Launch of Anne Casey’s ‘out of emptied cups’
The launch of Anne Casey’s ‘out of emptied cups’ sparkled with breathtaking poetry and poignant melodies; Anne’s reading was complimented by the musical interludes of Three Women Sing and the combined effect was mesmerizing. I bought a copy of the book before taking my seat, in order to ensure an enhanced read-along experience. Following a…
Pascale Petit & Paul Durcan at The Shaking Bog – Review
To be surrounded by mountains is to be held in a green, sloping hug . . . Those were my feelings en route to The Shaking Bog Festival to see legendary poets: Pascale Petit and Paul Durcan. My friend and I had stopped to soak up the atmosphere and we felt elevated! Our scenic drive…
Adventures in Label Lit
This year, Poetry Day Ireland was made all the more special by my participation in Label Lit: an innovative project, bringing poetry to the people, devised by Poet and Artistic Director, Maria McManus. For 2019, the project was given extra impact with the addition of sound! All fifty participating poets recorded their poems of place…
The Heart of Summer – Review
The Heart of Summer The Heart of Summer is a series of three poetry events, brought to the public by Poetry Ireland, in association with The Office of Public Works and presented by the RTE Poetry Programme’s Olivia O’Leary. The first event took place at the neo-classical mansion, Emo Court in County Laois, on July…
The Quiet Man House
‘The Quiet Man’ is one of those films that made a significant impression on me as a child. I first watched it at my Aunty and Uncle’s house, marvelling at the fact that here was John Wayne, in a role that didn’t require a cowboy hat or studded boots. He seemed more vulnerable somehow, still…
A Happy, Hearty Birthday
If this year’s Birthday Celebrations have taught me anything, it’s the true value of a hearty dinner. Hubs and I and headed to Clonmel in rather defiant spirits. I was battling a sore throat and bad chest, but had powered up on Lemsip and was determined to enjoy the day. He, (as the driver) was…
Book-Browsing in Hay-on-Wye
My husband and I don’t seem to be able to visit Wales without dedicating a day to Hay-on-Wye and all its beautiful bookshops! This time, myself and ‘bump’ prepared ourselves for much walking and browsing, with the blessed relief of comfy reading chairs along the way . . .
Christenings, Weddings and a Special Anniversary
Christenings and Weddings – two of the purest, most joyous occasions we celebrate. How lucky am I to have a christening to attend this Saturday and a wedding to go to in two weeks time? Very lucky, but slightly tortured by multiple fashion dilemmas . . .
Dylan Thomas and a Swansea Silver Wedding
I’m just back from a heartwarming trip to my hometown of Swansea, where I caught up with family, dipped my toe into the Dylan Thomas Centenary Celebrations, and ate a ridiculous amount of food!