Exploring the Wit and Wisdom of Oliver Goldsmith!

Oliver Goldsmith. (1728 - 1774}

Oliver Goldsmith was one of Ireland's finest writers and a literary journey through the Irish midlands is hardly complete without visiting his birthplace in County Longford, though there is some argument as to where, with Elphin in County Roscommon being also suggested. A poetry competition and literary festival in his honour is held each year and centers around Pallas where there is a fine statue of him modeled on the one that guards Trinity College in Dublin alongside his compatriot Edmond Burke. There is also one in Ballymahon County Longford and another in Westminster Abbey with an inscription by Samuel Johnson. He was the prompt at the recent 'Poetry for Pleasure' outing in An Tobar, Ardbraccan and it's amazing how many different pieces of information came up. Died very young and in great debt but his legacy remains. The above was loaded to Youtube by 'Classic Literature' and with thanks. 

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/November 2025!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure!

Good morning poetry lovers on this misty morning. 

The topic of the next meeting on 25th Nov is Oliver Goldsmith and/or Bruce Springsteen

but as always any poem is most welcome.

Congratulations to Richard Cahill on the successful launch of his book "Joy's of a Night".

Might be a possible Christmas present for a reflective reader.

The event sparked a suggestion for members of our poetry group.

Maybe a collection of original unpublished poems from members of our group?...?

Frank Murphy has great skills in editing. 

We could aim at a launch for Christmas market 2026😁🌻🥳

Further discussion on this proposal please.

Also can I let you know about a double poetry books Launch.

John F. Deane’s new collection

 “Jonah and Me”, from Carcanet Press

and James Harpur’s new collection,

“A Place where Ireland is Invisible”, from Eblana Press.

It takes place on Thursday 27th November 2025, 

in The Robert Emmet Theatre, Trinity College Dublin, at 7.00 pm.

Entrance from Nassau Street.

Books will be available after the reading (cash only please!)

le gach dea-ghuí

Jim

087 9676728 

 

Joy's Of A Night/Book Launch!

Meath Autism Network/Book Launch An Tobar!

Richard Cahill launched his second collection of poetry last Monday night (17th) in An Tobar, Ardbraccan with all proceeds going to the Meath Autism Network. Richard was born near the village of Clogheen in South Tipperary before moving to Trim, County Meath. An award winning writer he was twice winner of The Ireland's Own Short Story Award as well as The Maria Edgeworth Short Story Competition and the Molly Keane Memorial Award. Now writing poetry his poems touch on a variety of subjects from the very personal to contemporary issues and always with a sensitivity and observant insight that captures something of the moment and time. Cherry picking if that's even fair enough to use then 'For all the Aislings of this World'.

 

Mondays at the Mess: 'Francis Ledwidge, his life and works' by Liam O'Meara.

The life and works of Francis Ledwidge by Liam O' Meara.

Liam O' Meara is Chairman of the Inchicore Ledwidge Society and in the above presentation at Richmond Barracks drawing on his own research he narrates much of the life and works of the poet Francis Ledwidge and captures something of the atmosphere of what was then a small village on the river Boyne and the inspiration for much of the material in his poems. With thanks to Dublin City Council Culture Company who posted.

The Francis Ledwidge Awards Presentation Night 2025!

 The  Francis Ledwidge Poetry Competition 2025.

The awards ceremony for this year's competition will take place in McDowell's, Richmond House 139, Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 on December 10th at 8 pm and all are welcome to attend. The competition is one of the longest running and more important of its kind as it honours the Meath War poet Francis Ledwidge who died at Ypres, Belgium in 1917. Born in Janeville, Slane he was also friend to many of the poets and writers of the revolutionary period in Ireland and most people will remember him now for his schoolbook poem, Lament for Thomas MacDonagh who was a personal friend. A visit to Slane where his family home is now a museum is close to the grave of his girlfriend Ellie Vaughey and the loss of her to another man is given as one of the reasons he enlisted for the war. From a photograph she was certainly a beautiful girl. Congratulation to Margaret Galvin on winning this year's competition and a full list of those who were placed or commended can be found on the Inchicore Ledwidge Facebook page.

Francis Ledwidge: Born 1887 - Died 1917.

(Age 29) 

Paper Boats by Ron Carey!

Paper Boats by Ron Carey.

Ron Carey was the guest poet and reader at the Swift Cultural Centre in Trim, County Meath last night and there are a number of his videos on Youtube with details of his career and background on his own website. An award winning writer he was shortlisted Forward Prize for the Best First Collection in 2016 and both winner, Highly Commended, Commended and placed in others. For much more detailed information his website address is given below. Loaded by National Poetry Day and with thanks.

http://www.roncareypoetry.com

The Swift Sessions ~ November 2025!

 The Swift Sessions ~ November 2025.

Michael Farry of The Boyne Writers Group hosts the Swift Sessions at the Swift Cultural Centre in Trim, County Meath where poets, storytellers, singers-songwriters and those who simply wish to enjoy an evening of entertainment are more than welcome. The next session will take place on this Thursday night coming (13th) of November at 7.30 pm and admission is free. No booking required. So why not drop in for a while if you're passing or would like to treat yourself to a night out. There is a featured guest on each occasion. Further details over on the Swift Cultural Website. (What's On). 

Ron Carey

Poet/Featured Reader

Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska - The Song (From VH1 Storytellers)

Bruce Springsteen ~ Nebraska.

The importance of Youtube as a video sharing platform cannot be overestimated. This rendition of the lead track from the Nebraska album is one of a number out there and if you're watching this one I suggest that a visit to Youtube for the comment section is a must and/or for any other insights into the background or influences that went towards its creation and how it affected people. The above was loaded by the Bruce Springsteen site and with thanks. That he is one of the finest artists out there goes without saying and a visit to Wikipedia for an in depth look is worth the time.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ November 2025!

 The Meath Writers' Circle ~ November 2025!

The next meeting of our group takes place this Thursday night coming the 6th of November at 6.15 pm in Trim Library and all are welcome to attend. So whether you write poetry or prose, short stories or songs or just about anything else we'd love to see you there. Creeping towards the end of the year we're hoping to have a book out for Christmas and something to look forward to there. 

* Richard Cahill who is a member of our group will be launching his book of poetry 'JOY'S OF A NIGHT' in An Tobar Ardbraccan, Navan on Monday the 17th of November at 7pm and again all are welcome to attend.  An award winning writer from Clogheen in South County Tipperary he now lives in Trim and this is his second book of poetry. Published in hardback by Lettertec the book includes tributes from some of Ireland's finest writers and contains poems on a variety of themes that reflect on a world that is not always kind but sometimes redeems itself in little things. A series of observations on a life that surrounds and makes for some fine reading.