Dan Fogelberg ~ Same Old Lang Syne (v1) ~ Dan Fogelberg

A song for the new year, set in Abington Hill, Peoria Illinois in 1975 and tells the story of a chance encounter between Dan Fogelberg and his old girlfriend from schooldays. Home for the holidays he was sent out to get some cream for Irish Coffee and bumped into her at a local convenience store. He released the song as a single in 1980 after he heard she was divorced but wouldn't say whether it was true or not and it was only after he died from prostate cancer in 2007 that the girl (Jill Greulich) admitted it was her. Beautiful song and those with musical connections will know what I mean. With thanks to JMeagle101 who posted and youtube.

"Fire and Snow and Carnevale", read by poet Macdara Woods

Something for Christmas with the Brendan Graham connection and back to An Tobar post. With thanks to youtube and the UCD Library Special Collection, December 5th 2016, for posting.

An Tobar ~ December Meeting 2018!

Poetry for Pleasure/An Tobar Ardbraccan Navan.

The theme for last Tuesday night's meeting was, "A Winter's Fall" which introduced a few old favourites as well as some not heard before. "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore led off followed by "Gardening Diary" by Reginald Arknell and something from "A Winter's Tale" by William Shakespeare who also got a look in with "Love Labour's Lost." Eiláin Ni Chuilleanáin's "A Winter Prayer" was read as was her poem "Swineherd"   and "Snow Flakes by Rose Mawdsley, her own composition, was followed by "The Moon". Willie G. Hodgins read "The Donkey "  and "In a Winterland" from his own collection and I myself read "Christmas" which was one of the first poems I wrote. (Back When!) "Winter, Fire and Snow" by Macdara Woods was played and sung via the smartphone by Orla Fallan or was that Anuna?(Will load more info about on next post!)
 "On a Night Of Snow" by Elizabeth Coatsworth got a reading and Carol Owens read a poem about a well known shoe shop in Navan. Thomas Hardy's "Snow in the Suburbs" followed. Also read was "A Lament" by Reginald Arknell. Did someone read " The Ghost of Christmas Past?" Get back to me!   

The Meath Writers' Circle/December Meeting 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ December Meeting 2018!

About 9 people turned out for our December meeting with a round up of the year's events, including our Children's Poetry Competition and the launch of our annual magazine. Still a number left to sell so if you'd like a beautiful Christmas present for yourself or perhaps one of your friends why not contact one of the members of the above. The magazine has found a home in some far flung places including the USA and Canada, not forgetting the UK and many counties throughout Ireland. Though most of our sales have been local. Priced at only € 6 and with over 70 pages including biographical notes it's well worth acquiring. Now for 2019!

An Tobar ~ Ardbraccan/Poetry for Pleasure!.

An Tobar ~ Ardbraccan Navan

The next meeting of the "Poetry for Pleasure" group in An Tobar takes place a week early on Tuesday the 11th of December at 7.30 pm and all are welcome to attend. The guiding theme for the night is "A Winter's Tale" whatever your interpretation or chosen piece. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Contact Jim Owens at 087 967 6728 or Jackie Smyth (An Tobar) 046 90 789 73 for further details.

from Verses on the Death of the Dean by Jonathan Swift - The Time is Not...

On this day in 1667 the great satirist and writer Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin and given his very local connections (Laracor) he deserves more than a mention. Just been listening to Myles Dungan on the radio. With thanks to "performingpoetry" who loaded and youtube! 

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure

About fifteen people turned out for last Tuesday night's readings in Ardbraccan and for what was a very entertaining evening with a wide variety of poems read on a theme of "My Favourite Place." A light interpretation though was in order with Austin Clarke getting the lead off with "The Planter's Daughter" followed by Michael Longley's "Carrigskeewaun" and "The Leveret." Carol Ann Duffy's "Meeting Midnight" was followed by "Tara" by Carol Owens and Tom French's "The Shamrock Road." Sean Kane entertained with "The Two Travellers" by C. J. Boland, so be careful what you boast about. Willie G. Hodgins read "A Cradle for a King" and Claire Kane read Felix Halton's "The Banks of Lough Gowna. William Allingham's "Adieu to Ballyshannon" was followed by Eugene Kane reading "My Dream" and Sean Reilly reading Myra Lalor's "Gypsies of Long Ago." Myself I read "The Hejaz" and there was also a water colour by John G. Ryan displayed. Other poems included Una Leavy's "Going to Gowel", Macdara Woods "Above Pesaro" and "Estonian Fields" by Kevin Dwan. Admission Day" by Carol Owens and "The Green Kingdom" by Margaret Fagan were also included. Sure to have left something out but that was some collection of poems for one night! Eileanain Ni Chuilleanain also gets a mention. If I've left anyone out please remind! A reference to Ethna Cantwell and "41 Watergate Street" ? and to finish Patrick Kavanagh's "Inniskeen Road".

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!

This month's meeting of the Poetry for Pleasure group in An Tobar, Ardbraccan, County Meath has a theme of "Place" or something that relates to it in someway depending on interpretation. The start time is 7.30 pm this Tuesday night coming and everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Contact Jim Owens at 087 967 6728 or Jackie Smyth (An Tobar) at 046 90 789 73 for further details. 

Eric Bogle - The Green Fields of France

From the great Eric Bogle. Loaded by Grant O' Neil. Today is the 11th of November 2018. Enough said. With thanks to youtube!     

The Meath Writers' Circle/Magazine Launch!

Magazine Launch/Photos!

Verona Pentony and Una O' Callanáin

Michael Farry

Barbara Flood

Pat Farrelly

Monica Sherlock

Eugene Kane

Sean Reilly

Gaberiel McDonnell 

Noel Dempsey who launched the magazine with Willie G. Hodgins in the background.

Just some of the photos taken at the launch of The Meath Writers' Circle 4th Annual Magazine in the Trim Castle Hotel on Thursday the 1st of November. Again a big thank you to everyone who came or read or contributed something to the magazine, to our prize winners in the children's poetry competition and to Gemma McGowan for her beautiful singing and musical accompaniment on the harp.  

The Meath Writers' Circle/Magazine Launch 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ Annual Magazine Launch 2018!

Noel Dempsey did the honours on last Thursday night at the Trim Castle Hotel for the launch of our fourth Annual Magazine and it was fitting in that he was one of the founder members of the group back in the early Nineties when himself and Deirdre McGivern, with the assistance of Trim poet Tommy Murray first established the group as part of the Adult Education Department of the Meath County VEC. Tommy was the chairperson of the group until he died in 2012 and Willie G. Hodgins has occupied the position since that time. This year's magazine includes some of Ireland' most prominent writers as well as members of our local writing groups. There are contributions here from President Michael D. Higgins, John F. Deane, Michael Farry, Tom French, Orla Fay, Tommy Murray, Anthony J. Jordan, Louise Scott, Myra Lalor, John Quinn, Verona Pentony, Sean Reilly, Willie G Hodgins, Paul Martin, Patrick Nolan, Sean Kane, Eugene Kane, F. R. Higgins, Rex Lee, Gemma McGowan, Cynthia Simonet, Jim Owens, Peggy Murphy, Frank Murphy, Thomas Davis, Monica Sherlock, James Byrne, Peter Farrely, Pat Farrelly, Tess Ryan, Mick Gillick, Gaberiel Mc Donnell, Mary Flood, Barbara Flood, Kieran Murray, George Knightley, James Linnane, Leona Rennicks, Ray Crinnion, Tony Mc Cormack, Kathleen Miggin, Noel French, Gemma Macey, Carmel Murray, Sean Landers, Pat Bennett, Doris Daley and of course our junior writers and children's competition winners: Etain McCarthy, Jessica Varley, Rebecca Ó Reilly, Louise Reynolds, Nicole Mc Fadden, Thomas Balfe, Sadhbh David-Ní Laoire, Barra Mc Cluskey, Grace Lyons, Emily Brooks, Lily Casey, Isabel Wallace, Glenda Smith, Sophia Grace Christie and Scarlet Leonard.

There are over sixty contributions here in all, although not in the order above and we'd like to thank everyone who sent something in. If I've left anyone out please let me know! The magazine has 72 pages and retails at only €6. A4 size it would make an ideal Christmas present.

Some photos to follow.

'Grangegorman' by Hazel Hogan

Here's an interesting one I came across on youtube. Worth a listen. Loaded by Dublin City Literature. With thanks to youtube.

Magazine Launch/2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ Magazine Launch/2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle will launch their 4th Annual Magazine in the Trim Castle Hotel on Thursday the 1st of November at 8 pm. All are welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served. The magazine will be launched by Noel Dempsey and includes some of Ireland's most prominent writers as well as the winners of our children's poetry competition. A broad mix of poetry and prose and pieces of historical interest there's sure to be something there to appeal to everyone, so why not come along and enjoy the night. Retails at €6 and would make an ideal Christmas present. Noel Dempsey was a founder member of the group.

Verona Pentony Reading Her Poems | Speakers Corner

Verona Pentony of The Meath Writers' Circle reading from her poetry books, Reflections from the Heart and Reflections of Time at Speaker's Corner, Hyde Park London on Sunday the 7th of October. With thanks to Verona, Content over Everything, D J Riza's Channel and youtube. Some nice comments over on youtube.

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ Readings!

Poetry for Pleasure/Readings!

Last night's gathering in An Tobar, Ardbraccan was hosted by Jim Owens and included members of a number of different writing groups and local poets. A wide selection of favourite poems were read and with a theme on the Autumn of John Keats 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness' - given a little poetic license; the following poems were read. The Canditate by Thomas Gray, A Soft-edged Reed of Light by Julia Copus, Temptation in Harvest by Patrick Kavanagh, Journey's End by Reginald Arkel, The Astronomical Fall by Carol Owens, The Fiddler o' Legananny by Richard Rowley, (recited from memory by Sean Kane) To Autumn by John Keats, The Guest House by Rumi, The Ranch by Eugene Kane, Luke Kelly by Claire Kane, Sunflower by Willie G. Hodgins, The Rising Tide by Frank Murphy, (the only poem I have with a mention of Autumn in it) and if I remember correctly there was another poem by Reginald Arkel, Apple Blossoms? and did somebody read a poem by Síobhan O' Luan? Should keep better notes! Hope somebody will correct me on that!   

Poetry for Pleasure Group/ An Tobar!

Poetry for Pleasure Group/ An Tobar

Poetry for Pleasure Group 2018

An Tobar, Ardbraccan, Co Meath

Tuesday evening 16th October at 7.30pm

Guiding theme: ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’

For further information please feel welcome to contact: > Jim Owens 087 967 6728, 

Email: kiltale@eircom.net > Carol Owens Email: carol.peacefulhaven@gmail.com

> Jackie Smyth (An Tobar) 046 9078973 email: antobarnavan@gmail.com

Everybody welcome

Boyne Berries 24 Launch!

Boyne Berries 24 Launch!

Noel French, Paddy Smith
Liam Cahill

Just about made it around to the Castle Arch in Trim on last Thursday night for the launch of the above magazine. Haven't had time yet to go through it except for a poem or two and a short story by Peter Farrelly, (Epitome of Unconditional Love) and worth buying for that alone. Micéal Kearney's launch notes can be read over on the Boyne Berries site, (link to the right) and there's information there also on how to purchase a copy. Price: €10. Congratulations to Orla and everyone on another splendid production.

The Meath Writers' Circle/October Meeting 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/October Meeting 2018!

Trim Castle Hotel

About eight members turned out for the above meeting where the launch and publication of our "Annual Magazine" was the main topic of discussion. Date and place are set with the launch taking place at The Trim Castle Hotel on Thursday the 1st of November at 8 pm. A few loose ends to be tied up and further info to follow. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

Charles Aznavour - Yesterday When I Was Young ( Hier Encore )

A fine piece of poetry. Charles Aznavour died on the first of October 2018. He was born on 22nd of May 1924. The English Language lyrics were written by Herbert Kretzmer. Check him out! With thanks to fabrizio lencioni who loaded and Youtube.

Boyne Berries 24/ Launch!

Boyne Berries 24/Launch!

Castle Arch Hotel

The 2018 Autumn issue of the Boyne Berries literary magazine will be launched in the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim, County Meath on Thursday the 4th of September at 8 pm by poet Miceál Kearney. Miceál lives in the west of Ireland and began writing in 2001. He has had poems and short stories published in Ireland, the UK and worldwide; both in print and online. Check out his info over on the Boyne Berries Blogsite. Link to the right. Boyne Berries is edited by poet Orla Fay, copy edited by poet Francis Browne and with cover design by poet and illustrator Rory O' Sullivan. All are welcome on the night and entry to the launch is free.Contributors will read and copies of the magazine will be available for sale. Also a list of contributors is available on the website. The Boyne Writers group was founded in March 2006 and meets twice monthly in the Castle Arch Hotel.

Kevin Dwan ~ An Tobar!

Kevin Dwan/Poetry Reading!

Kevin Dwan, Leona Rennicks and Jim Owens

Kevun Dwan read a selection of poems from his poetry collection, "Twenty 7" last Tuesday night in An Tobar, Ardbraccan followed by a discussion and readings of other poems. Kevin is  an actor and writer and also a music producer and poet. His poems are both insightful and entertaining and  focus on what it is that makes up the human condition and indeed the meaning of the everyday. He began writing in 2008 and believes that there are lessons in everything and in every moment. The book has some beautiful illustrations throughout by  Bayani Pasig and is dedicated to his father and mother. Cover design, layout and typesetting is by the author. First published in 2016 by KDM Studios Dublin. E-mail Kevin Dwan at kevdwan@gmail.com  


* Other poems read on the night were, "Goodbye Love"  by Eugene Kane, "A Galapagos Moment" by Frank Murphy, The Year of the Honeybee" by Leona Rennicks and "Gossip" by Canadian poet Doris Daley read by Willie G. Hodgins.

Hank Williams - I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You) ft. Anit...

Hank Williams was born on the 17th of September 1923 so something of an anniversary this week. His song, "Move it on Over" recorded in 1947 is credited by some as laying the foundations of Rock and Roll. Give a listen see, what you think. The Carter Family were all talented performers and June and Johnny Cash need no introduction but Anita was perhaps the finest singer of them all. With thanks to Hank Williams Vevo who loaded and youtube.

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure!

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure/September 2018!

The guest reader at next Tuesday night's meeting in An Tobar, Ardbraccan Navan is Kevin Dwan. He began writing in 2008 and got involved in the Spoken Word scene and has performed at Longtitude, Valentia Festival and Shakefest etc. Published in a number of journals he is also a music producer and in 2011 produced a Manga-Themed opera called, The Adventures of Captain Mac and the Starship Peace and Unity. His debut collection, Twenty 7 is self published. The latter part of the evening is open mic or "Free Range" and you can contact Jim Owens at 087 967 6728 or An Tobar for further details. Start time is 7.30 pm. 

Scurlogstown/Nationwide!

Scurlogstown/Nationwide!

Pat Farrelly

Tossie Harrington, Annette Barry and Naoise

Road Scene!

Jimmy Peppard, Willie Hodgins and James Linnane

Kevin Cunniffe

Dog on Tractor!

To celebrate their 50th anniversary the Scurlogstown Olympiad group and Trim Comhaltas, not forgetting The Meath Writers' Circle, were at the Heritage Park beside Jack Quinn's on Sunday last for a day of music, crafts, vintage cars and tractors, farm animals, hay making, Land Commission recordings, dancing and numerous other events and all recorded by RTE/Nationwide to be broadcast sometime before Christmas. With special thanks to them for coming down. Above are a few photos of the day.

The Meath Writers' Circle/September Meeting 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/September Meeting!

Thirteen people turned out for last Thursday night's meeting of the Meath Writers' Circle with some interesting short stories and poems read including extracts from, "Poems of the Decade" an anthology of The Forward Books of Poetry selected by William Steghart. A good number of Irish writers in there including Tom French of the Meath County Library. Our magazine has gone to the printer and the proofs should be out in the next few weeks. Interesting to see how it turns out. The launch date is provisionally set for November the first in the Trim Castle Hotel. Hope to see you there!

Salmon of Knowledge Festival 2018/Trim!

Salmon of Knowledge Festival/Trim!

This year's Salmon of Knowledge Festival in Trim coincided with the Pope's visit to Ireland but a fair old crowd turned out at Trim Castle for what was an afternoon of fun and entertainment for all. A few photos of the event above.

Lisa Hannigan Anahorish

Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney. Got a photo of him once on Tara (2010). Out there somewhere on google images. Have a listen here to Lisa with his poem "Anahorish". The video was loaded to youtube by Seamus Heaney Homeplace. With thanks.

Recitation of "Insomnia" by Paul Martin

Paul Martin is a member of The Meath Writers' Circle in Ireland and a contributor to the Deep Underground Poetry site on the web. Check him out as "Staggerlee". This is a recording of one of his poems by Lily Heson recorded or published on March 30th 2015. A good poem goes a long way. 

Book Launch ~ Wow!

Book Launch ~ Wow!

Claire and Eugene

A huge crowd turned out for the launch of Eugene Kane's book on Monday last in the Knightsbrook Golf Centre in Trim with Jim Owens doing the honours on the night. The book includes a foreword by his brother Sean and is dedicated to his family and to the memory of Fr. Camillus Kane C.S.Sp. The book includes both poetry and memories of Trim and Bracklyn in County Westmeath and with words of wisdom and dedications to other family members and friends. A copy can be purchased in Antonia's bookstore in Trim or in Michael Leonard's post office in Delvin or alternatively any member of The Meath Writers' Circle can source you a copy.

  

Book Launch/Eugene Kane!

"Book Launch/Wow ~ words of wisdom and wonder"

Eugene Kane will be on the Gerry Kelly show on LMFM Radio on Monday the 20th of August at 3 pm to discuss the launch of his new book and provide a little insight or background on what it was that inspired him to take up writing. Originally from Delvin in County Westmeath, his family settled in Trim and he's been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for a number of years now and is the current vice chairperson of the group. He plays a major role in the production of their Annual Magazine each year and his introduction of a "Young Poets" section proved to be a great success 

Book Launch/Knightsbrook Golf Club!

Book Launch/Knightsbrook Golf Club!

Eugene Kane of The Meath Writers' Circle is launching his collection of poems and memories at the Knightsbrook Golf Club in Trim County Meath on Monday the 13th of August at 8 pm and all are invited to attend. "Wow ~ words of wisdom and wonder" is a collection he's gathered over the years and on what's sure to be an interesting night some of those poems and memories will be read by both himself and of course, family and friends. Light refreshments will be served and I believe there is some music planned as well. So if writing is your interest and you happen to be in the Meath area why not drop in for an hour or two. 

The Meath Writers' Circle/ August 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ August 2018!

The August meeting of the Writers' Circle attracted nine in all and was perhaps one of the best of the year with some great material read. Peter Farrelly's story of the conquest of Everest was a fascinating account and contained a lot of detail most people wouldn't be familiar with. Other items covered included the children's poetry competition which was a great success, our annual magazine which is now complete and on its way to the printer and last but not least, Eugene's book launch, which takes place in the Knightsbrook on Monday the 13th of August at 8pm. But more on that to follow.

VAN MORRISON : "CONEY ISLAND" (1989)

Here's a nice take on "Coney Island". Loaded by Emiliano Ecco. With thanks.

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure ~ July 2018!

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure ~ July 2018!

The theme for this month's get together was journeying or travel in some form or other and the meeting attracted a fair old attendance with about seventeen people there in all. The poetry read was an interesting mix of both modern and old favourites followed by a little light refreshments afterwards.  "Tel Aviv" by Ronan Rodgers was the opening contribution which was an interesting take on the Eurovision and who knows? Other pieces read included, "An Englishman Abroad" by myself, "The Road to Kinsale" by Aubrey De Vere, "The Weary Traveller" by Willie G. Hodgins, "Hollyhead" by Jonathan Swift, "The Road not Taken" by Robert Frost, "Originally" by Carol Ann Duffy, "Memo of a Camel Man" by Joseph Richard Dunne, "To Trust in the Not Knowing" by Marion Murphy, "The Caravelles" by Sir John Squires, "Cambodia" by Lee Crowell, " The Journey Home" Maura/ Eamon Flanagan, "Clouds" by Eugene Kane, "Madrigals and Ploughing" by Giovanni Pascalli, translated by Seamus Heaney? Not sure on those! " The Washer Woman" by Seamus Heaney, "Shoe Shore" by Pheme Glass and "The Road Home" Gillian Allnutt. A few there I'm not familiar with! Also a writing group from Raheny, Dublin joined us on the night.

Children's Poetry Competition/Photos!

Children's Poetry Competition/Photos

Sean Reilly, Bridie Halton and Eugene Kane
At the Children's Poetry Awards
In Navan Library
(Saturday 14th of July)

One of the winning trophies

Poetry for Pleasure/AnTobar Ardbraccan.

Poetry for Pleasure Group 2018

An Tobar, Ardbraccan, Co Meath

                     Tuesday evening 17^th July at 7.30pm

 Guiding Theme: Journey and travel     

For further information please feel welcome to contact: 

Ø Jim Owens 087 967 6728,  Email: kiltale@eircom.net

Ø Carol Owens  Email: carol.peacefulhaven@gmail.com

Ø Jackie Smyth (An Tobar) 046 9078973                                               email: antobarnavan@gmail.com

The Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month (No meeting in August)

Everybody welcome

                    

Children's Poetry Competition Results!

Children's Poetry Competition Results 2018!

Our Children's Poetry Competition attracted entries from all over Ireland, though two local schools featured strongly in the number of entries received. (Dunsany and Bohermeen). The awards' ceremony was held in the Meath County Library, Navan on yesterday afternoon and we'd like to thank everyone there for their cooperation and assistance in allowing us the use of their premises. Also a word of thanks to all who entered and especially to those who travelled long distances to be with us on the day. 

(11 - 13)

Joint First- Nicole Mc Fadden, My Favourite Memory

Joint First- Thomas Balfe, My Favourite Pot Noodle
Second- Sadhbh David-Ní Laoire, Barra McCloskey and Grace Lyons
 (My Favourite Creature, My Favourite Place and Art - My Favourite)

Third - Emily Brooks, Halloween

Highly Commended: Kyle Gilsenan, Annie McCabe, Luke Griffin, Abbey Coffey, Keelan McKenna

                                   

(8 - 10)

 First - Lily Casey, My Favourite Month

 Second - Isabel Wallace, Off to Polish the Sun

 Third -  Sophia Grace Christie, Scarlett Leonard

             (Unicorn, St. Patrick)

Highly Commended: Síofra O' Connor, Juliette Carroll - Breen, Grace Amos, Bob Maye, Ruby Mc Morrow
                               

                                   

* Again a very big thank you to all who came and to everyone who entered!

Kathleen Mavourneen - a popular Civil War song, from the Gettysburg soun...

One of the best known ballads of the nineteenth century it was popularized by the Irish singer Catherine Hayes and became something of a standard after she sang it for Queen Victory in 1849. Much of the detail about it is given in the video above and its association with the American Civil War can be traced back to the memoirs of Almira Hancock and a dinner party in the early summer of 1861 in Los Angeles, California. Told also in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Killer Angels, Brigadier General Lewis A. Armisted at the home of his best friend, Union Major General Winfield Scott sang the song with Hancock and his wife Almira before returning to fight for the Confederacy. Also present at the party were two other Confederate generals, Albert Sidney Johnson and Richard Garnett and it is said Johnson's wife sang the song. One for the historians! Johnson would die at Shiloh, Garnett and Armisted as part of Pickett's charge on the third day of the battle of Gettysburg. They were attacking Hancock's position, and Hancock himself would be seriously wounded as a result of the charge. Mavourneen is a term of endearment in Gaelic. With thanks to "Chatham 62" who posted and youtube. The battle of Gettysburg began on the 1st of July 1863.   

The Meath Writers' Circle/July Meeting 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/July Meeting 2018!

Last Thursday night's meeting of The Meath Writers' Circle had eight in attendance, which given the beautiful weather outside wasn't bad. I believe a steam engine event in the aid of charity was taking place, or going through at the same time. The magazine is now closed and only a few finishing touches required before sending to the printer. Our children's poetry competition awards are in Navan Library next Saturday and everyone is welcome to drop in. (2.30 pm) We finished the night with stories and poems before heading back out in the late sun. 

Boyne Berries 23!

Boyne Berries 23!

Boyne Berries 23 is an interesting mix of both poetry and prose and as noted in the intro; "In the centenary year of women's suffrage, contains the work of 18 women and 13 men." The very first issue was published back in the spring of 2007, and with an introduction by our own Tommy Murray, and since then has published contributions from writers who are both local and from much further afield, attracting submissions from all over the world. Reading through the content, the influence of those who are not there is framed in a number of ways and the influence of poets who are absent makes for some interesting contrast. The short story or prose section section has a variety of subject matter, and cherry picking; "i love you more than anything you could do in the future or say in the past" would make it into any collection. Cherry picking from the poetry section it has to be Brendan Carey Kinnane's "Tea." Boyne Berries 23 was launched by Rachel Coventry and more details and info are available over on the Boyne Berries Blogsite. Link to the right. Orla Fay is editor.

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure ~ June 2018!

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure ~ June 2018!

The theme for last Tuesday's meeting was, "Darkness into Light" and it made for an interesting evening with some interesting choices. The group meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm and everyone is welcome. Jim Owens is the coordinator and can be contacted at 087 967 6728. The theme for next month's meeting is "Travelling" or some aspect of. And there is I believe a break for the month of August. 

Poems that were read on Tuesday night included Patrick Kavanagh's Shancoduff, Edith Sitwell's Canticle 111, Kevin Dwane's The Precious Little Things, Willie G. Hodgins Darkness into Light, Frank Murphy's The Marginal Line and Tick Tock, Robert Service's The Wonderer, Macdara Wood's The Welder Embracing Silence and Kavanagh in Umbria, Brendan Kennelly's A Glimpse of Starlings, E.E. Cummings, White Guardians of the Universe of Sleep and Emma Robson's Motherhood for Slackers.

Scurlogstown Olympiad 2018/Photos!

Scurlogstown Olympiad/Haymaking Festival 2018!

Napoleon and Friend

Simon Murphy and Sarah Douglas

Cynthia Simonet

Carmel Murray and Friends.

Set dancing with Kevin Cunniffe, Annette Barry and friend.

Raising the dust from the floorboards!

Just a few of the photos taken at the Porch Fields in Trim on Sunday.

The Meath Writers' Circle/Children's Poetry Competition Results

The Meath Writers' Circle/Children's Poetry Competition Results!

The Meath Writers' Circle is delighted to announce the children's poetry competition shortlist and wishes to acknowledge the outstanding response to the competition and the excellent standard of all entries received. All shortlisted entrants will receive certificates. All shortlisted entrants are invited to read their entries at an award ceremony to be held at Meath County Library, Navan, Co. Meath on Saturday July the 14th at 2.30 pm. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third in each category and certificates to all on the shortlist. The winners in each category will be announced on July the 14th.   

Shortlist: (Category 8 - 10 years)

Sophia Grace Christie, 87 Brackinrainey Manor, Longwood, Co. Meath.

Síofra O' Connor, Scoil Chiarán, Doorus, Kinvara, Co. Galway.

Juliette Carroll-Breen, The Old Glebe, Drumconrath, Navan, Co. Meath.

Grace Amos, Lough Isle, Kilcommon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Bob Maye, Killucan Road, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath.

Ruby Mc Morrow, Dunsany N.S. Co. Meath.

Lily Casey, Clara Rd, Millstreet, Co. Cork.

Scarlett Leonard, Dunsany N.S. Co. Meath.
Isabel Wallace, Dunsany N.S. Co. Meath.

Shortlist: (Category 11 - 13 years)
.

Grace Lyons, 30 Slievemore Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.

Thomas Balfe, 62 Eastham Court, Bettystown, Co. Meath.

Emily Brooks, Dunsany N.S. Co. Meath.

Annie Mc Cabe, Dunsany N.S. Co. Meath.

Nicole Mc Fadden, 46 Old Chapel Wood, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Luke Griffin, Allenstown, Kells, Co. Meath. (St Ultans, Bohermeen).

Abbey Coffey, 121 Balreask Manor, Navan, Co. Meath. (St Ultans, Bohermeen).

Keelan Mc Kenna, Jamestown, Bohermeen, Co. Meath. (St Ultans, Bohermeen).

Kyle Gilsenan, Jamestown, Bohermeen, Co. Meath. (St Ultans, Bohermeen).

Barra Mc Cluskey, 2 Botanic Park, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.

Sadhbh David-Ní Laoire, 6 The Meadows, Flynns Road, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

* Those who are invited should reply to Gabriel McDonnell at 087 2639531 by July the 1st. Certificates or prizes can be posted to those who are unable to attend.

The Meath Writers' Circle/June Meeting 2018!

The Meath Writers' Circle/ June Meeting 2018!

A small turnout last Thursday night for the June meeting with only seven in attendance but some of the material read was very good. The shortlist for the children's poetry competition has been decided and the winners and highly commended will be contacted in the next few days. The standard and quality of the entries was very high and all are to be congratulated with the award ceremony to be held in July. More on that to follow. Those who have not sent in material for the magazine and wish to do so, should send it in as soon as possible as it is getting late in the year....

Wreath Laying Ceremonies 2018!

Wreath Laying Ceremonies 2018!

 

Gemma Murray, Willie G. Hodgins, Joe Conlon,
Carmel and Catherine Murray
at the grave of poet
F. R. Higgins in Laracor.

Betty and Bernie Murray
at the grave of poet
Tommy Murray in St. Loman's Trim.

The annual wreath laying ceremonies at the graves of poets F.R. Higgins and Tommy Murray took place last Saturday prior to the opening event of the Scurlogstown Olympiad Haymaking Festival for 2018. The High Nellies' cycle tour followed with an evening of music and conversation in Jack Quinn's and on what was a beautiful evening the turn out was perhaps in the hundreds.