connelly, Kells Road, Kilkenny.

Well done to all mentioned above. Second prizewinner Nuala Ní Chonchuir has had a very good weekend having got two excellent reviews for her novel You in Saturday's newspapers. Congratulations to blogger Stammering Poet also. It's been a very good year for him.

Prize-giving for Black Diamond Poetry Competition will be held on Saturday, September 25 at 10:00 am at Discovery Park, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

Great titles to all those poems. Hmmm maybe that's where I went wrong!

Autumn Flowers

The autumn flowers have survived the recent rains well. The Rudbeckia and the Japanese Anemone are still bright though the Gladioli have been knocked about a bit. Some have fallen, some just bent a bit. I forget whether I planted the Gladioli this year or whether they are some that survived from last year. Either way they provide some vertical colour at this time of year.

The other two have been in the garden for some years now, need very little care and just expand each year. Ideal for my garden though they probably need to be curtailed a bit.

Blogging Award

I've got this award from very versatile blogger Niamh, thank you!

I have to list seven things about myself. Here goes.

1. I was born in the first half of the last century of the last millenium and go to Mass every Sunday.
2. I have written many poems about my grandparents. Well only three of them actually. (Three grandparents not three poems - more than three poems.)
3. Nuala O'Faolain read a poem of mine on Radio Éireann in 1969 or early 1970. I didn't get any money for it and no you can't see it, I don't have it any more. I didn't write any more for 34 years.
4. I think Dundrum Shopping Centre is the worst of its kind. Compared to it Blanchardstown is Paradise, Liffey Valley Purgatory.
5. Rex Ingram is my favourite movie director at the moment, Lillian Gish (or maybe Alice Terry) my favourite actress.
6. My favourite painting is Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergere or else anything by Jack B Yeats.
7. My favourite poem is Dante's The Divine Comedy or maybe How My Interest in Polish Poetry was Aroused by myself.