The Kilfenora Teaboy. Paul Durcan.

The Kilfenora Teaboy ~ Paul Durcan,

The prompt for the next meeting of 'The Poetry for Pleasure' group at Ardbraccan is none other than Paul Durcan who is a poet that needs no introduction. That said though, the above is a perfect example of where I can't help feeling (or thinking) that he is taking on or challenging the reader as well. Paul sadly passed away earlier this year and his talent extended far beyond not just writing the poems but reading them as well and there are few who can do that. With thanks to Joe McNally who loaded the above.

Paul Durcan: 16 Oct 1944 - 17 May 2025.  

Hidden Figuras: Juana Inés de la Cruz!

Feminism!

Loaded by 'Bese' and merely a brief introduction to a woman who was undoubtedly a genius of her time or of any other time perhaps if it comes to that. Juana Inés de la Cruz and they will argue even as to her name, is well worth your while researching if you have any interest in the feminism of our own time. What can you say, you would need to do a university course just to get a glimpse into her lifetime. She was a poet and a preacher and a prophet ..... borrowing from someone else there! With thanks to 'Bese'. 

Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz. 1651 - 1695.

The Ballad of Lidl & Aldi - Mick MacConnell - John B. Keane's Bar - List...

Mickey MacConnell R.I.P.

Another one of the great ones gone but first with thanks to madcatmovies for the above. Reading the Sunday Independent yesterday I came across his obituary and it was the first I knew of his passing. Mickey was the youngest member of the MacConnell family from Bellanaleck in County Fermanagh and worked both for The Irish Times and The Irish Press. Was told he had local connections to this area as well. He was best known for his composition 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' a song that he wrote when he was only seventeen in 1965. He later moved to Listowel in County Kerry and if you type his name into the search box above you can listen to some of his other recordings. A personal thank you to him for permission to use his recording 'The Lambeg Drummer' in our Annual Magazine in 2019 (The Meath Writers Circle). One of the best love songs I've come across and I'm amazed that other artists didn't pick up on it. He was a gifted and natural poet and singer and he will be missed.To Youtube for the comments and for other videos and to Wikipedia for further info. Condolences to all.

Mickey MacConnell: 28 December 1947 - 3 July 2025.

Music To Our Ears (Lyric Video)

A Tribute to President Michael D. Higgins.

His term as president of Ireland ends on the 25th of November coming (2025) and this is a piece written by Johnny B. Broderick and Gavin Murphy and recited here by Christy Moore as a tribute to him, both on his time in office and throughout his political career. So with thanks. On a personal I'd like to say a thank you to Michael D. for permission to use two of his poems in our magazine. (Meath Writers' Circle 2018 ~ Dark Memories and Relatives Assisting). A magazine that led off with 'This Country of Ours' by Thomas Davis. What better.

There Are Too Many Saviors on My Cross!

Richard Harris ~ Poetry!

Listening to an item on the RTE radio program Arena about the late Richard Harris, I went looking for some of his poetry and the trouble with looking for material on Richard is that there is no end to it. He was such a larger than life character that when you dip into his career both as an actor and performer it is almost impossible to know where to stop or what to settle on. Personal preference would be 'The Field' and the 'American Wake' scene is probably the best of its kind ever in the cinema. His portrayal of Oliver Cromwell (A Limerick Man!) closing Parliament is electric, also 'This Sporting Life'  and these are parts you won't forget. A favourite would be as 'English Bob' in 'Unforgiven'. Where do you start - Where do you end? He was an actor, a singer, a poet and a one of a kind. The above was loaded by djdigital523 and with thanks Go to Youtube for the comments and videos and to Wikipedia for his background and information.

Richard Harris: 1 October 1930 - 25 October 2002.