Cathalbui Poetry Competition 2025!

  Cathalbui Poetry Competition 2025 - free entry!

1 Maximum 20 lines in Irish or English

2 Please paste your unpublished poem into the body of your email

3 Send to: Belcoopoet@gmail.com

4 Closing date: 17 March 2025

Results announced at Macnean Hedge School 5 July 2025

Patrick Harte poetry prize and plaque; 1^st £100: 2^nd £60 3^rd £40.

* One for your diary and to get you writing over the Christmas period. 

Boundary Commissions!

Boundary Commissions!

I wrote this poem during the Brexit negotiations and it's one of those 'Stay out of my back yard' type of poems. Not 'Copperhead Road'. But you catch the drift. From Youtube.

Boundary Commissions!

There were certain legacy issues here,

Leftovers.

Conversations,

That were not about the conversions

That were known to the Guards

Paid handsomely.

Due diligence on the green diesel

And you could be out for hours

Fly tipping.

The drones 

Up for the discussion

There was money in the mattress

The disposables.

Sterling stuff

The sprouts.

Twenty five after four

Of a Friday

And sure who'd answer the phone

Anyway!

Down here 

It was Dublinitis

Out there....

We look after

Our own!

Frank Murphy. 

Felix Halton, Drumgore!

Felix Halton ~ 16th October 1915 - 12th October 2002!

At our Christmas Party or get-together on Tuesday night last, the talk turned to past members and especially to Bridie Halton and the work she did on compiling some of the poems of her cousin Felix, who was a gifted traditional poet from Drumgore, Loughduff, in County Cavan. I mentioned at the time that there were some of his recordings up on Youtube and although the sound quality may not be great they give you an insight into the character and upbeat nature of the man and his love for his native place. Bridie compiled these from audio recordings in a collection titled Among The Breffni Hills which was published by The Universal Publishing Group in 2014 and it was quite a feat. Bridie herself passed away on Friday the 6th on May 2022. The videos are by 'padohalton' and with thanks.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ December 2024!

 The Meath Writers' Circle ~ December 2024!

The next meeting of our group takes place is on this Thursday night coming, the 5th of December at 6.15 pm in Trim Library. More of a Christmas or social get-together than a writing or poetry event but anything goes. Bring a poem or story or a song or whatever takes your interest and you'll be more than welcome. Light refreshments served and a chance to catch up on all the news with perhaps a bit of feedback on our recent book. All welcome. Hope to see you there. FM.

Poetry for Pleasure ~ An Tobar/Ardbraccan Navan.

Poetry for Pleasure ~ An Tobar/ Ardbraccan.

 Greetings friends from a warm and exciting Freetown in delightful Sierra Leone. 

I hope you enjoy the poetry session tonight

Slán go fóill 

Jim.

Tom Clay..What The World Needs Now (Abraham,Martin and John)

Tom Clay ~ Abraham, Martin and John.

An age restricted video, this was put together by Tom Clay and loaded by Scalpsie, so with thanks. John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November the 22nd 1963 and just about everyone who was alive at the time remembers where they were when they heard the news. Don't know whether this will stay up or not. A visit to Youtube to read the comments and for background information is a must.

There are any number of songs that reference these events and the outcome of their investigations but over fifty years later we are as much in the dark as then. That they were outstanding in what they achieved or tried to achieve there is no doubt even allowing for all that has come after. 

Bob Dylan's 'Murder Most Foul' is easily the best of them but if you have the time and inclination then perhaps a little enlightenment may come from some of the other videos. There is no shortage of them. Also a check through the videos on Youtube from those who were there when the events occurred might at least entertain. 

Oliver Stone's JFK (1991) poses the question "Back and to the Left". Check it out and draw your own conclusions. 

Can't get the "Back and to the left" clip to load so you'll have to check it out for yourself.

https://youtu.be/OSzszCTWFwg?si=CP7MZFVsFgAMmBVI

Seems difficult but will come up on Youtube.

Kilburn 1970: Drowsy Maggies.

Kilburn 1970: Drowsy Maggies!

Loaded this one to Youtube back around when I loaded 'The Class of Fifty Seven' which ran up over two hundred hits while this one managed only thirteen. Such is life. These videos were recorded for the 'SiarScéal Festival' a number of years back and I have a couple more but the're a bit edgy in these politically correct times, so we'll see! Enjoy if you can. All the best.   

SONGS FROM MY CELL: The Voyage !

Songs From My Cell: Johnny Duhan!

So sad to hear the news of the passing of Johnny Duhan and the circumstance, given the details of his story above. If you hit the search box on the Blog there are a number of his other recordings and it is well worth the search. His distinctive voice and instinct for what was the most heartfelt and genuine is not to be found too easy these times and in a year that saw the loss of some of our greatest artists, his passing leaves a space that will not be filled. From the share button on his own site and with thanks.

Meath Writers' Circle 2024 ~ Short Stories!

 Meath Writers' Circle 2024 ~ Short Stories!

Windows into other worlds perhaps best describes this collection and interesting that a number of them reflect on the same theme. Synchronicity maybe but then there are others that lead you to different places or subject matter. Edited by Ria Frost she weaves these stories into a journey that takes you down a sunny path, though one that has its darker side as well. As does life. She uses her introduction as a story in itself where the reader gets a glimpse of what is to follow.. If you have contributed to any of our magazines in the past then we should be able to get you a copy. 

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ November 2024!

 The Meath Writers' Circle ~ November 2024!

The next meeting of our group is on this Thursday night coming (7th November) in Trim Library at 6.15 pm ending at 8.15 pm and everyone is more than welcome to attend. Bring a poem or story or even a song or just sit in for the conversation. Hope to get an update on our book for Christmas and interesting to see how it turns out. Until then; over and out!

Kilburn 1970:The Class of Fifty Seven.

Kilburn 1970: The Class of Fifty Seven.

This is the Youtube version. Thought I'd share. Enjoy!

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/October 2024!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ October 20241

Folks,

A quick reminder that we have our poetry session tomorrow evening, Tuesday 29th October at 7.30pm 

As agreed on the last evening we will continue to draw on the poetry of Leonard Cohen.

But any poem is most welcome including one penned by your very self.

Hope you can join us

Slán go fóill 

Jim

087 9676728

Kilburn 1970: The Class of Fifty Seven!

Kilburn 1970: The Class of Fifty Seven!

Quex Road Sundays, the talk outside the church was of going home for the summer. How many of them did I do not know. It was a life of building sites and Undergrounds, the new Victory Line and the music from public houses and houses off side streets. Games played back in Ireland and waiting for the Pubs to open.

The Class of Fifty Seven

Back for summertime vacations

Paid for Confirmations made

Last year's Debs

Or school reunions

With the shovel and the spade

The whole schoolyard assembled

With the writing on the wall

The class of Fifty Seven

And the Boat-Train called.

Danced round tunes 

Played on a Sunday

Whiskey talk of going home 

On the streets off Kilburn High Road

Cricklewood or Camden Town

The Mission Fields of Asia

The States the sessions and the craic

The ones who made it famous

The ones who never made it back.

Frank Murphy,

 

I Just Want To Be With You Tonight!

I Just Want To Be With You Tonight!

Written by Frank Foley!

Made it into The Swift Sessions at the Cultural Centre in Trim last night but only just, as the traffic was something else and parking more than a little difficult. Hosted by Michael Farry the featured guest was Frank Foley the former Meath county player and someone who is also a singer-songwriter as the above more than demonstrates. A beautiful piece that is performed here by local artist Kathy Crinion and it makes you wonder why you don't hear more of them on local or national media. The above was loaded by Kathy Crinion and with thanks. To Youtube for the comments.  

The Lost Roads of South Meath!

The Lost Roads of South Meath!

I recorded this video a number of years back for the SiarScéal Festival in Rroscommon and tried loading it directly to the Blog, but no go! Too much data. So I loaded it to Youtube instead and hit the share button and hopefully it plays OK. Enjoy! 

Janis Joplin // Me and Bobby McGee // Acoustic Version // 1970

Janis Joplin ~ Me and Bobby Magee ~ Acoustic Version 1970.

Loaded by 'HotRockinJohnny' this is in my opinion the best version of the Kristofferson classic out there. So with thanks. Go to Youtube and his site for the many comments. Enjoy!

Kris Kristofferson - Here Comes That Rainbow Again (The Highwaymen, 1995)

Kris Kristofferson ~ June 22nd 1936 - September 28th 2024.

Reading a newspaper columnist on the passing of one of America's great singer-songwriters and poets, the  event was described not so much as the end of an era but the end of an idea. (Almost). Bland now is being kind. I'll leave you to judge for yourselves. Loaded by biggestkkfan and with thanks. Go to Youtube for the comments.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ October 2024!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ October 2024!

The next meeting of our group is on this Thursday night coming in Trim Library at 6.15 pm ending around 8.15 pm and all are welcome to attend. Bring a poem or a story or a little piece of music, whatever your interest, or just come along for the conversation. Hoping to finalize our book project for the Christmas season but we'll see how it goes. See you there. All the best. FM.

26th Francis Ledwidge Poetry Award 2024

26th. Francis Ledwidge

 Poetry Award 2024

 Trophy and Cash Prizes

                

  1^st Prize is the Ledwidge plaque (a keepsake) inscribed with the winner’s name & cash prize.  Cash prizes and books for Second and Third and merit certificates for finalists.                 

 In addition, the winner will be invited to read at the annual Francis Ledwidge Commemoration at the National War Memorial Gardens in July 2025.         

 Rules : The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into following the results; entry implies compliance with this rule.  

Poems must be the competitor’s own work

not previously published or broadcast.

Poems should not exceed 40 lines of type

                        Name and address and telephone number on a separate sheet.

Entry fee: €5 per poem; 4 for €15

Max. 6 poems (€25) payable to the Inchicore Ledwidge Society

 

 Cheque, or Revolut to 0858497531. For online entries copy & paste Email address  which is the same for PayPal: L for Liam underscored as follows; l_omeara@yahoo.co.uk

 S.A.E. or Email address for winners list. Poems will not be returned.

All entries must be submitted before 5^th. November 2024 to

 

The 25th Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Award 2024,

C/o 20, Emmet Crescent. St Vincent Street West.

 

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ Ardbraccan, Navan!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!

Folks,

A quick reminder. 

Poetry this evening at 7.30 pm

Theme: Leonard Cohen.

He was born on 21st September 1934.

We need to mark his 90th birthday. 

Hope you can join us.

Jim

087 9676728 

The Swift Sessions - Swift Cultural Centre, Trim, County Meath.

 The Swift Sessions ~ Swift Cultural Centre, Trim, County Meath.

Michael Farry

At Mic!

Presented by the Boyne Writers Group and with Michael Farry as master of ceremonies, the guest reader on the first night was Orla Fay who read from her recent publication Word Skin. Many others contributed as well to what was a variety of poetry and prose with a number of outstanding pieces, including a surprise or two! The readings were in the Theatre itself and the night ended on a song by Matt Gilsenan. Open Mic and with free admission, stay tuned. 

Evidently Chickentown - John Cooper Clarke (lyrics)

Evidently Chickentown ~ John Cooper Clarke (Lyrics)

Came across him (again) on Arena on RTE a few nights past and remembered him being interviewed by Tommy Tiernan on his talk show. Born in Salford in 1949, John Cooper Clarke is the poet who really made it. Awarded an honorary doctorate of the arts by the University of Salford in 2013, ten years later he was made an honorary freeman of the city, its highest award. Described Charles Baudelaire and Shakespeare as the only people he thought better than him and who am I to argue the point. The above is considered one of his best poems. Must go watch the Sopranos end piece and perhaps load that as well. With thanks to Vulgar Highway who posted. Go to YouTube for the comments.

Siarscéal Celebration Day 2024!

 Dear friends,

 

The year’s Siarscéal Celebration Day will be held in Roscommon Library on Saturday, 14^st September, 2-4pm.

 

I would be most obliged if you could spread the word to all who may be interested.

 

It will be a great day, with plenty of music and craic and where we will get to hear some of Roscommon’s youngest and newest authors reading from their work - Siarsceal Website (siarscealfestival.com)

 

Fáilte roimh chách!

 

Ruairí Ó hAodha | Executive Librarian | Roscommon County Library HQ, The Old Infirmary, Abbeytown, Roscommon, F42 RP49

(090) 6637312 | rohaodha@roscommoncoco.ie

www.roscommoncoco.ie/libraries

🌐  www.roscommoncoco.ie/libraries

📚 roscommon.spydus.ie

The Swift Sessions ~ The Swift Cultural Center, Trim, County Meath.

 The Swift Sessions!

From Michael Farry

The Boyne Writers Group

If you happen to be in the Trim area of County Meath on the 19th then why not drop in to The Swift Cultural Center for a night of entertainment where the featured reader is Orla Fay. The Boyne Writers produced a series of beautiful magazines from Spring 2007 up to the Covid period and the guest reader on the night now runs her own successful online and hard - copy magazine, Drawn to the Light. The above should prove really interesting. Congratulations to all involved.

A Brief History of John Boyle O'Reilly!

A Brief History of John Boyle O' Reilly!

A little information on a man from the Royal County of Meath here in Ireland and with thanks to HullTVTube for the above. Hull is a town in Massachusetts in the United States, which was his home place but added to that, curious there is so little to remember him here. 

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ September Meeting 2024!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ September Meeting 2024.

The next meeting of the group is on this Thursday night coming at 6.15 pm in Trim Library and all are welcome to attend. So whether you're into poetry or prose or just want to come along and listen in then we'd love to see you there. Even bring a song or two. The evening ends at 8.15 pm. Hope to get something together for Christmas but we'll see how it goes. All the best.   

John Boyle O'Reilly: Voice of Boston's Irish!

John Boyle O' Reilly ~ Voice of Boston's Irish!

28th June 1844 - August 10th 1890.

Very much one of Meath's forgotten poets, but if you go back to December 11 2010, on this Blog, there's a small article giving some info on his background and history. I remember looking for some videos back then but there were only a few, though I notice there are a number of others posted now and I'll have a look through and maybe post another one. This one was loaded by 'Boston History' and with thanks. Enjoy!  

James Linnane R.I.P.

James Linnane  R.I.P. ~ 1962 - 21st August 2024.

Security at Scurlogstown Olympiad

James Linnane was a writer, poet and storyteller from Ballivor in County Meath, although he was originally from Kinvara in the west of Ireland. A member of both The Meath Writers' Circle and the Boyne Writers he was also involved with the Scurlogstown Olympiad and The Royal Meath Show as well as many other groups. A community and social activist he was a go to man if you wanted an alternative view and allowing for such was friendly with everyone he met. The author of five books of both poetry and prose, his first, published in New York in 1988 (Never take an Irishman seriously unless he's armed) gives you some insight into the humour of the man and if you type his name into the search box for this blog you'll get an idea of the other adventures that occupied his life. The link to his own site is to the right, where he was never afraid to air his views and much of the content there is no longer available. Men like James Linnane are invaluable to any community in that they present you with information that will not make it onto the Nine O' Clock News and while you can judge for yourself, if allowed to, it is something that takes more than a little courage. James you will be missed.  

 

Motherland ~ Natalie Merchant (with lyrics)

Motherland ~ Natalie Merchant

To indulge myself on a day when I should be outside doing something, here's a wonderful piece of both poetry and music from the American singer - songwriter Natalie Merchant. A visit to Wikipedia to check out her background is a must. When you compare the quality of this to some of what passes for popular music now you just give up. Posted by India and with thanks. Enjoy!

* To YouTube for the comments.

A Turn at Tara 2024!

 

Feis Teamhra/A Turn at Tara, which features readings and performances by internationally recognized Irish writers and musicians, will be held from 3pm on Sunday August 18 2024 in the Visitors' Centre on the Hill of Tara, County Meath.

Good afternoon folks.

Carol Owens has kindly brought this notice for our attention. 

In September the poetry group is back  on Tuesday 24th Sept at 7.30.pm.

Theme poetry of Leonard Cohen.

His 90th birthday is around this time.

Hallelujah. 

Slán go fóill 

Jim.

Troubadour International Poetry Prize 2024!

 

troubadour international poetry prize 2024   judged by jane yeh & glyn maxwell first prize £2,000 second prize £1,000 third prize £500 plus 20 commendeds plus — winners read with judges at 2024 online international prize-night celebration on mon 9 dec   poems on any subject  submit via email & pay online by mon 23 sep 2024 results announced mon 9 dec 2024 full details on coffee-house poetry website   judges Jane Yeh was born in New Jersey, educated at Harvard & University of Iowa, now lives in London, & has degrees from Manchester Metropolitan, & London’s Royal Holloway Universities. She lectures in Creative Writing at the Open University, writes on books, theatre, & fashion for, among others, Poetry Review & Village Voice, & has published (with Sally O’Reilly) Creative Writing: A Workbook with Readings (Routledge, 2022). Her first collection, Marabou, was shortlisted for Whitbread, Forward, & Aldeburgh prizes, she was named as a Poetry Book Society Next Generation Poet for The Ninjas & her latest, a Poetry Book Society Recommendation & one of the Guardian’s best books of 2019, is The Discipline (Carcanet).   Glyn Maxwell, poet, playwright, novelist, librettist & critic, born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, has studied at Oxford & Boston, & taught in Amherst, New York & London. His poetry collections include The Nerve, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize, & The Breakage, Hide Now, Pluto, & his latest, How the Hell Are You (Picador, 2020), all of which were shortlisted for either Forward or TS Eliot prizes. His plays have been staged in London & New York, & his opera libretti at Glyndebourne, Royal Opera House, & on tour. He has edited Derek Walcott’s collected poems, & published (with Oberon) On Poetry, a guidebook for the general reader, & Drinks with Dead Poets, a uniquely inventive novel encounter with poetry’s greats.    judges read all poems submitted   Check out winners, winning poems & judges’ reports, 2023 & prior, on our previous-winners’-poems page.

­ Click here for  Troubadour International Poetry Prize 2024 submission rules & online payment options ­