The Tara Poetry Blog

The Meath Writers' Circle (2) Video January 2012

2012-01-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

Carmel Murray

This is another of those videos I recorded last November and this one features Carmel reciting her short poem "The Rose". A member of the Meath Writers' Circle for only the past year or so Carmel is active in a number of committees and social groups in the county. Scrolling a bit further back there are a number of other videos as well.

The Meath War Dead/ Noel French

2012-01-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Meath War Dead

Book Cover

This book lists alphabetically the names of those who lost their lives during during the Great War of 1914-1918 and includes details of family background and personal history with regard to regiment and occupation, place of birth and death etc and as it states on the cover is the first major project to commemorate the war dead of Meath. It also states that over five hundred men from the county died in the conflict and are buried in graveyards from Basra to Bermuda and everywhere in between. Looked at from the casualties broken down by area, towns like Navan, Trim and others lost a good many of their youngest men, mostly forgotten. The changing political scene from 1916 onward must have seen a great deal of recruitment onto the nationalist side and it would be interesting to know what sort of records exist in this regard. Noel French is to be commended for compiling this list and a similar one for those who perished in that civil war of about fifty years earlier might be of interest. Published by the History Press Ireland, The Meath War Dead retails at €20 Euro. All good bookshops as they say!

The Meath Writers' Circle (1) Video Jan 2012

2012-01-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

John Wiseman

A little something for the season that's in it, though it is unusually mild this year. so far! Better not tempt fate or the weather. John has been a member of the Meath Writers' Circle for a number of months now and had a poem published in the Meath Chronicle over the Christmas period. I recorded this one last November along with a number of others that didn't come out very well, but might manage to rescue one or two. .

The Meath Writers' Circle Jan 2012

2012-01-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Newsletter

Crowd Scene

The Meath Writers' Circle Jan 2012

Willie G. Hodgins

About fourteen people turned out last night for the first meeting of the new year. Maybe one or two, or more or less, some new faces and a few regulars, and those who were abroad on the night. Important business and a new moon and who knows what the year may bring. Mayan tablets and all that, and if they had to pay Irish prescription charges for the circulation then that civilization would have gotten of the ground a lot sooner.. Not that any of this was discussed at the meeting, the night given over to leisure pursuits of poetry and prose, noted contributions from Tommy Murray, James Linnane and Myra Lalor of Dunsany. Tommy has plans for a quarterly newsletter and the first draft was passed around the table for our perusal. Particular attention being paid to layout and the fine photographs, the article of faith. Recipes may be considered. All in all an interesting and entertaining event and the first of 2012.

The Dark Side of the Moon/ Elizabeth Carty

2012-01-10T06:01:00.000-08:00

Short Stories.

The Dark Side of the Moon by Elizabeth Carty is a collection of prize winning short stories that is well worth a read or two. I came across a copy of this over the Christmas period and while I don't usually tend towards the short story this is very good indeed. Thing about short stories is if you come across a really good one it will stay with you forever and the relationship issues here are picked off to perfection. I remember at one of the "Boyne Readings" somebody whose name escapes me at the moment reading a short story about a situation in the Balkans or somewhere like that, of a kind of Sophie's Choice offered and not taken, and that's an edge few of them even get close to. Elizabeth Carty manages this more than a few times in The Dark Side of the Moon and the mother daughter relationships are very intense. Taken from the intro Elizabeth Carty is a native of Loch Gowna County Cavan and has been living and working in County Meath for the past 25 years. She is three times winner of the George Birmingham Short Story Prize and "The Dark Side of the Moon" was short listed for the UK Writer of the Year in 2008 and that's just some.... Go out and get a copy!

Published by FASTPRINT Publishing Peterborough, England.

Navan: its People and its Past

2012-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

Navan: its People and its Past.

This is another of those beautifully produced books that hit the shelves just before Christmas and for anyone interested in the history of the Navan area a must for your collection. Printed on glossy paper and retailing at €10 Euro it touches on everything from O'Connell's last visit to Meath to the murder of the Postmaster in 1921 and the memories of those who grew up or went to school in the vicinity. There is sure to be something here to whet your interest and that includes a poem by no less than Maria Edgeworth written about Blackcastle in 1811. Contrasting that though with an extract taken from a manuscript in the National Library by Alice Stopford Green written about one hundred years later, you get a less rosy picture indeed! It reminds me of William Bulfin who was on the Hill of Tara around the same time, although his ire was directed at those of his own religion for slightly different reasons. A distance of four miles and a different mindset entirely. Town and country a world away! This book is the Journal of the Navan and District Historical Society and includes an introduction by Richard Farrelly the Chairman. Many colour photos and well worth the price! Link address over to the right.

A Poem For The New Year!

2012-01-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Forecast! 2012

The Ramparts Navan

Reading the tea leaves
You could make a bags of it.
How long was a piece of string
Or a good sign it must
Augur well.

A tall dark handsome man
And there was money coming
Tailoring to suit.

And the stinging rebuke!
To keep to sober habits
Or the hair of a dog
Or a dock leaf
Ground out
Pestle and mortar
Well it might
Or it might not be
Suitable for embrocation.
Every rose has its thorns.

And the teaspoon
Stirring the pot!
The further up
The corporate body
You'd go
The closer you get
To you know what?

Tomorrow was
A new day!

(A Strange Brew)

Frank Murphy.

And a Happy New Year to all***

Do not forsake me, My Darling. (High Noon)

2011-12-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

Indulging myself as it is the Christmas Season and knowing I've said it before but this is probably the best western ever made and and one of the best films. Shot in real time and black and white it scooped four Academy Awards including the best actor for Gary Cooper and a trailer really doesn't do it justice, or any single clip from the film. There are more than a few on youtube. The stills above go some way to capturing just what it is that makes this a great film as they are beautifully framed, but without the dialogue, I don't know? Every image was part of a much greater scene and the sum was much greater than the parts. No other film captures that lazy Sunday morning feeling where you are just waiting and here it is played out in a town that turns its back on a marshal who made it safe for them in the first place. Katy Durado almost steals it at times and some of the best lines in the film are hers. When she is on camera...wow! And not forgetting the beautiful Grace Kelly. But the image of Will Kane walking down the empty streets is a cinema classic.

"An admission paid in

As the credits begin

Will Kane walking down Hadleyville

And the train coming in"

Frank Murphy.
(From "The Hell I Will's Fine")

With thanks to youtube and the guy for posting!

O Holy Night - Incredible child singer 7 yrs old - plz "Share"

2011-12-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

A song for Christmas. This girl can sing!! With thanks to youtube and Rhema.

The Year That Was!

2011-12-22T16:11:00.000-08:00

A Happy Christmas and New Year !!

Dangan Church Summerhill

So another year draws to a close and what to make of it? Many visits to the blog to read through other sites and to see what goes out there. Got a present of Harold Bloom's "The Best Poems Of The English Language" last year or was it the year before and leafing through the pages I'm convinced that all the best poets are dead a long time now. The age of the conversation piece has arrived. A sort of looking glass world without Alice or anyone that looks that good. Sally called! Still I like poems to be short or shortish and even the old ones tended to go on a bit, the haiku being a reminder that you can take things a little too far. A contradiction in terms or an offer you couldn't refuse. Join the movement, or as Liam Clancy once remarked "Pass it around and we'll all get stoned" Austerity now! Where was I, the year? The Small Impact Writers' Group brought out a splendid calendar to end the year and not forgetting their poetry and short story competition for Valentine's Day. Boyne Berries 10 which came out in the Autumn and is the Literary Magazine of The Boyne Writers Group was a special celebratory issue and was beautifully produced. The Meath Writers' Circle has more than a few new members and we'll have to start listing the names. Issue badges! Competition wise and publishing a few things here or there and there are still a few copies of that video for those who were included and not present at the last meeting. That said time to sign off! A Happy Christmas and New Year to all!!

Soundbites

2011-12-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

Soundbites.

Book Cover

The LMFM Listeners Anthology is an eclectic mix of both short stories and poetry spread over four categories, the adult and for those who are under sixteen. Sometimes it was difficult to tell, especially in the short story sections The winner of the under sixteens would have been a contender anywhere and in any competition and was a very harrowing tale of abuse and bullying. There is a lot of stuff in this book and it deserves more than a once through, but time as they say is short and much to read. The trouble with poetry is that you need to spend more than a few minutes with each of them and maybe one or two a week is enough. This book though would make a nice Christmas present to be read around the Christmas fire, for those who still have a fire. Published by the Universal Publishing Group and retails at €15 Euro.

www.theuniversalpublishinggroup.com

The War Prayer

2011-12-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

Michael Sheils read this piece at the Armistice Day poetry reading in the Navan Library and I have to admit that I hadn't heard of it before. It was written by Mark Twain in 1904 but not published during his lifetime due to pressure from his family and friends. Sourcing from wikipedia he is said to have replied to a query as to whether it should be published, "No, I have told the whole truth in that, and only dead men can tell the truth in this world. It can be published after I am dead." Here Willie Nelson presents his own take and as they say in Ireland (No better man). Michael Sheils has other poems up from the day, just click on the link~sherriffromnavan~ over to the right. Other source is from wikipedia.

"Windtalkers" War Poems (4)

2011-12-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

"Windtalkers"

Meath Writers' Circle Dec 2012

Windtalkers the 2002 film starring Nicolas Cage may or may not be an accurate portrayal of the role played by the Navajo code talkers in WW2 but it was certainly a savage reminder of the depravity of war. It featured on Channel Five last night and told the story of two Navajos who were employed by the American military to transmit messages under fire during the capture of Saipan. A film that is not for the faint hearted but worth watching in case the recruiting sergeant ever ends up on your door, the code itself though was never broken. After the marching bands and the music the whole thing is best left alone. I remember a war film (can't remember the name of it) starring Peter Falk and Robert Mitchum in which Mitchum's character is asked why do men do this and he replied because they like it! Or it was something along those lines!

Forgotten

Why, but for

A few medals

And the coping stone

Of a wall surrendered

And the churchyards

Overgrown.

And a quiet carriage

The umbrellas rolled

Drumming our fingers

In the morning

Cold.

Frank Murphy.

The Meath Writers' Circle Poetry Selection DVD.

2011-12-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Poetry Selection DVD.

The Meath Writers' Circle DVD is a collection of 16 tracks recorded over the year at the Castle Hotel in Trim and includes just about everyone who attended the meetings at one time or another. There are still a few copies left over from the final get together last Thursday night and if you are one of those who was recorded during the year and didn't get a copy just leave a message and I'll get back to you, or give Tommy a buzz! Alternatively see you at the next meeting! Anyway I just about made it back myself in the end (fog in channel and the lack of signposts) and in time to hear Sean read of our four legged friends! More about "Soundbites" when I've had a chance to go through it. Finally, some very good tracks on that video!

LMFM Poetry and Short Story Awards.

2011-12-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

"Soundbites"

Joan Wilson

Magdalena Greszta

Yanky Fachler

Mai Holton and Marie MacSweeney

The Moorlands Café in West Street Drogheda was the venue for last night's LMFM Poetry and Short Story awards. A creative writing competition that attracted more than 250 entries the MC for the occasion was Gerry Kelly of the lunch time radio slot, though ably assisted by Mona Daly who co-ordinated the event and Yanky Fachler of The Book Producers. The judging panel was chaired by May Toale and also included Tommy Murray of The Meath Writers' Circle though credited to the "others" on the back cover. The Anthology itself contains more than a few whose names would be familiar including Caroline Carey Fin, Sinead Mac Devitt, James Conway, Marie MacSweeney, Mai Holton , Patrick A Gavin and a few others whose names should be familiar. One of Tommy's students from the Library "Sarah Macshane" was a runner-up in the under 16 poetry section. Congratulations to all including myself! In the Francis Ledwidge another local writer who was highly commended was Mary Jo Gibbons and Peter Goulding came in second overall. Dipping into the "Phizzfest" collection Peter has a poem in there as well. Now for the winners of the above!

Adult Short Stories: Joint Winners
Treading Water (Marie MacSweeney)
Scorned (Mai Holten)

Adult Poetry: Winner
Anubis ( Joan Wilson).

Under 16 Short Story: Winner.
A Day In My Life (Laura Bailey)

Under 16 Poetry: Winner.
Snow Man Spirit (Hannah Niciaragain)

Note: The Soundbites Anthology is available online or in the local shops! LMFM for details!

The Meath Writers' Circle (4) November 2011

2011-11-29T05:04:00.000-08:00

Sean Reilly

Sean Reilly here sings "The Harp that Once Through Tara's Hall" which is more than a little pertinent given the times we're in and for more than a few reasons. One of Tom Moore's "Melodies" I believe, I'm not too sure of the dates and the history of when it was written but Sean does a fine job on it and singing unaccompanied at that. Worth a visit over to wikipedia just to read up on the subject, and on someone who was said to be to Ireland what Robbie Burns was to Scotland. Sean has a number of other videos posted here and if you just "google" they should come up. Good listening!

"Money" by Philip Larkin (poetry reading)

2011-11-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

For those who were thinking of skimping on their Christmas presents this year a word or two of advice. Now would I take it myself? Anyway with thanks to youtube and "spokenverse" who has a great collection of poems out there for anyone who is interested, and not forgetting Philip Larkin whose poem it is. Give a listen!

The Meath Writers' Circle (3) November 2011

2011-11-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

Frank Murphy

This is a poem that I wrote a good while back and was included in a collection published by Trafford (2005) called "The Marginal Line". Things have got much worse since then and soon you will need a license just to go outdoors. Sacrifices to be made.... the markets, the markets! A curious mix of money and regulation!

The Market Dictate

They tell you it's great

Down in sub-section four

On the set aside farms

Where they lock up

The poor.

Who'd forgotten to file in

Before it's too late

Now they're serving the needs

Of the market dictate.

As the credit runs out

On your permit to walk

Outside on the pavement

Nobody talks.

The neon reminders

Read out from the wall

That the Bicycle License

Collector will call.

And if you've done nothing

There's nothing to hide

So trade in your name

For the numbers inside.

Yeah! Trade in your name

For the numbers inside,

Put an x on the spot

Where democracy

Died.

Frank Murphy.

The Meath Writers' Circle (2) November 2011

2011-11-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

Carmel Murray

Carmel has been writing poetry for some time now and is a member of a number of social groups in the county. This is her second video to be uploaded here, the other one is a little further back and was dedicated to her parents. Give a listen!!

The Last Post

2011-11-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

Sean Lynch here plays The Last Post at the Armistice Day poetry reading in Navan Library. Video courtesy of Michael Sheils and the "sheriff144" site on youtube. I was looking for a poem to accompany the above or suitable to the occasion and settled on an excerpt from Alan Seeger's "Rendezvous". Alan Seeger was an American poet who enlisted in the French Foriegn Legion in August 1914 and was killed at Belloy-En-Santerre on July the 4th 1916. His poem was said to be a favourite of JFK and Jackie would recite it from memory at his request. Info and with thanks to Wikipedia for the above. He was an uncle I believe of the famous American folk singer Pete Seeger. I came across this poem myself many years ago when reading a book on the French Foriegn legion and it tends to stay in the memory.

(Last Verse)

God knows 'twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath
Where hushed awakenings are dear...
But I've a rendezvous with death
At midnight in some flaming town
When Spring trips north again this year
And I to my pledged word am true
I shall not fail that rendezvous.

Alan Seeger.

Armistice Day Poetry Reading 2011

2011-11-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

Armistice Day/Navan Library

Tom French

Crowd Scene

Molly Kane

Willie G. Hodgins

Tom French of Meath County Library was MC at an event held in remembrance of those who perished or served in the great war though a few poems or stories from other conflicts managed to get an airing as well. Set against a backdrop of slides or photographs from the period a good number of those in attendance had more than a few recollections of family members or friends who died or were in some way involved. Interesting and of note was a poster advertising a concert to be held in the Temperance Hall in Kilmessan in 1916 to provide comforts for those serving who were from the locality, and I meant to take a photograph just to get my facts straight but forgot at the end. If I can remember right the admission charge was 2/6, which was a good sum in those days and I would imagine discouraged more than a few from attending. Given that the year had a certain other resonance I should have looked more carefully at the date. There were some great poems read or stories told and Michael Sheils over on sherifffromnavan has a video of Sean Lynch playing out on "The Last Post".

Homeless Hopeless by Edel Gillick.

2011-11-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Edel Gillick reads her poem "Homeless~Hopeless" at the launch of The Small Impact Writers' Group calendar for 2012 at the Solstice Navan. A very powerful piece it leads off for January and is complimented by an image that is all too common these days. So with thanks to Michael Sheils who has a number of these videos posted on youtube, at sheriff144, give it a listen and buy the calendar!!!

Small Impact Writers' Group

2011-11-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

2012 Calendar!

The Small Impact Writers' Group from Navan have launched a calendar for 2012 the proceeds going to the Drogheda Homeless Aid Association and a very worthy cause indeed! It can be purchased in Supervalue of Johnstown Navan and much more information and indeed photos and videos can be found over on the ~SherifffromNavan~ site, link to your right! Michael Sheils has a number of videos posted of the event and well worth a look. Councillor Joe Reilly of Navan Town Council did the honours and Paul Murphy the chairperson of the Drogheda Homeless Aid Association was on hand to thank everyone who contributed in any way. (Info from the sheriff site) The photographs that accompany each poem are credited to John Doyle Photography and the layout and design I'm too sure of but I suspect the members themselves. Anyway very professional. August and October well paired, though I might borrow a poem from another month. Get a copy if you can!

Photo: Calendar.

Writers' Circle Meeting November 2011.

2011-11-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

November Meeting.

A crowd of about fourteen turned out last night at the Castle Hotel in Trim for the last meeting but one before the Christmas break and I took the opportunity to record a few more videos. Though looking through them the light is not good and I'm not sure I can use them at all. Maybe rescue one or two! Tommy had a copy of The Stony Thursday Book with him which includes one of his poems (Shanloth) and Orla Fay has a poem in there as well, as does Peter Goulding. Everyone at the meeting seemed to have something new to read and Sean entertained us with a fine ballad which I hope to load at a future date. Michael Sheils brought along copies of The Small Impact Group's poetry calendar. Proceeds to the Drogheda Homeless Aid Association and I'll have a read through tonight. This was launched at the Solstice in Navan and Michael recorded many of the artists attending the event, the videos posted over on the "sherifffromnavan" site. Just click on the link. That's it folks!

Photo: An image from Google. Angels Landing. For Christmas!

The Meath Writers' Circle (1) November 2011

2011-11-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Paul Martin

Paul Martin does his existential take on the nature of things and the place of the individual in the greater scheme, and not much to be desired. Other poems posted further back include "The Buddha and Me, Solace, No Redemption Here and The Literary Assassin" and well worth the read. A member of The Meath Writers' Circle for a number of years hopefully he'll publish some of those poems in the near future.

The Meath Writers' Circle (3) October 2011

2011-10-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Tommy Murray

A winner of numerous awards for his poetry and short stories Tommy Murray is a founder member of The Meath Writers' Circle and has published many books over the years. This is the latest of a series of video poems uploaded here and if you scroll back you can view some of the others and well worth the trip as they say. "Counting Stained Glass Windows" which was a selection of some of his most popular poems was published by Lapwing of Belfast in 2009 and those on local history published by "Nonsuch" are well worth adding to your collection especially if you have any connection to Meath or the surrounding area. More information on the author can be had by clicking over on The Meath Books website to your right.

Poems from Phizzfest

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Poems from Phizzfest

A copy of the above arrived in the post last week and it was a welcome visitor in that it included a fee for the use of one of my poems. A good way to start the day! The Phizzfest had its inaugural outing in 2010 and this year saw the launch of their poetry award. The booklet contains the winning and runner-up poems as well as a generous selection of some of the entries received and many of the names here would be familiar or have been guest readers at different poetry events in the county. One to watch out for next year and hopefully it goes on to bigger and better things. Continued success!

Winner: From The Dart/ Ann Dempsey.

Runner-up: The Watch/ Maurice Devit.

Runner-up: Out Of The Shade/ Maureen Gallagher.

Boyne Berries 10 Autumn 2011

2011-10-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Boyne Berries 10

Book Cover

Picked up a copy of this in Antonia's bookshop in Trim last week and it is an impressive looking collection. Beautifully produced it includes contributions that are both local and much further afield and is a special celebratory issue that includes both pictures and images as well as the usual prose, poems and drama, if I might borrow a word or three from the back cover. On a once through the stand-outs seem to be local, though I might be influenced by the familiar and the images seem to lend a certain something. On a second read, one or two of the others were coming into contention but the favourites were still the same. Worth getting for Michael Farry's "The Hawk's Rock", Brendan Carey Kinnane's "Tomorrow", Orla Fay's "O Sonho do Mar" and Susan Connolly's "At Ellie Vaughey's Grave, Hill of Slane". The image across from this is perfect and I managed to get a photograph myself once though not as well framed. Some of the other images though could have done with their own page or smaller on the page. Can be purchased at Antonia's Trim or just click over on The Boyne Writers' Site for details. Price €12 Euro and a must!

The Meath Writers' Circle (2) October 2011

2011-10-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

Michael (The Sheriff) Sheils

Michael reads a poem here called "Riverdance" which is not about the dance group that has kept us entertained for years but rather about the meeting or confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater in Navan Town. Michael has a number of other videos posted here and if you click over on his website you can watch some readings from the Small Impact Writers' Group at the launch of their Calendar in aid of the homeless. He also has some videos posted on youtube and was recently interviewed for Provence Five TV in Navan.

The Meath Writers' Circle

2011-10-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Willie G. Hodgins

Willie here reads a poem that was written by Louise Scott and dedicated to himself. Louise was the winner of a number of awards a while back and published a book of poems called "The Lightkeeper and other poems". Willie has a number of videos posted here including "Changing Seasons, Me and Maths, Lucy and My Schooldays" and as well his own book of poems "Sunflower" came out about a year or so back. Google for further info!

"The Gods of the Copybook Headings" by Rudyard Kipling (poetry reading)

2011-10-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is the poem I read in Trim Library for National Poetry Day and for those who asked me here it is! It was written in 1919 by Rudyard Kipling just after the great war and before the great depression, not to mention world war two and where we've ended up now. Kipling is no longer the most politically correct of poets and few people would share the sentiments, social engineering being the order of the day, and why not you may say! But maybe best to plough the middle ground. Great poem though!

With thanks to youtube and SpokenVerse!

All Ireland Poetry Day/Trim Library 2011

2011-10-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

All Ireland Poetry Day/Trim Library 2011

Tom French

James linnane

Jimmy Peppard

Crowd Scene

Tommy Murray

A crowd of around twenty turned out last night at Trim Library to celebrate All Ireland Poetry Day in what was an interesting mix of both the modern and poetry that we should have learned when we were going to school. Or should that be remembered! Anyway there were some great poems read and Tom French handed out copies of his, which was a good idea. Jimmy Peppard recited some from memory including poems about fishing and the battle of the Somme, and another in commemoration of 1798 which was very good indeed. Tommy recited a couple of his own and myself not being politically correct I brought along Rudyard Kipling. Good company all round. Just too many to mention and maybe next year someone will bring out a chapbook of poems read on the night, or something like that!

Photos: Some of those attending!

Poetry Ireland/All Ireland Poetry Day Meath 2011

2011-10-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

All Ireland Poetry Day/Meath 2011

To celebrate the above Tommy Murray of The Meath Writers' Circle is holding a poetry reading in the Trim Town library on Thursday the 6th of October at 7pm and all are invited to attend. Favourites from the old school books are the order of the day, though if you are so inclined I'm sure something a little more recent might be entertained. Tom French of The Meath County Library will host the event and it is sure to draw a large crowd so come early! If you check over on the Poetry Ireland website you can get details of other events around the country, just click on the link opposite. See you there!

Photo: Two members of The Meath Writers' Circle~Tommy Murray and Jimmy Peppard~at The High Nellies outside Jack Quinn's Pub at Scurlogstown Trim (Year?)

The Meath Writers' Circle (9) August 2011

2011-09-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Eileen Kavanagh

Eileen Kavanagh is a new member of The Meath Writers' Circle and here she reads of her experience of moving to the country, or maybe it's a story. Anyway the encounters that we all take for granted or that pass for some semblance of normality beyond the confines of the Dublin postal codes get a mention here. Which reminds me, we had a bus service once. It went to Dublin in the morning and returned in the evening, until they tried it the other way around, empty. Such is life! Give Eileen a listen!

March Into Meath/Eamon Doyle

2011-09-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

March Into Meath/Eamon Doyle

Most of the stories about "Croppy" graves and their locations have now been lost or forgotten, but not that long ago people around the Tara area would point to the woods and remark on that "Croppies" had been buried there. It wasn't taught in the schools but Eamon Doyle's account of the Wexford men who marched into Meath in the summer of '98 is one for the shelves. The Battle of Tara itself was done and dusted by that stage having taken place on the 26th of May, though a second engagement is mentioned in John Donohoe's book "The Killeen Castle Story" for a couple of months later, and both make for interesting reading. The last of the Wexford army that crossed into Wicklow made an ill-fated decision at Whelp Rock that would cost them, or many of them their lives, and it is hard to see the reasoning behind it. Out in the plains of Meath and Kildare the pikemen would be cut down by cavalry or canon and any natural advantage they had would be lost.

Credited with marching more than 500 miles until their final disbandment at Ballyboughill three weeks later the logistics of the operation was in itself a feat. The line of march would take them through south Meath to Garristown before turning for Slane and Rathkenny and their defeat at Knightstown bog, returning to Ballyboughill. Once they broke up as a fighting unit they were at the mercy of their opponents and their wasn't much of that. What makes this book especially interesting is in the oral accounts handed down and the inclusion of correspondence from the state archives as well as other lists with regards to medical reports. If you are interested in the history of Meath and the last fighting division of the Wexford men in the summer of '98 then this is one for your shelves. Published by The History Press Ireland.

The Meath Writers' Circle (8) August 2011

2011-09-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Tommy Murray

A man who surely needs no introduction Tommy Murray is the winner of numerous awards for both his poetry and short stories. Counting Stained Glass Windows was published by Lapwing of Belfast in the not too distant past and there are many others on the local history of the area that are worth getting a copy of, most notably the publications by Nonsuch. This is his fifth video to be uploaded here the others being "Ode To A Bottle Of Wine, Lottery, Stone Walls and The River". This poem was published by ~Riposte~ a few years back and the videos you can watch if you scroll a bit further back or just Google! The word on the grapevine is that he's picked up another award down south! Click on the link to Meath Books for further details!

The Killeen Castle Story/John Donohoe

2011-09-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

The Killeen Castle Story.

Killeen Castle

John Donohoe

Crowd Scene

Eoin Holmes

Eoin Holmes the cathaoirleach of Meath County Council was on hand to do the honours at the launch of John Donohoe's book The Story of Killeen on Friday night. The last "open" event to be held at the Castle before the start of the Solheim Cup it drew a large attendance and many for whom the game of golf is a good walk spoiled got to enjoy the ambiance and the openness of the surroundings for the last time. Killeen was never a walled in estate, as I think was mentioned during the speeches but it is now one that is no longer visible from the road and unless you are one of those who like to swing through with a golf club the road from Dunshaughin to Dunsany is all the poorer.

The book though is a splendid production and touches lightly on the history of what it describes as a special place, From the coming of the Normans to the present day Killeen and its sister castle at Dunsany have been central to much of what makes up the history of Meath or indeed Ireland. Retailing at €10 Euro the book is sure to become a collector's item, and for many of those attending the Solheim Cup a souvenir of more than just a round of golf.

www.labour.ie/eoinholmes/

Daire Was Out!

2011-09-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

"Memories of Other Days"

Daire Nelson of L.M.F.M. was out to record another four excerpts from Peggy's book which will be broadcast next week on his mid-morning show from Monday the 19th to Friday the 23rd of September at approx 12.15pm each day. The book can now be purchased in Kilmessan, Trim, Dunshaughlin, Navan and not forgetting Dunsany, and of course from the author herself! Retailing at €10 Euro.

Outlets:

Kilmessan:

Mia's Post Office

Centra Superstore.

Dunsany:

Malachy's Post Office

Dunshaughlin:

The Pastoral Centre.

Supervalu.

Tara News.

Jonesy's Fruit and Veg.

Trim:

The Post Office

The Ramparts Coffee Shop

Antonia's Book Store.

Navan:

Hartens Newsagent/Shopping Centre

Navan Bookshop/Kennedy Road.

Tara:
Michael Maguire's...

Photo: Daire Nelson/Peggy Murphy.

The Meath Writers' Circle (7) August 2011

2011-09-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Mark Doyle

. Mark has been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for a good number of years and this is his third video to be uploaded here, the others being " Low Horizons" and Forensic Housework". Well worth a listen if you scroll a bit further back or just Google for info. I recorded a good number of videos in August and still have one or two to load up, with September to come! Anyway enjoy!

Book Launch/Fergie's Kilmessan.

2011-09-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

"Memories of Other Days"

John Donohoe of the Meath Chronicle did MC for the launch of Peggy Murphy's book of memories and poems on Wednesday night before handing over to Michael Kenny for the launch. Michael is the chairman of the Dunshaughlin and District Historical Society and kept everyone entertained on the night. A man with a store of knowledge on Dunshaughlin and times past he was foremost in the setting up of the Heritage Trail and has contributed to many of the local journals and history compilations. In his role as the Resource Coordinator for the Parish Council he produced the "Jubilee Commemorative Booklet" in 2007 and as the book itself says,"he is much sough after for walks and talks about the history of the area". And still driving in his 1936 Austin 10.

The launch itself was a great success with a large turnout (80-100), tea and sandwiches for all laid on by Fergie himself and Michael Murphy finished off the speeches by thanking everyone who came and telling a few stories in the process. The Book will be in the local shops in the next few days retailing at €10 Euro. Details to follow on this page!

Photos! Michael Kenny, Michael Murphy, John Donohoe, Michele Murphy, Family, Peg Carty Tracey Carty Patricia Carty and Nora Carty, Tara Murphy and Peggy Murphy, Michael Kenny and Peggy Murphy.

Daire Nelson Show:Interview!

2011-09-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Mid Morning Show L.M.F.M.

Daire Nelson of L.M.F.M. was out to interview Peggy Murphy about the forthcoming launch of her book "Memories of Other Days" which takes place in Fergie's of Kilmessan tonight, and he also recorded a number of

other items or extracts which will be broadcast at a later date. The interview went out at 12.15pm today and Sinead who coordinated much of it was in touch afterwards to say a mini-disc would be in the post. Much appreciated! Most people who listen to radio probably do so on the old transistor or mains but for those away from home or the younger generation the internet is probably the medium of choice. L.M.F.M. have a very interesting webpage which is worth a look and includes everything from video to playback facilities and items of news, not forgetting live broadcasts.Check it out at www.lmfm.ie/

Photo: Peggy Murphy/Daire Nelson.

Phizzfest Poetry Award!

2011-09-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Phizzfest Poetry Award

Phibsborough Church

The Phibsborough Comunity Arts Festival runs from the 8th to the 11th of September 2011 and the winner and runners-up for the poetry award have been notified, and no it wasn't me, though I believe one of my poems has been selected for publication (Distant Parts) in a pamphlet entitled "Poems from Phizzest" which will be launched during the festival and this includes a small fee! Other journals take note!

Anyway there will be a poetry reading in the Brian Boru pub, Cross Guns Bridge, Phibsborough Dublin on Saturday the 10th of September from 6.30pm to 8.00pm which will feature two groups as well as the prizewinners and the poems featured. So if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of Phibsborough on the night the Brian Boru might just be the place to be. Check it out at http://www.phizzfest.ie/

Photos; From Google Images.

Memories of Other Days/Book Launch!

2011-09-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Book Launch/Fergie's Kilmessan

"Memories of Other Days" is a collection of poems, stories and photographs by Peggy Murphy about her schooldays and times spent growing up around her home place on the Derrockstown road Dunshaughlin. It is a selection of memories from the thieties and forties and later times when she moved from Dunshaughlin to Kilmessan. This is the second book Peggy has had published the first being " Dunshaughlin and Other Poems" in 2004 and one that is still selling!

"Memories of Other Days" will be launched in Fergie's of Kilmessan on Wednesday 7th of September by Michael Kenny of Dunshaughlin and everyone is invited to attend! Refreshments will be served (some). The book retails at €10 Euro on the night and copies will be signed! All are welcome. See you there!

Al Pacino Inspirational Speech - Any Given Sunday

2011-08-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Since I mangled part of Al's inspirational speech here it is in its entirety. So with thanks to youtube and "kjetiljo" who posted. Enjoy!

Heritage Sunday/ O' Raghallaigh's Drogheda.

2011-08-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

All Ireland Final.
Meath Versus Armagh

Starting Fifteen

Meath Panel

Armagh Team

Didn't make it up to Tara but to the O'Raghallaigh's in Drogheda for the All Ireland Minor C Championship Final between Meath and Armagh which was quite a game and as good a way to spend Heritage Sunday as any. It was a game that Meath could have or maybe should have won but life as they say is a game of inches, a second too fast or a second too slow and you don't quite make it, if I can borrow from Al in "Any Given Sunday". It was played with a passion and an intensity that had to be seen to be believed and really was a credit to both teams. For a good part of both the first and the second half Meath seemed to have the game but it just slipped away and Armagh gave them nothing for free running out to a one point win at the end 3-5 to 1-10. Kristina Troy of Meath was player of the Match. Great game!

Photos: From top, Starting Fifteen, Left: Panel. Right: Armagh Team accepting the Trophy

The Meath Writers' Circle (6) August 2011

2011-08-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

Willie G. Hodgins

The Meath Writers' Circle held their second meeting for the month of August last night with at least one new member in attendance, bringing the number to about ten in all. Having said that at least five others put in an appearance for a short spell, though having discovered that the restaurant was closed made their excuses and left! Good looking that they were! Not forgetting that I took the opportunity to run off a few more videos though this one is from the last meeting. Willie here delves into the intricacies of such as natural progression and the other order but you'll have to listen for yourself. A very witty poem! A number of his other videos posted further back including "Changing Seasons" and "Lucy".

The Meath Writers' Circle (5) August 20011

2011-08-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

Sean Kane

A long time member of The Meath Writers' Circle Sean Kane here reads "Dear Grandad" and I should have got a few more details off him about the story. This is his second video to be uploaded here, the first being "The Old School" by Val Ledwith and if you scroll a bit further back you can give it a listen. Google search will find! Feedback always appreciated!

Ewan MacColl - Dirty Old Town

2011-08-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

As the blurb says, the original and the best, this ballad from Ewan MacColl (Peggy Seeger) is perhaps the most popular of all the English folk songs, at least in our lifetime, though you might argue for "The Shoals of Herring". Recorded by the Dubliners for their 1968 album "Drinkin and Courtin" it became very much a standard on this side of the Irish sea. I remember hearing a busker or pub singer doing a fine rendition of it in The Black Horse in Newmarket in the late sixties and it was one of those stand out songs. Recorded by just about everyone over the years it is well worth looking up the info about it on wikipedia. Ewan MacColl was born in Salford though his parents were Scottish and he was easily one of the best folk singers and song writers of the twentieth century. So indulging myself and taking a break from making up videos have a listen! With thanks to youtube and the person who posted!

The Meath Writers' Circle (4) August 2011

2011-08-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Tommy Murray

Tommy Murray is a founder member of The Meath Writers' Circle and a man who needs no introduction. A winner of numerous awards for both his poetry and short stories he has published many books over the years including "Counting Stained Glass Windows" (Lapwing/Belfast) and two beautiful books on the local history of Meath, which are a must for the collection. "Images of Ireland/Meath" and "Meath Voices", both by Nonsuch Publishing. More information on these and other books can be found over on The Meath Books website. Just click on the link opposite! There are a number of video poems here as well if you scroll back a bit and "Ode To A Bottle Of Wine" is well worth a listen anytime!

The Meath Writers' Circle (3) August 2011

2011-08-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

Pat Bennett

"Eerie Moor", is the second poem by Pat Bennett to be uploaded here, the first being "Singin Bush" if you scroll a bit further back on the blog. This one he informs, is both a poem and a song and comes with a certain chill! Anyway it is of the same high quality as the first and well worth a listen! Hopefully there are more to come.

The Meath Writers' Circle (2) August 2011.

2011-08-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Sean Reilly

Sean Reilly demonstrates what a fine singer he is here with this his own rendition of the Percy French classic "Come Back Paddy Reilly To Ballyjamesduff". A song written about a man who acted as a jarvey or coachman for Percy French before emigrating to Scotland. Much more information over on wikipedia! Sean has a number of songs posted here, if you scroll a bit further back, "The Old House" and "My Lagan Love" and a short story/essay called "Homeless No More". A member of both The Meath Writers' Circle and the Navan Small Impact Writers Group Sean has been writing short stories for a number of years.

The Meath Writers' Circle (1) August 2011.

2011-08-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Joan Leech

The Meath Writers' Circle held their monthly meeting at the Castle Hotel in Trim last night with a good number in attendance and I took the opportunity to record some more video, add to the collection! Two new faces in the crowd, though I believe they were part of the group when it used to meet in Dunshaughlin. In this one Joan Leech reads her poem "I Drove Down To The Sea" so give it a listen and see what you think! Feedback always appreciated! For those interested in Heritage Sunday in Trim (August the 28th) be at the Castle at 2pm with poems or stories ready to read. Contact Tommy Murray or Michael Farry. Links to both sites over to the right!

Feis Teamhra 2011/Heritage Sunday .

2011-08-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

Susan McKeown and Daughter and Aidan Brennan
Heritage Sunday/Tara 2010.

A Turn at Tara 2011.

The line up for the fourth annual "Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara", on August the 28th makes for impressive reading with some of the best known names on the Irish and international music scene in attendance. The MC for this year's event is Paul Muldoon, and a host of stars include Susan Mckeown, Aidan Brennan, Peter Fallon, Laoise Kelly, Paul Murray and a surprise musical guest who happens to be one of Ireland's best known singer songwriters. I wonder who that can be? Info from The Meath Chronicle! Last year's event hosted some of the best known writers and poets in the country and provided some great entertainment on the day. Admission is free but it might be wise to come early if you want to get parking close to the Hill. Susan McKeown is a Grammy-Award winning songwriter and her album "Singing in the Dark" was released in October 2010 and you can check out some of her material over on youtube. Probably some of the others as well! If the weather holds this could be the place to be! More info in this week's "Chronicle".

Heritage Sunday/Trim Co. Meath

Another place where there will be poetry readings on August the 28th is Trim County Meath, Tommy Murray of the Meath Writers' Circle and Michael Farry of The Boyne Writers Group are arranging something for the day, but exact details not to hand at the moment! Will post as I get them.

Info: From The Meath Chronicle.

Glen Hansard: Raglan Road Patrick Kavanagh The Frames Swell Seasons Once...

2011-07-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

Looking up the the ranking of favourite Irish Poems on the Irish Culture and Customs Website which was taken from a survey of Irish Times readers, I noticed that this comes in at number five with W.B. Yeats holding the number one and two spots. Of course there's nothing out there really comes close to this and there are more versions than there are stars in the sky. Luke Kelly who to the best of my knowledge recorded it first and whose version most people would identify with has almost one million hits to it on youtube. There are many others as well. It was written by Patrick Kavanagh about his then girlfriend Hilda Moriarty and first published in The Irish Press on the 3rd of October 1946. Teasing him about only writing poems of rural things he wrote this. She brought him down to Dunsany once looking for patronage and while I don't think they were successful he wrote a poem about it called "Bluebells for Love". I went for Glen Hansard singing the song, just liked the sound. So with thanks to youtube and "Stephen James Smith" for posting. Other sources Wikipedia.

Ireland Is ... (response to the bailout, recession and where Ireland's g...

2011-07-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Colm Keegan is a poet that shows up regularly on the RTE Arts and Culture show Arena on Radio 1 and once heard you tend to remember! There are a number of his poems listed on youtube including a reading at The White House in Limerick, and though I went for the one above the others are equally as good. Give it a listen and then give the others a listen! With thanks to youtube and the person who posted.

The Graveyard Shift

2011-07-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing Changes.

Watching the program on the Magdalene Laundries and listening to Joe Duffy last week you can only wonder about it all and just when does the "News" become the news. Probably at some distance that is safely removed. This all went on up to very recent times and yet hardly merited a mention in the press, or on radio or television at the time. The norm can be a dangerous place. And yet nothing much has changed, it just shape-shifts to "virtual wards" and waiting lists and block booking appointments, and you just wonder who will write it all up at some future date and apologize to those who didn't quite make it. I wrote this poem when the Celtic Tiger was on the prowl, and before the "Clamper-Vans" moved into the Public Hospitals. Easy pickings!

The Graveyard Shift.

The remains

Moulding away.

Like a passing fancy

Gone...stretched

On some convenience.

Hadn't a prayer.

And poor enough service

In the end.

Attendants,

Drifting in and out.

Dying for a smoke.

Getting their fix

From some box in a corner

Plastered with exhortations

To eat more fruit

Cake while you're waiting

Hollowed eyed

Behind frosted glass

Filling in details.

Have you had an accident?

Is your visit really necessary?

Killing time!

To degrees of indifference,

Next!

Frank Murphy.

Photo: Tricolour at Scurlogstown.

O' Sullivan Beare/ Great Speeches

2011-07-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Great Speeches.

Listening to Aidan Dooley on the RTE Arts and Culture show last night talking about his new one man show on O' Sullivan Beare reminded me of a book I read a number of years ago, and of a conversation we were having around the camp fires during the long wait for the "off" prior to a battle I won't mention again for a while! Anyway the talk got around to Aughrim in 1691 and the number of casualties there (don't ask!), but there was another Battle of Aughrim on the 10th of January 1603 which brings me to the above. Following the defeat at Kinsale in 1601 O' Sullivan held out until New Year's Eve 1602 when he set out on an epic journey north to join Hugh O' Neill. To do so he would have to traverse most of Ireland and of the 1000 who set out on the journey with him only 35 made it into O' Rourke's Castle at Leitrim Fort. And to the speech! Written down later by his nephew Phillip who was in Spain at the time, is it word for word, who knows! Anyway caught at Aughrim with forces on both sides he addressed his followers.

O' Sullivan Beare. From "Endurance" by Dermot Sommers.

Since our desperate fortunes have left us here without means or country, wives or children to fight for, the struggle with our enemies before us now is for our bare lives; we have nothing else that we can lose... In God's eternal name I ask you, men, will you not rather fall gloriously in battle, avenging your blood, than die like brute cattle in a cowardly fight? Our ancestors would never seek to avoid an honourable death. Let us follow in the footsteps of our sires: there is no other salvation. See around you the country is bare of woods or bog; there is no concealment; the people of these parts offer us no aid. Roads and passes are blocked, even if we had the strength to fly. Our only hope is in our own courage, and the strength of our own arms.... Remember that everywhere hitherto, enemies who attacked us were routed by the Divine Mercy. Victory is the gift of God... Fear not this worthless mob: they are not men of such fame as we, nor used to fight as we are...

Quoting from "Endurance" the Battle of Aughrim 1603 was a stunning victory for O' Sullivan.

The above was sourced from "Endurance" by Dermot Sommers./ The O' Brien Press Dublin.

Photo: Book Cover.

On Matters Of Jurisprudence

2011-07-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

A Treatise Upon Discernment

Wanted Judges!

Patrician types for small fringe festival.

No experience necessary as training will be given though willingness to suspend critical faculties while taking cognizance of social mores and the need to trim down accordingly a must!

Some knowledge of parlour music essential and while one might encounter the odd malign influence the opportunity to dine out should provide ample reward. Though grapes are to be avoided.

Reading material may be provided by the Board and while we would have no wish to influence any decision made please be advised that "It was only a whimsical notion" has been over subscribed and that you may wish to provide your own copy.

Reading backwards can be difficult at first but this is easily mastered and in order to enjoy the full majesty we suggest that you leave the light on!

Colloquial reference and items of or pertaining to the vernacular can be trying, but these can be alleviated by the partaking of the balm and listening to a little light music, the machinations and turnover positions on the enigma variations might provide for easy listening if I can borrow from another source but we leave this to your discretion! Weighed under and with the onerous and often unenviable task of discriminating in this regard one wonders how you will sleep at night. The party hat though is to be obligatory. In matters of jurisprudence it is best to know what side your bread is buttered on!

Finally, and while the gentle reminder that the judge's decision is final will often suffice one is cautioned that in this neck of the woods it often is.......final!

Signed

Jay Swift

Translations available

Beer Cans and Coffee Cups

Tee-Shirts and Knick Knacks.

Copywright on the above!

(FM)

A Bonfire Of The Quangos?

2011-07-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

A Bonfire Of The Quangos?

Reading through The Sunday Times (I know it's Tuesday!) I came across an article by Michael Clifford on the governments plan to abolish quangos, or to be more accurate its pre-election promise to do so. And of the one hundred and forty five that were to be abolished the National Consumer Agency was to be the first to go. Except according to the article it's off to hide within the Competition Authority. So much for that! Anyway, and ahead of the posse I worked out a possible solution a little while back that might satisfy all concerned! A Eureka moment!

Eureka!

Had to rummage

Around a bit.

Find the parts.

All that calculus

And the mad geometry

That couldn't be done

They said,

Rome wasn't built in a day

The smirks....

About the midnight oil,

And the loophole detectors

Wouldn't take it

The begrudgers!

Beavering away

On how many knots

In a guideline,

Or who wants to be

A millionaire.

Just watch the crank

They said.

The little cogs,

The exhibits!

Well I'll show 'em

A museum piece.

The Quango Hammer!

Frank Murphy.

Photo: Girls just wanna have fun!

Scurlogstown Haymaking Festival 2011.

The Fourth Estate

2011-07-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Estate

Sourcing from Wikipedia on the above, Thomas Carlyle attributed the remark to Edmund Burke who used it in a Parliamentary debate in 1787 at the opening of press reporting on the House of Commons though there is much more information as to its origin if you care to look it up. Oscar Wilde, and quoting from the same source remarked that "In the old days men had the rack now they have the Press!" and of the other three estates The Lords Spiritual says nothing, The Lords Temporal have nothing to say and The Commons has nothing to say and says it! But then Oscar would wouldn't he. Much more fun if you look it up on Wikipedia and much more accurate too. In a week when a major newspaper has "failed" the estate described by Burke as the most important of them all seems to have gone to seed! Anyway a chance to use a poem from a few years ago.

The Fourth Estate

Embedded in such legalese

As please M' Lords

A little wheeze

Could show good cause

To such respect

When body politic

Dissect!

That every class

Of hound or hack

Was safely muzzled

Round the back.

Or carcass nailed

In some debate

That prowled about

The Fourth Estate.

Frank Murphy.

Photo: Trim Castle/Scurlogstown Haymaking Festival.

The Battle of the Books 2011

2011-07-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Presentation: Battle of the Books 2011

Michael Farry put in a great performance to win this year's Battle of the Books at the Castle Hotel in Trim on Sunday last. Ably assisted by Bill Comerford, James linnane, and Caroline Finn who put in a great performance herself the trophy was presented afterwards by Noel Dempsey.

Early favourites and odds on to win the event The Meath Writers ran out seconds on an afternoon hampered out to bad ground and the over reliance on a timepiece purloined off on an away leg out to the Stretford End. Coupled with the long "wait" of expectation and the low blood sugar levels, the failure to secure an inside line mitigated heavily against when the match officials lined out on the other side, but gracious to the end the Meath Writers offered the heartiest of congratulations and departed for lunch, in Dunshaughlin!

Photo: Noel Dempsey presenting Trophy to Michael Farry and other members of team.

From left/Caroline Finn, Bill Comerford, Noel Dempsey, Michael Farry

And James Linnane,

Trim Swift Festival Great Readathon!!

2011-07-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Trim Swift Festival 2011

Marathon Reading

Made it into Trim today for the marathon reading of Gulliver's Travels and was rewarded with a certificate for my efforts. Organised by Paddy Smith of The Boyne Writers and Trim Swift Festival Committee to raise money for charity (Aware). The readings were held in the back of a Suzuki Swift on Market Street and continue until Sunday, and while the reading list is now closed, listeners can be squeezed in for the modest sum of €2 Euro. A worthy cause and just one of the many events taking place in the town over the weekend! Many of the events are absolutely free and some of the best known names on the Irish literary scene (Honest, we'll be there!), not to mention the "Meeja" and academics of almost every hue and cry from the far flung outposts of Empire (Green) to the next parish will be there! Gulliver himself can be seen taking his ease out toward Summerhill and I'd keep on writing only I have to save myself for Sunday!

Photo: Suzuki Swift On Market Street Trim.

Photo: Gulliver Mural on Summerhill Road.

Photo: Michael Farry reading on Market Street.

Photo: Looking towards Emmet Street.

Trim Swift Festival 2011/Readathon!!

2011-06-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Marathon Reading Session!

Jonathan Swift

Paddy Smith of the Boyne Writers' Group and Trim Swift Festival is holding a marathon 15-hour public reading of Jonathon Swift's Gulliver's Travels on Market Street in Trim County Meath starting on Friday the 1st and ending on Sunday the 3rd of July, details of which can be found at http://www.trimswiftfestival.com/ with the proceeds going to local charities (Aware). There is a €5 Euro charge per reader and I believe €2 Euro for those who want to listen. Still places for those who are interested and reader's certificates will be presented to all who take part.

Following on from the above I was listening to Newstalk this evening and the very interesting George Hook and none other than Michael Grahame of Boston are heading down Trim direction for the festival. Not known for taking prisoners (either of them) Euroweenies had better look out! The Round Table Discussion could be some Tea Party! Now if they stay around for the Sunday!

Photo: From Google Images.

The Final Rehearsals!

2011-06-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Final Rehearsals!

Chronometers of note and the most odd excellent timepiece had to be called out at last night's meeting of The Meath Writers' Circle in order to ensure there was no deviation from the constraints imposed by the imposition of "guidelines" and the observations and interpretations that might result therein should it rain on the day! Presided over by none other than the most senior member of the group who went to great lengths to stress the importance of the lengthening of vowels and what to do in the event of fire, matters were not improved by the introduction of strawberries. The staggered progress on the face of the Rolex caused someone to remark, "Sure what's a minute between friends!" Reduced to mere poetry we went our separate ways!

Photo: Willie G. Hodgins calling Time!

Scurlogstown Olympiad 2011

2011-06-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

Trim Hay Making Festival.

Men of differing political dispositions and a great number of others turned out on a Sunday that threatened rain for what has become one of the biggest festivals of its kind for many a mile. For anyone with a family or an afternoon to spare then the Porchfields in Trim for the Scurlogstown Olympiad is the place to be. The number of events and competitions and distractions are just too many to mention. Whether it's a roll in the hay with the Rose of Tralee or the Vintage Tractor Show or the International Donkey Derby or a thousand other things that seem to be going on at the same time then this the place for you. There was even some jousting on bicycles! Something of note is the World Champion Sheaf Tossing Competition and you wonder just how it is humanly possible to toss an 8lb sheaf over a 60ft bar! Their website address is http://www.trimhaynakingfestival.com/ and something to keep in mind for this time next year!

Photos: Ray Butler TD Meath West and Tommy Murray of The Meath Writers' Circle and Steam Engine (1908?)

Three Italian poets in Trim

2011-06-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

Boyne Readings

Three Italian poets touring Ireland are the guest readers at the Knightsbridge Village Complex this coming Thursday (23rd June). Reading from their anthology "Poethree-New Italian Voices" will be Luca Artioli, Fabio Barrcellandi, Andrea Garbin and Irish poet and translator Dave Lordan. In what promises to be an interesting and entertaining evening readers will have the opportunity to cross words with some of the best writers both local and national, or in this case international should they wish to brave the open-mic! The evening commences at 8pm and tea and biscuits will be served. All welcome!! €5 Euro will get you in! And much more detail can be had by clicking over on Michael Farry's site!

Photo: Famine Graveyard: Now part of Dunshaughlin Heritage Trail.

The Meath Writers' Circle/ Video No (11) May 2011

2011-06-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Frank Murphy

Finally got around to one of my own, this is a video take on a poem that's back there somewhere in the archives (Chivalry) and the only one that would come to mind when Michael Shiels pointed the camera in my direction. I wrote this a number of years back and it's a little reflection on those who are never held to any account other than what counts in their favour. The age of chivalry is gone.....

The Meath Writers' Circle/Video No (10) May 2011

2011-06-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Mark Doyle

Mark Doyle here reads a fine poem about the town of Navan County Meath and one that is sure to stand the test of time. Give it a listen and see what you think. I haven't come across many about Navan, which doesn't mean they aren't out there but this one tells a good story. Those low horizons cast a few shadows! This is his second poem to be uploaded here and if you scroll back a bit you can watch him recite "Forensic House Work".

The Meath Writers' Circle/ Video No (9) May 2011

2011-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

John Wiseman

A limerick is a light humorous or nonsensical verse of five lines popularized by Edward Lear (1812-88) in his Book of Nonsense (1840) with a rhyming scheme of aabba, and I have the Concise English Dictionary and The American Heritage Dictionary to thank for the above information. Here John Wiseman who has only recently joined The Meath Writers' Circle has a go at two of them.

The Meath Writers' Circle/June Meeting

2011-06-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

The Meath Writers' Circle

On a warm summer's evening and with the sun sinking in the west or wherever it goes, (you can't believe anything these days!), the "Meath Writers' Circle" held their monthly meeting at the Castle Hotel in Trim last night and with a good number in attendance. Laying the ground work was the theme, but since such information is on a need to know basis it cannot be revealed here. Other matters were also discussed but that was just poetry and a bit of prose and what the weather might be like in the second largest parish in Ireland. Who writes this stuff? Anyway it was a very pleasant evening and we parted on good terms, promising to meet again before the full moon, and that said, made a swift exit!

Photos: Some of those in attendance.

The Meath Writers' Circle (8) May 2011

2011-05-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

Carmel Murray

Carmel Murray who has only recently joined The Meath Writers' Circle, here reads a poem that is dedicated to her parents. Carmel has been writing poetry for a number of years and is a member of a number of committees around the Meath area.

song to woody

2011-05-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ok since it was Bob Dylan's birthday last week and this is the song I went looking for, here's a really nice version and if you want to learn to play it on the guitar, this is for you! With thanks to "alouette87" who posted it and to youtube for sharing! I picked this version from the covers because I thought it sounded the best.

Bruce Springsteen - The Ghost Of Tom Joad w/Tom Morello 2008

2011-05-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

On a week that was Bob Dylan's birthday I went looking for "Song to Woody" and found only covers, which brought me to Woody Guthrie and to Andy Irvine and "The Ballad of Tom Joad" which led on to the above. Now if you haven't heard this you are in for a treat, and in a week of "Pronouncements" from those who would have you live on their lunch money, I suppose nothing much changes! This is a great ballad from Bruce Springsteen and the original version was as good as it gets and well worth looking up and having a listen to, but the above? There are those who would tell you that Tom Morello is the greatest rock guitarist of them all and hard to argue with that!

With thanks to "Darulezz" who posted it and "Youtube".

The Meath Writers' Circle (7) May 2011

2011-05-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Willie G. Hodgins

Willie G. Hodgins has been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for about the last ten years or so and this is his fourth video to be uploaded here. The others being, My School Days, Changing Seasons and What Matters Most. A native of Bohermeen he published a book of poems a while back (Sunflower) which was launched in Navan Library by Tom French and dedicated to his Daughter Lucy, as is the poem above, hopefully he is working on a second collection.

The Meath Writers' Circle (6) May 2011

2011-05-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Tommy Murray

A man who surely needs no introduction Tommy Murray is both Chairman and founder member of The Meath Writers' Circle, a writers group he set up back in the early nineties with Minister Noel Dempsey and Deirdre McGivern of The Meath VEC. A winner of numerous awards for both poetry and prose he also has a number of books on local history to his credit and one on the haunts and hauntings of the surrounding countryside that is due out sometime later this year. Much more detail over on "The Meath Books; Website" if you click on the link opposite. His book of poems "Counting Stained Glass Windows" was published by Lapwing of Belfast and he runs a children's creative writing course every Saturday morning in Navan Library.

Boyne Readings/The Poetry Divas

2011-05-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Poetry Divas

The Poetry Divas made up of Kate Dempsey, Maeve O' Sullivan and Triona Walsh were the guest readers at The Coffee Shop Knightsbridge Village in Trim last night and were taking no prisoners, male ones anyway! They opened with a poem about breasts just to bounce things off and leaving nothing to the imagination moved on to small children and recipes and bush babies and domestic bliss of one form or the other and wishful thinking! (Life Under The Lens). Ancient Irish Myths with Debusy creeping in somewhere, and a spinning bottle (Wine), arms that crush, and all in all it was a storm topped off with domestic dilemmas discussed! Michael Farry read two pieces from the Battle of the Books and Orla Fay read "Going to Portmarnock" which was published in the last issue of "Riposte". Other contributors included members of The Boyne Writers and The Cavan Lit Lab and if I could read my own writing I would give them a mention but the sun is shining and I'm heading outside. Caroline Finn's poem sounded very interesting! Anyway the "Poetry Divas", if you get the chance to hear them performing "Go See!"

Photo: The Poetry Divas,/ Kate Dempsey, Orla Fay,/ Caroline Finn and Barbars Flood.

The Meath Writers' Circle (5) May 2011

2011-05-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Paul Martin

Paul has been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for a good number of years and this is his fourth video to be uploaded here. Others include "No Redemption Here, The Literary Assassin, and Solace" and if you scroll back a bit, well worth a listen! His poetry can also be found over on the "writing4all" website and he touches more than a little on the things that really matter. So what's the rush, give a listen!

Boyne Readings and Open Mic/The Poetry Divas

2011-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Poetry Divas

The above mentioned are the guest readers at The Coffee Shop Knightsbridge Village this coming Thursday, or at least four of them are. The Poetry Divas are made up of Kate Dempsey, Maeve O' Sullivan, Triona Walsh, Barbara Smith and Niamh Bagnell and they have read everywhere! Places that take a long time to get into and have long avenues both in and out. Anyway this should be exciting, Kate Dempsey was a guest reader in the past and since then has picked up the Plough Prize for poetry. The start time as usual is 8pm and tea and biscuits will be served. €5 Euro to get in and not to be missed! Off into the files for a photo!

Photo: Orla Fay, Kate Dempsey, Caroline Finn.

The Meath Writers' Circle (4) May 2011

2011-05-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Peppard

One of the best ballad writers you're likely to come across, Jimmy Peppard here reads "The Haunts Of The Heron", no doubt written about a stretch of the river Boyne or one of its many tributaries. This is his third video to be included here and if you scroll back a bit you can hear "The First Day Of July" about the battle of the Somme and of course "The River Boyne". Well worth a listen to them all!

Boyne Writers' Group/Jonathan Swift Competition

2011-05-14T02:24:00.000-07:00

Competition for satirical work (prose or poetry)

The Boyne Writers' Group in conjunction with The Trim Swift Festival are holding a poetry or prose competition in commemoration of Jonathan Swift, the closing date for which is fast approaching, (Tuesday, 7th June, 2011) The theme of this year's competition is "Travels Into Several Remote Nations Of The World: Ireland 2011" and the full details of the competition can be had by clicking on the link to the Boyne Writers over on the right. The festival itself runs from Thursday the 30th June to Sunday the 3rd July in Trim County Meath and more information can be had at http://www.trimswiftfestival.com/ . So still time to get the pen out and get writing. The entry fee is €7 Euro per item and the prose length is between 600 and 800 words, poetry 30 lines to 100 lines. Entries should be sent to Boyne Writers' Group, c/o Paddy Smith , 25 Saintjohns, Trim Co. Meath, Ireland or emailed to swift@boynewriters.com but check for the full details on the Boyne Writers website. And good luck!

Photo: Jonathan Swift/Google Images.

The Meath Writers' Circle (3) May 2011

2011-05-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Michael Shiels.

I first came across this on the BBC cassette "Bringing It All Back Home" a good number of years ago and is the story of a bundle of letters found by Peter Jones which were sent to his great grandfather by his father in Ireland. They were letters of family news, births, deaths, sales of lands, bad harvests, marriages, and maybe most of all, enquiring if he would be coming back home The last letter informs him that his father whom he has not seen for 30 years has died. Peter Jones used these letters to make a song called "Kilkelly" and on the BBC cassette the credits go to Mick Moloney, Jimmy Keane, and Robbie O' Connell. The info on the sleeve notes of the cassette was the source of the above, so with thanks. There are many fine versions of this song over on youtube, and while Michael recites it here, maybe we can tempt him into singing it at a future date.

The Meath Writers' Circle (2) May 2011

2011-05-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Sean Reilly

Sean Reilly is a member of both The Meath Writers' Circle and The Small Impact Writers' Group in Navan. Known for both his singing and his writing and equally at home at either of the two, here he reads a wonderful piece of prose and one that is intended for a calendar being produced by the Navan group. More info on this to come!

The Meath Writers' Circle (1) May 2011

2011-05-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

Pat Bennett.

The Meath Writers' Circle held their monthly gathering at The Castle Hotel in Trim last night with a good number attending and I took the opportunity to run off a few videos. There are all variety of poems and pieces of prose here and some are very good indeed, and hopefully I'll get to post them over the coming weeks. This one is from Pat Bennett who hasn't been up before and I think you'll agree is well worth a listen. Pat has been a member of The Writers' Circle for the past couple of years and his poems are always lyrical and easy on the ear. A touch of magic even.

Boyne Berries 9 Spring 2011

2011-05-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

Boyne Berries (9)

I've had a copy of this for the past week or so and after reading straight through returned to dipping in and out as the mood dictated. Or something like that. Anyway it is a collection of very interesting pieces both poetry and prose and you always want to know more, though poetry is not an answering service. It is well worth while getting your hands on a copy of this and it won't do your shelves any harm. Some of the poems and prose deserve more than one reading, or even two! Launched by Noel Dempsey at the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim on Thursday the 31st of March and available for sale in Antonia's of Trim, or in other outlets, details of which are available on The Boyne Writers Website. (Just click on the link opposite). It can be purchased for the modest sum of €8 Euro and one for the collection.

Photo: Book Cover/Greg Hastings.

Boyne Readings and Open Mic/James Linnane

2011-04-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

Boyne Readings and Open Mic.

James Linnane a member of both The Meath Writers' Circle and the others was the guest reader at the Coffee Shop venue in the Knightsbridge Village last night. And very comfortable as well, especially for those who like to relax between stories, or poems, not that the readings were geared towards that end. Something of a mad humour about. James read extracts from his recent publication "The Life And Times Of A Gotcha" as well as from his first book which was titled "Never Take An Irishman Seriously Unless He's Armed" so you can see where the humour was heading. This was published when he was in New York and is now sadly out of print. He also read a couple of poems which were excellent, especially the first one. Other readers on the night included members of both the Boyne Writers, Meath Writers, and not forgetting The Meath Cavan Lit-Lab or should that be the other way around. Michael Farry's poem about Manchester United and the air disaster is one to remember. Links to Michael Farry, Orla Fay, and Michael Shiels who were all taking photographs over on the right. Worth a look!

Photos: James Linnane, Honor Duff, Michael Farry, Orla Fay and Michael (Sheriff) Shiels.

Fredericksburg Battlefield Tour: A Civil War Must!

2011-04-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Following on from a discussion we had at The Meath Writers' Circle, and something I've been meaning to get back to, I went looking for some of the videos posted on youtube that relate in some way to the Irish Involvement in the American Civil War. TG4 had a number of programs on recently and the National Museum of Ireland had a weekend of special events to mark its 150th anniversary and to explore the role of the Irish in the war. I settled for the piece above and must post a clip from the movie "Gods And Generals". So with thanks to youtube and "showtunestarpower" for the above.

Poetry and Science (3)

2011-04-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Poetry and Science (3)

Adding to the comment on the "Meath Books" website, a very Happy Easter to everyone, and having said that I'm still reading a number of books at the same time and dipping in and out as the mood takes me though I've finished "The Blind Watchmaker". Very interesting this theory of "natural selection, of intermediate steps and slow gradual cumulative selection as the ultimate explanation for our existence" and argument proven perhaps, but sure I'd want to know why? Watching "Master and Commander" or something along those lines a number of years back I wrote the following. A humorous take, or intended as such, but then comedy is never very far from the other side of the coin. Or was that the parrot in Treasure Island! Pieces of eight!

A Galapagos Moment

Pressed,

To account

There was no use

Flogging a dead horse

The truth was out there somewhere

Birds feathering their nests

And the frogs spawning

Enough latitude

To get you to

The bar.

Dawns...

Spent numbering the leaves

Reported sightings.

Clambering over the rocks

And the spray billowing up

Niche and crag

The skeletal coastlines

Staring into an

Abyss!

Port side out

Then starboard home

There would be something

More palatable

Beat to quarters.

Dog eat dog

And the lash!

And it was turtles,

All the way

Down!

Frank Murphy.

Photo: Lake Blanchardstown.

Boyne Readings/ James Linnane

2011-04-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

Boyne Readings/James Linnane

The guest reader at the next open mic session in the Knightsbridge Village Hall on Thursday the 28th of April will be James Linnane. A member of both "The Boyne Writers' Group" and "The Meath Writers' Circle", James has published two books to date, and his most recent offering "The Life And Times Of A Gotcha" is an hilarious account of his days spent working as a security guard on the industrial sites and building complexes around the greater Dublin area. Launched recently at the Coachman's Pub in Ballivor there are sure to be copies available on the night and more information about the book can be found at http://www.theauthorsfriend.com/ or if you scroll back a page or two on this site. It also got a mention on Michael Farry's blog a while back. James writes poetry as well and one of his poems is included in the latest copy of the Boyne Berries literary magazine. Admission is €5 Euro with tea and biscuits served afterwards.

Photo: Kieran Furey and James Linnane at Boyne Readings.

'On The Nail' Reading Thurs 7th April 2011 (Michael Farry).wmv

2011-04-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

One of Meath's best known poets, Michael Farry is a founder member of The Boyne Writers' Group and editor of their literary magazine "Boyne Berries". A winner of numerous awards for his poetry and widely published, here he reads through nine of his poems, and ranges through subjects as diverse as stamp collecting, the truth, asking for directions, my sporting life, fish and chips and a number of others. And of course and not forgetting "High Noon" though Katy only comes in for a minor credit. This is a very interesting and entertaining reading and well worth a look. He has his own blogsite which is very informative, if you just click on the link opposite. With thanks to youtube and "On The Nail Readings".

Mark Antony's Speech

2011-04-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

Listening to "The History Show" on FM106-108 a while back I came across an exert from this speech by Marlon Brando and if you can beat this you're doing well. The film is from 1953 and it is Brando at his very best. It is also included in "Speeches that changed the world" ( Bounty Books 2006) and from that source while they credit good ole Will Shakespeare they also acknowledge the writings of Dion Cassius and Plutarch. Anyway, just sit back and enjoy! With thanks to youtube and "Pochido" who posted it

The Meath Writers' Circle/April 2011

2011-04-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

The Meath Writers' Circle

On what was a beautiful evening The Meath Writers' Circle held their monthly meeting at The Castle Hotel in Trim last night. And if a few members were conspicuous by their absence a couple of new ones arrived in their stead. It was a night of long poems and short poems and one very interesting one with biblical reference, angels and that. Others who were not confined to the truth, or the confines of anything, told tales that chill and all in all it was a very interesting evening, with no mention of the others except in glowing terms, though someone started coughing at the end. Any other news was that James Linnane launched his book "The Life And Times Of A Gotcha" in Ballivor and hopefully a great night was had by all. "Just as a correction to the above I see that James launched his book at The Coachman's Pub in Ballivor on Friday night."

Photos: One of Meath's most prominent landmarks: The spire of the Roman Catholic Church.

Tommy Murray, Michael Shiels, Sean Kane, Paul Martin, and Willie G. Hodgins.

Books and Conversations.

2011-04-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Books and Conversations

Reading through a number of books at the moment, "The Blind Watchmaker" (Still!), Karen Armstrong's "A History of God" and Patrick Kelleher's "One Mortal Night", more on that at a later date. Karen Armstrong's book is one of those that if you haven't got it, and it may be out of print or something, try searching. I haven't finished it yet but she ends with a poem called "The Darkling Thrush" by Thomas Hardy and that's a good enough reason to go out and get a copy anyway. But, more things in heaven and earth... Apart from that I'm reading The Sunday Times or working my way through it on a Monday. The photo to the right is from google images and brings me to "Fag An Bealach" the second part of which was on TG4 last week, and reminds me of a conversation we had at The Meath Writers' Circle a while back about the Irish at Fredricksburg and that a number of local men had been involved. But more on that later as well. There's some interesting film up on youtube for anyone that's interested.

Picture from Google Images.

Tommy Murray at the Delish in Cavan Part 2

2011-04-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is part two of Tommy Murray reading at The Delish in Cavan for the launch of the Moth Magazine. Touching on everything from geraniums to a certain lottery he reads through some of his best poems, and demonstrates once again that when it comes to an eye for observation and more than a little humour there are few better.

"Words spoken
In the tinder dry days of childhood
When the fair chance of clear skies and sunshine
Seemed certain
In the safe bet of youth"

Lottery/Tommy Murray.

The Life And Times Of A "Gotcha"

2011-03-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Life And Times Of A "Gotcha"
By James Linnane.

As the title suggests this is an account of the life and times of a few good men and more than a few you'd be well advised to give a wide berth to. An often hilarious and sometimes blow by blow account of his years spent guarding the building sites and bar-rooms and car-parks and quarries and whatever you're having yourself. And sometimes they were having it themselves. A sub-set of characters who refused to be tied to the ordinary and paid for it in long hours and badly paid shifts. James Linnane captures both the tedium and boredom and the endless hours and you wonder on just what got left out. This would make great television. Move over Mrs Brown! A member of both The Meath Writers' Circle and The Boyne Writers Group, James may be gathering information for a third book! More information on this one though can be had over on Michael Farry's site. Just click on the link opposite. The book is published by http://www.authorsfriend.com/ and retails at €10 Euro. See website!

Photo: Bookcover.

Boyne Readings/Noel King

2011-03-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

Boyne Readings.

Noel King of Tralee and "Doghouse Publishing" was the guest reader at The Knightsbridge Village Hall in Trim last night and kept everyone entertained with both his wit and insight and a stage presence that is not too often in the gift of others. Paddy Smith's introductions though are worthy of a mention here. A sort of follow that, and merit an award, or at least keeps everyone on their toes. Noel read from his book of poems "Prophesying the Past" and to hear Noel, just reel back one page for The Locke Bar in Limerick. Other contributions on the night came from both members of The Boyne Writers Group and The Meath Writers' Circle with Oran Ryan dropping in to read one of his poems as well. A lot of talent in one room and tea afterwards. What more could you want!

Photos: Left/ Orla Fay, Caroline Finn and Tom Dredge

Right/Tommy Murray and Noel French, Oran Ryan

Noel King and Paddy Smith.

'On The Nail' Reading @ the Locke Bar, Limerick 1st July 2010 (Noel King)

2011-03-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Boyne Readings.

Noel King of Tralee is the guest reader at The Knightsbridge Village Hall in Trim County Meath on the 24th of this month. A writer, actor, and musician his first book of poetry "Prophesying the Past" (Salmon Poetry) has recently been published. I came across this video of him reading at The Locke Bar in Limerick so it is sure to be an entertaining night Much more information over on Michael Farry's site if you click on the link opposite. Also if you go to the youtube site for the above there is other information as well. Start time is 8pm and for €5 Euro you get to read your own piece and there are tea and biscuits afterwards. All welcome!

William Rowan Hamilton.

2011-03-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Poetry of Science.

William Rowan Hamilton was born in 1805 at Dominick street in Dublin and sent to live with his Uncle the Reverend James Hamilton in Trim County Meath when he was three years old. A child prodigy, by then he could speak three languages and by his teens was proficient in thirteen. He studied at Trinity College in Dublin and by his early twenties was Professor of Astronomy and Royal Astronomer of Ireland. His greatest contribution to science and drawing on Wikipedia for a source, was said to be, or perhaps, "the reformulation of Newtonian mechanics, now known as Hamiltonian mechanics", but that just touches on some of the disciplines. He was a giant of his age and has been described as Ireland's most brilliant scientist.

A friend of Maria Edgeworth and William Wordsworth he was torn between a love of poetry and science "though fortunately for posterity" (Dionysius Lardner's World) he choose science, but if I remember correctly Wordsworth may have had an influence here. I read somewhere also of his search for a link between the higher levels of poetry and science, though I might contend that poetry is that which prose can best explain but never understand. On a visit to the Langford Estate in Summerhill County Meath he met and fell madly in love with one Catherine Disney and was broken hearted when her parents married her off to a Reverend Barlow. He later married Helen Bayly. The following are a few lines from an autobiographical poem he wrote in 1826.

The Enthusiast

"At length his bitter anguish passed away

But left him darkly changed, his mind awoke

Its powers were unimpaired, and the affection

Of his fond friends could warm his bosom still

And he seemed happy; though his heart was chilled

And he was the enthusiast no more"

Sir William Rowan Hamilton

(4th August 1805-2th September 1865)

Sources: Wikipedia and http://www.irishscientists.tripod.com/ and Dionysius Lardener's World. Available from Google.
And with thanks to Google Images.

St Patrick's Day March from Fort Apache

2011-03-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Something to entertain you for the day that's in it! And from a great western too. When dancing was dancing! Enjoy the parades. With thanks to youtube and the person who posted it.

The Meath Writers' Circle March 2011.

2011-03-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

The Meath Writers' Circle

The Meath Writers' Circle held their monthly meeting at the Castle Hotel in Trim last last night with a little competition from the more fashionably attired. A thing of beauty is a joy forever and some of the poetry wasn't bad either. A night of mixed marriage and cremation, and while Willie told a tale of missing the boat and refused to go in to any detail other than that, Paul read of "The Raven", and Tommy held everyone spellbound with the tale of Conor Callaghan's ghost, or stay out of Carnaross. Sean read something about McCafferty The Cat while a blonde walked up and down and James read extracts from his second book "The Life and Times of a Gotcha". Mark read a fine poem of watching the world go by and I read something myself. Jimmy had a ballad about a certain operation performed and from memory too. The poem that is, and more to come about the book!

Photos: Some of those attending Last Night's event: A search for the lost verse?

Tommy Murray at the Delish in Cavan . Part1

2011-03-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

This is a video of Tommy Murray reading some of his poetry at the Delish for the launch of "The Moth" magazine, a magazine I've yet to get my hands on, but however, this is part one of Tommy's contribution, with part two to come! A winner of numerous awards for his poetry and storytelling, and some of that material can be read over at "Meath Books" just click on the link opposite or go to youtube for other videos. Chairman of The Meath Writers' Circle he also runs a children's' group in Navan library on a Saturday morning.