Drawn to the Light ~ Issue 12 /June 2024!

 Drawn to the Light ~ Issue 12 / June 2024!

The twelfth issue of 'Drawn to the Light' has its focus primarily set towards observations of place and change, in relation to 'seeing' and in how that relates to the personal. A theme that makes for a very interesting read and one that perhaps should be explored more in relation to our other senses. But there is other content here as well and contributions from some of Ireland's best known writers. Orla Fay was editor of the Boyne Writers literary magazine 'Boyne Berries' and this her own production is very classy and professional indeed and would grace any bookshelf, though you can read for free on her website. A winner of many awards for her writing she is one of Meath's best known poets.  

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ July 2024!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/July 2024!

Friends,

July is racing to a conclusion.

But before it concludes we have our July meeting this coming Tuesday 30th July at 7.30 pm and as usual it is in the welcoming space of An Tobar, Ardbaccan.

The guiding theme is the renowned poet Austin Clarke (1896-1974).

But anything that takes your fancy is welcome.

Carol Owens is kindly reminding us that on this Sunday 28th July at 3 pm the annual Ledwidge Day at his former family home, now a delightful museum, takes place.

See note below.

We take a break for August and back again on 24th September le cunamh Dé.

Hopefully see you Tuesday evening. 

Slán go fóill 

Jim Owens

0879676728

The Ledwidge committee are very much looking forward to Ledwidge Day at the museum garden on Sunday 28th July at 3pm. This is our annual gathering to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Francis Ledwidge. The event will include poetry readings and musical accompaniment, and will conclude with a wreath laying ceremony to remember Francis Ledwidge and all from Co. Meath who lost their lives in World War 1. Should you wish to attend, we ask that you contact the museum in advance ( 041 9824544 ), as please be advised that limited parking will be available on the day at the Centre.

Finnegan's Wake: A 3 Minute Summary!

Finnegan's Wake : A 3 Minute Summary!

So for a Sunday morning and the book you have probably never read. Here 'Snap Summaries' leads you gently through the plot and there are many who would consider this the greatest book ever written and I suppose you'll have to decide for yourselves one way or the other. The best way is to ease your way into what has been described as an experience. With thanks to 'Snap Summaries' and go to Youtube for the comments.

The Ballybunion Arts Festival 2024!

The Ballybunion Arts Festival 2024!

The festival runs from the 18th of July to the 21st and is packed with events and celebrations, so if you happen to be in the southwest of Ireland over that period then why not drop for an event that is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Their poetry competition honours the feminist and political activist, poet and writer Shahidah Janjua (1949 - 2020) who spent the last fifteen years of her life in Castlegregory. Below is an interview with her from 'The Green Flame' podcast which gives a lot more detail of her background than I could write here. So from the share button and with thanks ...

 Shahidah Janjua

The Ballybunion Arts Festival 2024!

http://ballybunionartsfestival.ie

* For a great speech by another feminist go back to March 9th 2023 and March 12th 2014. (This Blog)

The Planter's Daughter - Ar Eirinn Ni Neosainn Cé Hí - Tommy Makem and L...

The Planter's Daughter - Ar Eirinn Ní Neosainn Cé Ní

The prompt for the next meeting at An Tobar is the poet Austin Clarke (1896 - 1974) and I thought I'd look up a poem of his which is perhaps one of his best known and recited most often. A beautiful piece it is used as the introduction here to Liam singing Ar Eirinn Ní Neosainn Cé Hí which translates as For Ireland I'd Not Tell Her Name. A story of a lost love that is said to have been written about 1810 in Kerry. The backstory here is worth checking out and if you go the comments section on Youtube there is some information there.The video was loaded by Ireland 1 so with thanks and appreciated. Liam Clancy - Tommy Makem - what can you say? This was recorded I believe in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin in 1977.

* The Gaelic spelling here varies from site to site so I'll have to leave that to the scholars.  

The Yellow Bittern ~ Seamus Heaney!

The Yellow Bittern ~ Seamus Heaney!

Loaded by 'billyshears2010' and with thanks for all the effort. 

Seamus Heaney ( 13th April 1939 - 30th August 2013) 

Cathalbui Poetry Competition/Macnean Hedge School!

Cathalbui Poetry Competition/Macnean Hedge School!

Zoomed into the above for an afternoon of poetry reading and discussion on James Joyce's 'Finnegan's Wake. An event hosted by Thomas who has a more than an excellent knowledge of the subject. Delighted to be included on the shortlist. The background of Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna (1680 - 1756) suggests there is something to be said for the 'Drink' but I've been told his poem 'The Yellow Bittern' is now removed from the school books, I can remember a great reading of it by the late Liam Clancy which was available on Youtube for a while but am unable to find it now. Others reading the poem include no less than Seamus Heaney. A note of congratulations to all involved in the Hedge School and to the winning poets and writers.