April Come She Will ~ Simon & Garfunkel!

 April Come She Will ~ Simon & Garfunkel!

One of the first LP s I ever bought back in the sixties was 'The Sound of Silence' and the above track was included. So to follow on from the theme of last night's meeting in An Tobar (March); a journey through the summer months; though I believe the song relates to a certain lady or romance,whether real or imagined I do not know. Simon and Garfunkel are two of America's finest artists and the above video was loaded by Ivan Blazek so with thanks.  Go to Youtube for the comments. 

Poetry For Pleasure ~ AnTobar/ March 2026.

Poetry for Pleasure ~ An Tobar/Ardbraccan, Navan.

Greetings folks,

Our next poetry is on Tuesday 7.30pm,  31st March.

The agreed theme is: March It can treated as noun or a verb!!.

But as usual any poem you wish to share is most welcome. 

We have a 5 member Editorial Board (EB)

who are working hard to progress the suggestion

of publishing poems by members of the full group

including former members. 

The new email address for this purpose:  Pfpantobar@outlook.com 

All members of the group are very welcome

to submit your best unpublished poems.

Please talk to any member of the board; Patricia, Frances, Richard, Frank and Jim 

if you have any difficulty in forwarding poems via the email address.

If you have contact with people who no longer come to the group

please let them know they are very welcome to send in poems.

Looking forward to meeting and sharing poems on Tuesday. 

Slán go fóill 

Jim.

Mobile: 087 967 6728

 

A Shropshire Lad ~ A. E. Housman

From 'A Shropshire Lad ~ A.E. Housman.

Looking out of my front window the cherry blossom tree is coming into bloom and it brought to mind Housman's poem which is more than suitable for this time of the year. The master of melancholy captures the moment well. Tom O' Bedlam is one of the best poetry readers out there so going with his version, although there are many other versions out there. In the comments section on Youtube it says that the photo is not of him but that of his younger brother Laurence who was also said to be an accomplished artist. I have or had a copy of the book somewhere in the house but can't locate it now. So with thanks to 'Spoken Verse'. Suggest a visit to Wikipedia for background info on the poet and please enjoy the reading. There is another short poem of his from the collection that I like and maybe will load it next.

A.E. Housman 1859 - 1936.

 

World Poetry Day ~ 2026!

 World Poetry Day ~ 2026!

Tomorrow celebrates the above so I'm a day early which makes a change. The background as to how the 21st of March was adopted, you'll have to chase up but it is what it is. The theme for the day is, Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion, which sets a fair old standard and one that is seldom realized as some the best poems rest in conflict, but perhaps the theme is to inspire the writing of such. Shelley in 1821 claimed that, "poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world" and he was true in that as no one else tells the truth. The mainstream media in their careful columns feed us a tailored version of the truth so as not to annoy anyone that is of present importance. W.H. Auden said that "poetry makes nothing happen" but maybe he meant that it's not supposed to. The above line is from his poem "In Memory of W.B. Yeats" and I'll leave it to yourself to interpret. Much of modern poetry especially in its academic environs is a form of embroidery and well if you like that sort of thing. Yeats himself was much closer to a more dangerous truth, "Did that play of mine send out certain men the English shot", referring to " Cathleen ni Houlihan" (1902) and what he believed or wondered as to its influence on the 1916 rising. Bad poetry makes nothing happen. The other hangs around for a long time; good or bad. If you can write a poem or read one that serves as a bridge for peace and inclusion then for God's sake do so.The world's gone mad again. I'll wander off now.

  

Siobhán de Paor.

Siobhán de Paor.

Although I've driven past The Hill of Ward many times, which is close to Athboy in Co. Meath, I've never actually visited the site. Worth a look here as Siobhán ventures her own insights into our place in the scheme of things and with a little hypnotic drumming at the end. Our emigrants going to America and other places brought the customs and stories of Halloween with them and it's now become a major cultural festival both here and in other parts of the globe if that's the term to use on the day that's in it. All the way to the silver screen. Again thanks to Gabe Saglie. 

 

John Moriarty and Tommy Tiernan.

John Moriarty and Tommy Tiernan.

From Sineád de Paor to Diarmuid Lyng to John Moriarty to Tommy Tiernan; a fair old journey. Described by Diarmuid Lyng as a mystic, John Moriarty was born in Moyvane, County Kerry in 1938 and was educated at UCD in Dublin before teaching English literature at the University of Manitoba in Canada and that just touches on his career. Held in such regard that he is compared to writers such as Joyce, Yeats and Beckett; he lived in County Kerry until his death in 2007. To Youtube for other videos and to Wikipedia for further details. With thanks to jambonsambo who loaded.

John Moriarty: 2nd February 1938 - 1 June 2007

 

Diarmuid Lyng ~ Puca Festival/Trim Co. Meath 2024!

Diarmuid Lyng ~ Puca Festival/Trim Co. Meath 2024!

In the heartlands of South Meath hurling Diarmuid Lyng talks to travel expert Gabe Saglie about the ancient game. A native of County Wexford he was the winner of several personal honours in his sporting career and is the partner of the poet Siobhán de Paor, he was also was the subject of a number of television documentaries. Much more information on him if you go to Wikipedia or to Youtube for his other videos. This one was recorded in the Porchfields in Trim and that's King John's castle in the background. With thanks to Gabe Saglie who loaded.

 

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ March 2026!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ March 2026!

The next meeting of our writers' group takes place on this Thursday night coming in Trim Library at 6.15 pm and all are welcome to attend. Unfortunately the February meeting had to be cancelled because of weather conditions so hopefully this week's gathering goes ahead in better circumstance. If you're a poet or short story writer, a singer-songwriter or just settling in to write that great novel; then we'd love to see you there. Or maybe you'd just like to sit in and listen. Anyway admission is free and we meet on the first Thursday of each month. All the best. FM.  

Spoken Word on the Hill of Tara ~ Siobhán de Paor!

Spoken Word on the Hill of Tara ~ Siobhán de Paor! 

Came across this one and it has any number of interesting links. From the poet Siobhán de Paor on a visit to Tara in County Meath in July 2021 and back from when you remember 'when'. She is certainly someone worth listening to. If you visit her website at the link below you're in for an interesting journey. With thanks to Siobhán who loaded.

http://saordepaor.com

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure/ February Meeting 2026!

An Tobar ~ Poetry For Pleasure/ February 2026!

Good afternoon folks,

Our next poetry is on tomorrow evening at 7.30 pm, Tuesday the 24th February.

The agreed theme is: Poems of Protest 

But as usual any poem you wish to share is most welcome.

Also as we discussed at our last meeting we are seriously considering

the production of a booklet/book of poems from the group.

Yes this your chance to see your work in print!

We have a 5 member Editorial Board (EB) 

They encourage you to submit to them unpublished poems

you have composed yourself. 

How do submit your unpublished work to the EB?

They have created a new email address for the purpose: 

Pfpantobar@outlook.com 

All members of the group are very welcome to submit

your best unpublished poems. 

If you have contact with people who no longer come to the group

please let them know they are also very welcome to send in poems.

Looking forward to meeting and sharing poems tomorrow evening.

Slán go fóill 

Jim : 087 967 6728 

The West's Awake ~ Diarmuid O' Flynn!

The West's Awake ~ Diarmuid O' Flynn!

There are many versions of this one out there and it's hard to choose, whether it's by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem or Damien Dempsey or the beautiful version by Lumiere and you could go on and on; but I went for the above and with thanks to Diarmuid for his recording. Thomas Davis left a legacy that is hard to measure and in the unlikely event that you are not familiar with his work or contributions to the world we live in then a visit to Wikipedia is a good place to begin. I'll finish with - genius, 

 

Mirror In February ~ By Thomas Kinsella!

 Mirror In February ~ By Thomas Kinsella!

Something for a Sunday morning and in February too; this one is by Thomas Kinsella who needs no introduction and it is probably one of his best known poems. Performed here by Kern a contemporary Irish folk group from County Louth and who have many other videos loaded to Youtube. A visit to the site for background info on the above is recommended. With thanks to Kern Ireland who loaded. Enjoy.

Thomas Kinsella: 4th May 1928 - 22nd December 2021

Desmond 0' Grady International Poetry Competition 2026!

Desmond O' Grady International Poetry Competition 2026!

The closing date for this one is midnight the 7th of March coming and it is really worth entering  given the times we live in. Full information and details are available from the website below or from the Poetry Ireland website link to the right (Competitions). Fees are very reasonable and the Limerick Writers' Website is worth a visit anyway. All sorts of info there. 

https://limerickwriterscentre.com

Cathalbui Poetry Competition 2026 - Free entry!

 

Cathalbui Poetry Competition 2026 - Free entry!

Deadline: 17 Mar 2026
One poem,  maximum: around 20 lines in Irish or English

2 Please paste your unpublished poem into your email

3 Send to: Belcoopoet@gmail.com

4 Closing date: 17 March 2026

Results announced at Macnean Hedge School 11 July 2026

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

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ February 2026!

 The Meath Writers' Circle ~ February 2026!

The next meeting of our group takes place this Thursday night coming on the 5th of February in Trim Library at 6.15 pm and all are welcome to attend. So whether it's poetry or short stories, singer - songwriters or anything else in the literary sphere or maybe you'd just like to sit in and listen, well we'd love to see you there and membership is free! All the best.

* Meeting is cancelled due to weather conditions.

The next meeting is on the first Thursday in March.

Brigid by Winifred Letts.

Brigid by Winifred Letts.

With thanks to Michael and Matt for this one and something to celebrate St. Brigid's day on the first of February. This is one of a series of videos and presentations (152) that were produced by Michael Farry and Matt Gilsenan during the Covid period and afterwards. Winifred Letts was born in Salford, England to an English vicar father and an Irish mother and moved to Ireland when she was sixteen. Considered by many today as a poet of the first world war she was accomplished in many other interests as well, including Irish folklore. No shortage of information out there and a visit to Wikipedia is a good place to begin. Matt and Michael's videos are a fair source of information on many different items of interest especially from the musical or literary field and from a time when most others just locked down.  

Winifred Letts: 10th February 1882 - 7th June 1972

Dido - Grafton Street!

Dido ~ Grafton Street!

Going back to the last video and their version of Raglan Road, something I was only reminded of recently listening to the song/poem was the connection between the international star Dido and Hilda Moriarty. Dido's father was a nephew of Hilda. She married the late Donogh O' Malley who as Minister for Education introduced free secondary education to Ireland. Also reminds me of a story about the late Charlie Haughey who as Taoiseach of Ireland on hearing of her death addressed the Parliamentary Party and recited the poem from memory. He said it went over the heads of three quarters of them! Believe it.

Dido is said to have written the song Grafton Street from her album Safe Trip Home in memory of her father and with reference to Hilda and to have sang Raglan Road to him as he was dying. Chase the back stories up. The video above was loaded by Rene Alejo and with thanks. To Youtube for the comments.  

#5 Brush Shiels - Quest for Knowledge & Spiritual Enlightenment #5 w/ ve...

The Meath Manager and The Dublin Outlaw!

This one was loaded by none other that Brush Sheils himself and with thanks.There at the very beginning and with artists such as Gary Moore and Phil Lynnot, he was the front man with the band Skid Row in the late sixties and the early seventies and continues on to this day. His friend Sean Boylan was one of the great managers of Gaelic Football and the winner of four All Ireland titles and that's just a fraction of what he has won. Here they take you through artists such as Brendan Behan, Ewan MacColl, Pete St. John, a Dreaming my Dreams tribute to Noel Keating and Patrick Kavanagh meets Hilda Moriarty, Hey Jude from The Beatles and so much more. Stories about the Meath team and Manchester United, Liverpool and Celtic and holidays abroad and legends of the game. Stories about Sean's herbal business in Dunboyne and days that are now on the long goodbye. Sit in for half an hour and enjoy.

The Blower's Daughter Lyrics Damien Rice!

The Blower's Daughter Lyrics ~ Damien Rice!

A special thank you to jasminealloy who posted this presentation of the Damien Rice classic; as I chase down pieces of poetry I like. Loads of information about both of the artists that are performing here both over on Youtube and Wikipedia and many other sources that are worth a visit; on what is a beautiful composition. Take a visit over to the comment section for other people's reaction to this. Hope you enjoy.  A very close connection to County Meath here.

An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ January 2026!

 An Tobar ~ Poetry for Pleasure/ January 2026!

Let me wish you a belated happy New Year.

Our next poetry Session is on Tue 27th January.

We will stick to last Tuesday of the month.

The theme this month is a female poet

 or St Bridget/ Godess Brigid

We spoke about increasing our contribution from €5 to a bit more!!

 Whatever you can afford.

Our diligent editorial board are encouraging each of us to prepare pieces

for our first book from the group. 

They are suggesting two poems per member. 

Let me remind you  who are these generous volunteers on the board

Carol Owens 

Patrica Molloy

Francis Rock

Frank Murphy 

With the encouragement of Frank Murphy I am a junior minister.

I am a non voting member of the board, I am the gofer!!!

At the meeting we will explain about a special email address for submissions of poems for the attention of editorial board  for THE book. 

The bottom line is keep composing and once it is poetic composed by you and not published already is most welcome!!

See you, le cunamh Dé, on on Tuesday 27th January 

May the muse be with you

Jim

087 9676728 

 

 

Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust (With Lyrics)

Joan Baez ~ Diamonds and Rust ,

Joan Baez is one of the greatest female artists of them all and with a beautiful singing voice and was one of the leading figures in the protest movements of the sixties. Here she touches on a relationship with another, who needs no introduction and before they went their separate ways. I'll let you listen! Go to Youtube for all the comments and to Wikipedia for all the background info and to someone who really understands music to appreciate her voice. This was posted by Dave Bing and with thanks for all the work putting it together. 

* Reason for loading again. Happy Birthday Joan Baez born January 9th 1941!

Goodnight Ballivor, I'll Sleep In Trim ~ John Quinn!

Goodnight Ballivor, I'll Sleep In Trim!

If you go back to September 2023 on this blog you can watch the excellent documentary made by TG4 on John Quinn's return to Ballivor, County Meath, the place where he grew up and it is worth the watch. John Quinn passed away on January the 1st 2026. Alternatively you can look it up on Youtube. Other videos relating to John from Kenny's Bookshop, Galway. 

John Quinn: December 11th 1941 - January 1st 2026.

Forgotten 'Poem'

 Forgotten!

An old poem of mine I came across while leafing through folders and something to say goodbye to another year. First published in a book of mine called 'Excursions' and that was more than a while ago.

Forgotten

What but for
 A few medals
And the coping stone
Of a wall surrendered
And the churchyards
Overgrown.

And a quiet carriage
Umbrellas rolled
Drumming our fingers
In the morning
Cold.

Frank Murphy.