The Rebel Jesus - Jackson Browne

For those of a materialistic bent and who's not you might say and now that the new year is upon us here's something that doesn't get too many air plays  these days, or ever did, and is one of the best Christmas songs out there! Enjoy! With thanks to Jackson Browne and the guy who posted.

The Meath Writers' Circle Poetry Selection 2012

Poetry Selection 2012 !

DVD Cover

The above is a selection of some of the videos I recorded during the year and if you happen to be one of those and have not received a copy or were at any of the meetings and would like a copy, just give us a bell or leave a message, but hurry only a few left! Now a Happy New Year to all!!

Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen

A poem for Christmas! With thanks to the guy who posted and of course Leonard. A Happy Christmas to all!

Local Songs & Poems Launch 2012 (Photos)

Pat Farrelly

Dr Antóin McGabhann

Michael Sheils

Dr Antóin McGabhann

Scurlogstown Olympiad Recordings 2012

Local Songs & Poems 2012

Jack Quinn's of Scurlogstown was the place to be on Saturday night last where Dr Antóin McGabhann gave a   speech on the history of traditional music in South Meath and the Cois Tine Folk Lore Group hosted a gathering. Though I have to admit I never progressed much beyond the harmonica I was there to pick up a copy of the above which was recorded at the Haymaking Festival in the Summer. These recordings were made by Ronan Gorry and will be a keepsake for many I'm sure in the years to come. One of the tracks is by Tommy Murray "The Butterfly" and is a fine poem that was published in his last collection by Lapwing "Swimming With Dolphins". Tommy sadly passed away in November. There are others included here who will be familiar to many in the South Meath area and beyond (home or abroad) and if you're thinking of a present for somebody at Christmas or the New Year this could be it. More info at remusgorry@gmail.com or phone 085 7839881. The bookshops in the Trim area are sure to stock copies. Some photos to follow!

Blasts from the Past (Photos)

Blasts from the Past: The Kane Brothers (Photos)

Liam Mulvihill launching "Blasts from the Past"

Family Scene

Michael Farry

Sean Kane

Blasts from the Past "Launch"

Blasts from the Past.

Book Cover

Liam Mulvihill, former GAA director-general was in Trim last night to launch the above titled, a selection of  anecdotes, essays, short stories and poems by Sean, Eugene and the late Fr Camillus Kane. Sean is a long time member of The Meath Writers' Circle and has been writing since the early sixties. His first book was published in 1993 and was a collection of Camillus's poems called "Insights". Eugene joined the Writers' Circle about a year ago though he has been writing now for about ten years now and has a number of poems in this book. Camillus was ordained a Holy Ghost (Spiritan) missionary priest in 1980 and worked in many countries including Ireland, France, America, Papua New Guniea and Kenya. He died in a motoring accident in Kenya in 1987 where he is buried. A large crowd turned out for the event which was held in The Castle Hotel and included dignitaries such as Ray Butler TD, Noel French, director of the Meath Heritage Centre and Michael Farry of the Boyne Writers who read a piece from the book. More info and details on the book if you go to www.thebookproducers.ie. Some photos to follow.

Golden Rhymes Launch "Video"

Tom French

Tom French of the Meath Library reads a poem here by Czeslaw Milosz called "Blacksmith Shop" and compares with Tommy Murray's "The Old Forge". Managed a clip of the second and may post at a future date!

Golden Rhymes Launch (Photos)

Photos, launch (Golden Rhymes)

Michael Farry

Tom French

Crowd Scene Launch of "Golden Rhymes"

Sean Reilly

Golden Rhymes Launch

Golden Rhymes.

Book Cover

Navan Library was the venue last night for the launch of "Golden Rhymes" a selection of poems from The Meath Junior Writers' Group which was compiled by the late Tommy Murray. This is the fifth book to be produced by the group since it was formed back in 1998, the others being "Gemstones, Building Blocks, Rough Diamonds and Paper Trails" and for the past fourteen years they used to meet every Saturday morning in the Library where Tommy encouraged and taught them to write poetry and prose. Many of them went on to win awards and prizes and I'm sure some of them who read their work last night will be around for a while to come. Michael Farry who launched the book gave an excellent speech and you can read the same if you click on the link over to the right. Tom French of the Meath Library Service who chaired the event kept things moving along nicely and the confidence of the readers is a credit both to them and to all concerned. Other readers included members of The Meath Writers' Circle and for anyone who might want a copy I'd imagine a line to Michael Farry or request to the Library would do the trick. Photos to follow!  

The Francis Ledwidge Awards 2012 (Photos)

Photos from Ledwidge Awards 2012.

Som of the crowd at last night's Ledwidge Awards.

Gavan Duffy

Evan Costigan Winner of Ledwidge Award 2012

Michael Farry

Liam O' Meara presenting the awards.

The Francis Ledwidge Awards 2012

The Francis Ledwidge Awards 2012

Marie Cadden Evan Costigan and Denise Ryan

Evan Costigan of The Boyne Writers picked up first prize for his poem "Boy at the Bus Stop" at this year's Ledwidge Awards with second prize going to Denise Ryan for her poem "In Debt" and third place to Marie Cadden for "Up to Scratch". Michael Farry was highly commended at the awards and Honor Duff of the Cavan Lit-Lab picked up a commendation for her entry, so local writers were well represented at the event and I even got a mention myself. Liam O' Meara paid a fine tribute to the late Tommy Murray at the beginning and I have to mention Michael O' Flanagan who included a piece in the latest issue of Riposte. It was also an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and Gavan Duffy who was highly commended himself reminded me our paths have crossed in other places. The Presentation was in O'Donoghues, Emmet Road Inchicore and a good crowd ensured a lively evening. More photos to follow!

The Meath Writers' Circle Video (1) December 2012

Paul Martin

One more of the videos recorded in October, this one by Paul Martin who has a number of others if you scroll a bit further back and worth a listen. Paul has been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for a good number of years and hopefully is working on a collection. Always interesting.