Liam Clancy Final Interview - The Yellow Bittern - Clancy Brothers - Tom...

Liam Clancy ~ The Final Interview!

Perhaps the best reciter of poetry - ever!

Born: 2nd of September 1935 in Carrick on Suir. Ireland

Died: 4th of December 2009 in Cork. Ireland (Age 74)

"I'd never heard a singer as good as Liam, ever. He was just the best ballad singer I'd ever heard in my life - still is probably." Bob Dylan 1984.

Loaded by 'Movies Ireland' and with thanks. To Youtube for all the comments. Interview by Paul Byrne.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ June 2025!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ June 2025!

The next meeting of our group is on this Thursday night coming the 5th of June at 6.15 pm in Trim Library and all are welcome to attend. So whether it's poetry or prose or songwriting or you just want to sit in and listen, feel free to join us. We'd love to see you there. All ideas appreciated. All the best. FM. 

Every Grain of Sand!

Every Grain Of Sand!

On Bob Dylan's birthday. Born May 24th 1941. Emmylou sings 'Every Grain of Sand'.

"There are only two types of people in the world; those who love Emmylou and those who haven't met her" Willie Nelson.

Loaded by 'EmmyLouHarris' and with thanks. To Youtube for the comments.

The Swift Sessions ~ The Swift Cultural Centre/Trim!

The Swift Centre ~ The Swift Cultural Centre/Trim!

Clare Kane

Eugene Kane

Barbara Flood

Jimmy Peppard

Noreen Walshe

Frances Browne

David Glynn

Frank McGivney

Some more photos from Thursday night and just to reiterate or repeat myself or whatever the more correct term the quality and variety of material read was outstanding.

 

The Swift Sessions ~ The Swift Cultural Centre/Trim!

The Swift Sessions ~ The Swift Cultural Centre/ Trim.

Michael Farry

Tom Dredge

Peter Fagan

Frank Murphy

Just some of the images from the Swift Sessions last night in The Swift Cultural Centre in Trim County Meath. Hosted by Michael Farry of The Boyne Writers Group the series will begin again in September and all are invited to read. Last of the featured readers in this series was myself and I'd like to thank everyone who showed up on the night and especially to Michael Farry and the Boyne Writers for asking and for the photos. There was a wide variety of material read and most of it was outstanding both in content and performance. Hope to see you there in the future. All the best. FM. 

 

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure/ May 2025!

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure/ May 2025!

Friends,

A reminder that our next session is on Tuesday 27th May at 7.30pm 

Theme: Lesser Known Poets.

Also I see on Facebook that a member of our group, Richard Cahill is bringing out a new book of poetry.  Here are some more details.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Um8EZZ2H/ 

We also remember the late Paul Durcan (1944 -2025)

His poetic output was prolific.

His funeral Mass  will be celebrated on this Thursday 22nd May. RIP

Jim Owens

Kiltale

Dunsany, Navan

Co na Mí

C15 PH24

Mobile: 087 9676728 

Michael Sheen performs 'Do not go gentle into that good night' by Dylan ...

International Dylan Thomas Day 2025!

Brilliant! Enough said! To Youtube and Wikipedia for comments and information. Loaded by 'National Theatre' and with thanks.

Dylan Thomas: 22 October 1914 - 9 November 1953.

The Swift Sessions May 22 ~ 2025!

The Swift Sessions May 22 ~ 2025!

Chaired by Michael Farry of the Boyne Writers Group, the next of the sessions at The Swift Cultural Centre in Trim features myself but it is also an Open Mic for anyone who'd like to drop in or contribute a piece of writing or song. All are welcome and the admission is free. Where better than that and as a venue for the arts, few places or towns have such a facility. Hope to see you there.

Christy Moore - Missing You (Official Live Video)

Christy at 80!

The great Christy Moore born on the 7th of May 1945. The song was written by another genius called Jimmy MacCarthy. The guitar work is by Declan Sinnot and really they don't make them like that anymore. Look them up on Wikipedia and to Youtube for the comments. Loaded by Christy and what can I say - 'Happy Birthday' for all the songs.

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure/Group.

 Folks

A poem and invitation from Francis Ledwidge Museum Slane

Carol Owens found it on Facebook 

May

She leans across an orchard gate somewhere,

Bending from out the shadows to the light,

A dappled spray of blossom in her hair

Studded with dew-drops lovely from the night,

She smiles to think how many hearts she'll smite

With beauty ere her robes fade from the lawn.

She hears the robin's cymbals with delight,

The skylark in the rosebush of the dawn.

For her the cowslip rings its yellow bell,

For her the violets watch with wide blue eyes.

The wandering cuckoo doth its clear name tell

Through the white mist of blossoms where she lies

Painting a sunset for the western skies.

You'd know her by her smile and by her tear

And by the way the swift and martin flies,

Where she is south of these wild days and drear.

Happy Poetry Day one and all. We are throwing open our doors today and in honour of May 1st we invite you to freely enter and perhaps even recite a poem in the birthplace of Francis. We have a school tour between 1 and 2pm but otherwise we are here until 4.40pm.

Also please Note 

Our next Poetry session is on Tuesday 27th May at 7.30pm

Theme is "Lesser Known Irish Poets"

Jim.

OK: A day late as they say but if you should happen to find yourself in the vicinity of the Ledwidge Museum in Slane then why not drop in for a visit. FM.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ May 2025!

 The Meath Writers' Circle ~ May 2025!

The next meeting of the group takes place on this Thursday night coming (1st May) at 6.15 pm in Trim Library and all are welcome to attend. So if you've got a poem or short story or any musical piece then why not drop in for a couple of hours and we'll be delighted to see you. There is no charge and admission is free. See you there. FM.

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure/ Ardbraccan Navan.

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure.

 Good afternoon folks. 

A gentle reminder that our poetry session on this Tuesday 29th April at 7.30 pm in An Tobar.

The theme is anything to do with horses and the equine world.

But anything goes and always a big welcome for poems composed by members of the group.

Two bits of information 

• Poetry People on RTE Radio 1 at 7pm Sunday evening is back.  It is  for everyone who loves poetry. Presented by poet Rachael Hegarty.

•  Poetry day in Ireland.  Poetry Ireland is delighted to announce that Poetry Day Ireland 2025 will take place on Thursday, 1 May, with this year’s theme: ‘May Day’.

Slán go fóill 

Jim Owens - Kiltale.

Tel: 087 967 6728.

The Swift Sessions ~ John Noonan.

The Swift Sessions ~ John Noonan.

The next of the Swift Sessions will take place on Thursday May 8th at the Swift Cultural Centre in Trim, County Meath where the guest reader will be  Dundalk based poet John Noonan. The start time is 7.30 pm and everyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free and an open mic will follow for all who are interested. So whether it's a poem or song or short story why not drop in for an interesting evening. Michael Farry of the Boyne Writers will host the event.

Sean Dunne Literary Weekend!

 Sean Dunne Literary Weekend.

THE TEAM 

SEAN DUNNE LITERARY WEEKEND AT THE 

LAFCADIO HEARN JAPANESE GARDENS TRAMORE.

Theo Dorgan reads his poem "Ithaca"

Theo Dorgan reads his poem "Ithaca"

Following on from the poems which have gone before this, Theo Dorgan reads his own contribution to the story and with some interesting insights of his own. Also with thanks to Theo for giving us permission to use his poem "Croke Park" in a sporting feature in our annual magazine a while back. This one is from ' The UCD Library Special Collection'. Worth a visit anytime.

The God Abandons Anthony by Constantine Cavafy and Alexandra Leaving by Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson!

The God Abandons Anthony by Constantine Cavafy and Alexandra Leaving by Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson.

On a prompt at An Tobar a while back on the poetry of Leonard Cohen I chose 'Alexandra Leaving' and it is one fine poem. That the inspiration came from Constantine Cavafy's poem he mentions in an interview somewhere. Here Brendan Tannan reads both and in the next one up Theo Dorgan gives them a mention a well. For the background on Constantine Cavafy please go to Wikipedia and Youtube and for the poems above with thanks to Brendan Tannan.

Patrick Kavanagh Returns Home to Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, Ireland 1966.

Patrick Kavanagh Returns Home to Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, Ireland 1966.

I remember visiting Newgrange, County Meath a number of years back and the girl in the bookshop there telling me that the American visitors were really only interested in two Irish poets and they were W.B. Yeats and Patrick Kavanagh and it is hard to argue with that, as in my humble opinion they were  so far ahead of the rest it is no contest. Not to say there are other poets who have not written great material and who am I to judge, but with Yeats and Kavanagh their ability to tap into that magic again and again was something else and maybe I should keep my opinions to myself as some of my favourite poems are by other writers but I can only think of a few. The above video was loaded by CR's Video Vault so with thanks. A visit over to Youtube for the original and the comments. 

Shakira - Poem To A Horse (Live) [Lyrics]

Shakira ~ Poem To A Horse (Live) Lyrics.

On a weekend of equestrian magic, a little more of it and from an entirely different source and from a lady who needs absolutely no introduction. Loaded by FanshakiraLyrics and with thanks. Writing poetry from an early age she is one of the world's leading performers and a visit to Youtube or Wikipedia to research her career or background is a must. Enjoy!  

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ April 2025!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ April 2025!

The next meeting of the group takes place this Thursday night coming the 3rd of April at 6.15 pm in Trim Library and all are welcome to attend. So whether you're a poet or storyteller, singer songwriter or singer, then why not drop in for a while. W'd be delighted to see you. All the best! 

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!
Ardbraccan ~ Navan.

Good morning 

Spring is definitely with us.

Our  poetry session is on Tuesday 25th March at 7.30 pm.

The agreed theme is Spring and/or Easter

But any poem is always welcome. 

Best wishes and thanks

Jim.

Mobile: 087 9676728

Email:  kiltale2@gmail.com

The Swift Sessions ~ Peter Fagan!

 The Swift Sessions ~ Peter Fagan!

 

 Peter Fagan performing at the Swift Cultural Centre in Trim, County Meath on Thursday the 20th of March as part of The Meath Writers' Circle, who were the guest readers on the night. The next sessions will take place in May and the dates will be advertised on the venue's website. A wide variety of material was read on the night from poetry to short stories and items from personal memory. All are welcome to attend and admission is free. Photo courtesy of Michael Farry and the Boyne Writers Group.

William Rowan Hamilton in Trinity.

William Rowan Hamilton in Trinity.

When he was three years of age he was sent to live with his uncle who ran a school in Talbots Castle in Trim, County Meath and by the age of thirteen was said to be fluent in ( 15 - 13 - 12) languages. Depending on your source. His uncle I believe schooled him for a position in the East India Company. However fate or whatever would have different plans and he is best remembered today for his eureka moment along the Royal Canal. I leave it to you to read up on. In my humble opinion what really defined him as a character was his relationship with Catherine Disney and the trauma of their break up. The above video was loaded by Trinity College and with thanks. He wrote poetry as well, though I have never attended a reading where one was recited and his friend Wordsworth kindly suggested that science was a better direction. William Rowan Hamilton - 4th August 1805 - 2nd September 1865.

I'm Nobody! Who Are You? By Emily Dickinson - Poetry Reading

I'm Nobody! Who Are You? By Emily Dickinson - Poetry Reading

Loaded by 'Pearls Of Wisdom' and with thanks, this one has any number of comments and a visit to Youtube is a must. Emily is one of America's greatest poets and she could capture more in a few lines than most in a page. So; something for the weekend and St Patrick's day. Enjoy!

Where Has All The Money Gone!

Where Has All The Money Gone!

Found it! This was an entry posted by James Linnane from the 2012 'Battle of The Books' contest in Trim, County Meath and the last of the videos I could find.  James Linnane ~ 1962 - 2024. To Youtube for the comments.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ March 2025!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ March 2025!

The next meeting of the group takes place on this Thursday night coming, the 6th of March at 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm in Trim Library and all are welcome to attend. Bring a poem, story or song, or just yourself for  two hours of entertainment on whatever subject it is takes your interest. And no charge! See you there. FM.  

Online Book Club/Human Chain/National Library of Ireland!

Online Book Club/Human Chain/National Library of Ireland!

This is an on line book club on the poetry of Seamus Heaney This month it is on Human Chain.

It takes place last Friday of every month.

Slán go fóill 

Jim Owens

Kiltale

Dunsany, Navan

Co na Mí

C15 PH24

Mobile: 087 9676728

Landline: 046 9025677

Email:  kiltale2@gmail.com

https://www.nli.ie/exhibitions-events/online-book-club-human-chain

  

The Swift Sessions ~ The Swift Cultural Centre, Trim.

All are welcome to attend!

 

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ Ardbraccan Navan.

Due to a bereavement, tonight's meeting of the group has been postponed until Tuesday, March 4th at 7.30 pm. The theme though is still on the poetry of Michael Longley (1939 - Jan 2025) though anything you'd like to contribute would be more than welcome.

Jim Owens can be contacted at 087 967 6728.

Michael 'The Sheriff' Sheils ~ Battle of The Books 2013!

Michael 'The Sheriff' Sheils ~ Battle of The Books 2013!

Trim Swift Festival .Trim Castle Hhotel.

Last of the recordings made by Michael. So going out on a high note. Believe there is one out there made by James Linnane who was on the Boyne Writers team. Not sure what year but will look it up.

Sean Reilly ~ Battle of The Books 2013!

Sean Reilly ~ Battle of the Books 2013!

Trim Swift Festival. Trim Castle Hotel.

Another video recorded by Michael 'The Sheriff' Sheils at the Trim Swift Festival in 2013 and with thanks to Michael on that. Enjoy Sean here who has been a member of The Meath Writers' Circle for many years.

Frank Murphy ~ Battle of the Books 2013!

Frank Murphy ~ Battle of The Books 2013!

Trim Swift Festival. Trim Castle Hotel.

Here's another one of those videos recorded by Michael 'The Sheriff' Sheils at the Trim Swift Festival and with many thanks. This time from 2013 and OK maybe read a bit too fast. The judges certainly didn't take to it. Swift upon hearing of the comments left Laracor never to return. 

At Over 80, Bob Dylan's Life Today Will Surprise You!

At Over 80, Bob Dylan's Life Today Will Surprise You!

Loaded by 'Concealed Secrets' and with thanks, Stories of Dylan from his early days to the present. To Youtube for all the comments. Some of the photos don't sync and not sure I'd agree with some of the comments but interesting all the same.

* Bob Dylan was born on the 24th of May 1941.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ February 2025!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ February 2025!

The next meeting of the writing group and the first for 2025 takes place on this Thursday night coming at 6.15 pm in Trim Library. New members are always welcome and whatever your interest we'd love to see you there. Whether you're interested in poetry, short stories or song or just writing in general then why not drop in for a while. (Thursday 6th of February at 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm) All the best!

                                                                                                                                FM. 

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ January 2025!

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ January 2025. 
Ardbraccan Navan.

Greetings Friends. 

Hope you coped OK with Storm Éowyn 

A quick reminder that we have our poetry session this coming Tuesday evening, 28th January. 

The agreed guiding Theme is Ted Hughes 1930-1998.

We might also acknowledge the death of a great Irish Poet Michael Longley who died during the week aged 85.

Maybe we might look at his poetry on some  Tuesday evening during the coming year.

Can I again underline that any poem you wish to share with the group is most welcome.

Looking forward to our poetry session this coming Tuesday evening. 

Jim. 

 

087 9676728

 

 

Mark Doyle - Battle of the Books 2010!

Mark Doyle ~ Battle of The Books 2010!

Here's a really interesting one and a nice piece of satire from Mark Doyle. All of the videos were filmed by Michael 'The Sheriff' Shiels at the Trim Castle Hotel where the events took place. And like I said earlier I haven't seen them in over a decade. Nice to look back.

Frank Murphy - Battle of The Books 2010!

Frank Murphy ~ Battle of The Books 2010!

Another one from 2010 loaded by Michael 'The Sheriff' Shiels and with thanks. Myself this time on a rhyming piece about a drive from Trim to Navan in County Meath. One of 'The Boyne Drives' or tourist trails around the county. 

Tommy Murray ~ Battle of The Books 2010!

Tommy Murray ~ Battle of The Books 2010!

Came across a number of these when surfing the Web and had forgotten about, I swear! Loaded by Michael 'The Sheriff' Shiels and well done on that. Probably the only record of The Battle of The Books which was a part of the Jonathan Swift Festival in Trim, County Meath back yonder. This festival ran for about six years if I remember correctly. More info to follow. Just running out of time at the moment.Will get back to.

Back to: The Battle of The Books was a satirical writing contest between the two writing groups based in Trim. Wandered from its brief a little bit but highly entertaining. (2009 - 2014)

The Meath Writers' Circle was captained by Tommy Murray for the first four years and badly captained by myself for the fifth and final year.

The Boyne Writers Group was captained by Michael Farry and the series ended 3-2 in their favour.

Must write a bit about satire when the mood takes me. 'Hall's Pictorial Weekly' was so successful that it brought the Government down and was so successful the national media has stayed well away from it ever since. But there's all the slapstick you want. Doesn't apply to individual comedians however and we have a few of those. Again well done to Michael 'The Sheriff' Shiels who recorded these at the time and with thanks.

*More videos to follow!

 

Taylor Swift - Carolina (From The Motion Picture “Where The Crawdads Sin...

Where The Crawdads Sing.

Nominated for a host of awards including an Oscar for the above by Taylor Swift, 'Where The Crawdads Sing' tells the story of a girl who abandoned by her parents raises herself in the Marshlands of North Carolina. Panned by any number of critics it went on to become a box office success and the performance by Daisy Edgar-Jones and the cinematography are not easily forgotten. Based on the novel by Delia Owens and drawn perhaps on some of her own experience it has a charm all of its own. Attuned to the wilderness she inhabits and to the natural order, the complexities of human relationships play out and centre round her understanding of prey and predator and that is perhaps something the critics missed. Personally it brings to mind ' To Kill a Mockingbird' or ' The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia'. Though you could argue that in the above you can see the end coming. Those Southern girls! Enjoy.  Loaded by Taylor Swift and with thanks. To Youtube for all the comments.

Rex Lee R.I.P.

 Rex Lee R.I.P.

A man of considerable qualities and a one time member of The Meath Writers' Circle; Rex Lee passed away today in the Beaufort Nursing Home in Navan and a ceremony to celebrate his life and achievements will take place in Kells, County Meath on Monday the 13th at 11 o' Clock. Details are on R.I.P.ie. If you type his name into the search box above left, much more information about his contributions to our group and the publication of his book 'Melodies at Eventide' are available. Rest in peace Rex.

Ireland: Power of the Poets | Historical Documentary | Lucasfilm.

Ireland: Power of the Poets/Historical Documentary/Lucasfilm.

Here's an interesting video that documents in some way the importance of the poet in Irish society especially over the last century. (Or More!) Loaded by Lucasfilm and with thanks. A number of fine poems read by their authors.

Navan ~ Poem. Frank Murphy.

Navan ~ Poem.

Much more info on Youtube but the poem below.

Navan

Settled confluence

The monastic claims

The Boyne and

Blackwater

Norman, Dane.

Watched and ward

Along the Pale

Crafted well

Their story tale.

Hills down winding

Cambered lanes

Shadowed in

Some others' fame.

Meeting to,

Deliberate

The vagaries of

Church and state.

A mad humour

Turn of phrase

And the town

The same

Both ways.

Frank Murphy,

* First loaded to the 'Trim Poetry Festival Site' by Trim Poetry in 2020. (Meath Writers Circle).

So with thanks.