1964: Philip Larkin and John Betjeman on Poetry | Monitor | Classic arts...

Philip Larkin and John Betjeman 

One from the vaults and very interesting, both of these guys were fine writers and Betjeman spent more than a while in Ireland. His poem 'Ireland's Own' about the burial of Thomas Moore is really worth a listen, if you can find a recording of it and Philip Larkin's 'Going, Going' is another. Look them up and enjoy. This video is from the BBC Archive and with thanks.

The Mary Wallopers 'Building up and Tearing England Down', Underground P...

The Mary Wallopers ~ Building up and Tearing England Down.

Written by Dominic Behan (22nd October 1928 - 3rd August 1989)

There are so many back stories here you'll have to chase them up or 'down'. The Mary Wallopers are a folk group from Dundalk in County Louth and would be in a line that includes the best there is. There are many versions of this ballad out there but most people of my generation would probably remember it from 'The Dubliners' or Dominic's own version of the song. It is some fine piece of writing and it will be remembered and around as a record of the conditions endured on the building sites of England and other places from the ending of world war two almost to the present. The New Victoria Lines paid well but you paid. Loaded by John Reilly and with thanks. 

Theo Dorgan reads his poem "Croke Park"

Theo Dorgan reads his poem 'Croke Park'

Having been 'up for the match' yesterday as it were, brings this poem to mind and he gave us permission to use it in our magazine a number of years back when we did a sporting section. Sport really is poetry in motion and I have this weird theory that counties that are good at one are usually very good at the other. May not always be true. Great to see women's sport getting its share of media coverage these days and anyone who went to Croke Park yesterday certainly got their money's worth though this ticketing on line really annoys me. I see the 'Ploughing Championship' are up for the same lark, though he'll get in free. Coming from Meath the game goes to a replay in Thurles next Saturday. It really was a game of two halves with Derry very much in control in the first half and Meath coming within a fraction of a fraction of winning it in the end. Allowing for the distance that fans will have to travel, better a half way point or even Croke Park itself for the replay. But them's the breaks. From the 'UCD Special Collections' and with thanks.  

* I see from the Meath Camogie page that the venue is now in Clones! Makes sense. 

* Information directly from Poetry Ireland Website.

Poetry Competition - Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival 2023

Deadline: 15 Sep 2023

Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival 2023

Poetry Competition

Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival is delighted to announce its inaugural poetry competition. This year, the Festival will celebrate the centenary of the birth of Brendan Behan and his connections with Letterkenny. Considering Behan’s achievements through adversity, the theme for the poetry competition is Against the Odds.  Poets, interpret as you wish! 

Five shortlisted entrants will be invited to read their entry at the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival and the winners will be announced at the event. The competition will be judged by Mary Turley-McGrath. Mary is a poet and writer who has published four collections of poetry.    

The Festival wishes to thank Bookmark, Letterkenny for sponsoring our prizes. The winner will receive €150 and runner-up €100. Three highly commended entries will receive book tokens. The closing date for entries is Friday 15th September 2023.

Submission Guidelines.

The poems must be the author’s own unpublished work on the theme provided.
Entry is free. Entrants must be over 18 and from the island of Ireland. Entries to be in English, or Irish with a translation.    
You may submit up to 3 poems, one submission per person. Maximum length of each poem to be 30 lines, excluding title. Entries should be typed in a clear font.
Ensure that your name does not appear on the work. In the body of the email, please include contact details e.g. name, county and telephone number.  
Five shortlisted entrants will be expected to read at the Festival in October 2023, please consider this factor when entering.

Copyright remains with the author.  
Entry to the competition implies acceptance of the rules. The judge’s decision is final.     
Submit your work as a Word document by email to lkcqfest@gmail.com by the closing date of Friday 15th September 2023.

The Beacon ~ Johnny Duhan!

The Beacon ~ Johnny Duhan!

Given that it's 'Reek Sunday'. Something appropriate. Probably my favourite track by Johnny Duhan. With thanks to Orla Power who posted. To youtube for the comments.

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ August Meeting 2023!

The Meath Writers' Circle ~ August Meeting 2023!

The next meeting of the above group is on this Thursday night coming (3rd) at 7pm in Navan Library. All are welcome and there is no set theme, so whatever you want to read is fine. If you are passing or have any interest in poetry or short stories, or just want to listen and have a little time on your hands, then why not drop in for a while. Hope to see you there. 

Kris Kristofferson - Sister Sinéad (2009)

Kris Kristofferson ~ Sister Sinéad. 

There's been so much written in the past couple of days about Sinéad and her musical talents and beliefs and by those who didn't support her one way or the other but she was never afraid to express them whether you agreed with her or not. Few artists today will do that and Kris Kristofferson's tribute above was in the face of a hostile crowd. Who else would have done that? W.B. Yeats, Van Morrisson, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie etc. The awful silence of the rest....

The above video was posted by 'biggestkkfan' and with thanks. Go to youtube to read the comments.