Happy Christmas and Round Up.

Happy Christmas.

Round Up 2009.

The writing scene in Meath has probably never been better served than at the moment with different groups in both Navan and Trim for those who wish to put pen to paper. (And perhaps others I'm not aware of). The more senior of these, if I may use the expression, was set up by Tommy Murray and Deirdre McGivern back in the early nineties and since then many of its members have gone on to win awards and prizes in various competitions in Ireland. Tommy Murray launched his first collection of poems "Counting Stained Glass Windows" in the Trim Library during the year with Tom French doing the honours, published by Lapwing of Belfast it is available as they say in all good bookshops, or just click on the Meath Writers' Link opposite for more details.

William G. Hodgins, another member, launched his book of poems "Sunflower", in the Navan Library with Tom French again doing the honours. Tom French is a winner of the Forward Prize and is one of the most successful poets in the country. Check it out as they say. Hopefully other members of the group will publish in the coming year. Myself I managed to pick up a couple of awards during the year, so no complaining. Though its hard to keep going back to the inkwell!

The Boyne Writers' Group since it was set up has managed to sweep through the writing scene, picking up awards in just about every competition in the country and a few outside. Their literary magazine "Boyne Berries", was a gamble and one that seems to have paid off, pushing Trim firmly to the centre of the literary map. Also the introduction of open-mic sessions at the Knightbridge Village Hall with guest readers, both poetry and prose, managed to gather together those who would otherwise read only the reviews.

The Small Impact Writers' Group based in the Navan Library is the latest kid on the block and has a number of very interesting writers to boast of, some of whom drop into The Writers' Circle now and again, and hopefully the New Year will be successful for all of the above, not forgetting those who prefer their own company!

Finally the poetry broadsheet ~Riposte~ , which has published a good number of writers from Meath and comes through the letterbox every month without fail. A word of thanks!

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Photo: Musical Bears/Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

Open Mic Readings/Knightsbridge.

Open Mic Knightsbridge.

Brendan Carey Kinane and Michael Clemenger

were the guest readers at the December open mic session at the Knightsbridge Village Hall in Trim. Chaired by Paddy Smith of The Boyne Writers' Group, and indeed organised by the same , these readings have provided both an outlet and a focus for many of the writers and poets in the Meath area. Not suggesting that they are not one and the same. You have to be careful with poets.

Brendan Carey Kinane was the outright winner of The Boyle literary Festival in 2007 (poetry) and has won any number of awards since. He provided everyone with a chapbook of the poems he was about to read as did Michael Farry on a previous occasion. A very good idea

too. Michael Clemenger's book "Holy Terrors" is not for the faint hearted though it comes with a happy ending, or so I've been told. Yet to read. Described by the Minister at the launch as a book that should be compulsory reading, it tells of his time in St Joseph's Industrial School and the abuse he suffered while there. Published by O'Brien Press it is available in all good bookshops.

Paddy Smith ended the night with his own version of "We Three Kings" and by far the most interesting I've heard, and wished everyone a Happy Christmas, and so say all of us!

Photo: Paddy Smith and guest reader Michael Clemenger.

Open Mic/Small Impact Creative Writers' Group.

The Small Impact Creative Writers' Group held their Open Mic Session and Christmas get- together at the Library in Navan on Thursday last.

Chaired by Jimmy Byrne this was a lively and humorous event with readings from himself and Sean Reilly, a number of children, and others whose names have escaped me. Edel Gillick whose excert from a short story proved interesting is one of the best readers you are likely to come across. A number of these stories were gift wrapped and ready for Christmas at €6.99 Euro. (CD Copies). Tea and refreshments were served with much buns and biscuits and cakes and the Meath Writers' Circle pitched in with a number of readings themselves. A lovely event!

Photos: Jimmy Byrne and crowd scene to the right.

Meath Writers' Circle.

Meath Writers' Circle.

The Meath Writers' Circle pre - Christmas meeting took place last Thursday in the Castle Hotel in Trim with a good number attending. A mixture of poetry and prose, natural banter, and good wishes for the season that's in it, or until we meet again in the new year. Favourite lines from poets long gone and personal reflections tinged with whatever! You had to be there! Next meeting first Thursday in January.

Photo: Swans feeding at Waterville Park Blanchardstown.