An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure ~ May 2019!

An Tobar/Poetry for Pleasure ~ 2019!

The theme for last Tuesday night's get together at An Tobar was 'Schooldays' or something you learned from back then which brought out a few interesting contributions and poems. Chaired by Leona Rennicks the first poem read was by John Quinn, "For the Children of St. Mark's" followed by Eugene Kane reading one of his own, " Coolronan New School"  Thomas Hood's "I Remember, I Remember" came next followed by Zohar Dida's "There is a Normal Sadness" (Not familiar with that - must chase it up?) Read "Rooms and Canon" myself and this was followed by a poem from our first book called, "First Day" by Collette Gibson. "Vengeance is Mine" by Willie G. Hodgins was read by himself and was followed by "A Noble Boy" written by Mary Dow Brine. "Damson" by Seamus Heaney followed next and  "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar was also included. Eugene Kane finished off with "A Friend Is" and then out to refreshments and conversation. The group meet again on Tuesday the 18th of June with a theme on 'Summer'. All are welcome!  

Tubridy/Kennedy Exhibition ~ Trim!

Tubridy/Kennedy Exhibition ~ Trim County Meath!

Still with the Irish in America I can't say I was aware of the very strong local connections between Dot Tubridy and the Kennedy family but I dropped in to the Heritage Centre in Trim today to have a look at some of the items on display. Had no idea she played such a central role in the connections between the two countries and indeed the peace process in the North. Some of those bowls of shamrock made their way from very close to here to the White House. The equestrian world figured largely there too and some of the political events that unfolded over the years owed much to her endeavours. If you've got a few minutes to spare and find yourself in the south Meath area or just happen to be passing: worth a visit.

The Irish in the American Civil War- Paddy's Lamentation

Because of its importance, I would say it's a ballad that should have been included in any list of "favourites". There are many versions of it out there though on a quick shuffle through I went for this one loaded by - "nicktheirishman". Must look up the history of the song! Comments both negative and positive. Mary Black sings and some interesting video. The forgotten war of the Irish. With thanks to youtube and the share button and nick who loaded.

The Meath Writers' Circle/May 2019!

The Meath Writers' Circle/May 2019!

A small number turned out for last Thursday night's meeting of The Meath Writers' Circle but there were some great stories told and poems read, though not all of the stories will go to print. (True!) The material for the magazine is still coming in and we're now about somewhere over the half-ways mark, so a reminder to those who have yet to finish or are still writing, send it in please! The material itself is a broad mixture of poetry, prose, and pieces of historical interest and there are also some poems in from children so hopefully the finished product is a nice read. 

Just Saying

So National Poetry Day was yesterday. A day late as they say but here goes. Came across this a while back on youtube and with over half a million hits it sure has attracted a lot of interest. Saw him on the Late Late Show with Ryan about a year back and posted one of his videos before. An Irish actor, playwright and screenwriter who tells it as it is, this one goes back to 2012 I believe. With a few exceptions he goes where most modern writers refuse to. Anyway give a listen. Other videos of his on You Tube. With thanks to "daveytan" who posted and the share button!