The Western Skyline was delighted to welcome back writer Marion Cox to the show – this time as the administrator of the Lady Gregory-Yeats Autumn Gathering at Coole Park. Lots of info about this year’s programme, plus a lovely reading by Marion of one of Yeats’s poems about Major Robert Gregory. The Gathering takes place from 28-30 September, in Gort, Coole Park, Kiltartan, and Thoor Ballylee.
Plus a quick look at local events on Culture Night which takes place on Friday 21st. And great music – of course! Hope you enjoy the show.
Photo: Autumn Leaves (c) Karen J McDonnell
Last Friday was Culture Night in Ireland – and the goodies on offer were only legion! My contribution was reading poetry in two different parts of Clare.
Firstly the Clare Poetry Collective linked up for a reading in the Library in Ennis, with contributions from the floor, including Michéal FitzGearailt – a young man from whom we hope to hear more.
Then it was zoom! off in Might Aphrodite the Blue Polo, back to North Clare and the Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre in Ennistymon. I joined Eleanor Cummins at 7pm for round two. The shop was cosy with rugs, and lovely lights, and the audience was warm and receptive. Everyone first said what their favourite poem was. Then Eleanor and I read some poems. Thanks Ellie, for having me over and, ‘Get Well Soon, Jessie!
Saturday saw me back in the car, motoring down along the coast to Kilkee. The Clare Poetry Collective had a gig at the Che Do Bheatha Festival. Is it not the best name for a festival that you’ve ever heard?
The rain stayed away until we got into the Sweeney Library – which was fine with us. We read turn and turn about, with contributions from the audience. Thanks to Anne at the Library for delaying closing up until the last Che-themed poem was read! We really enjoyed ourselves, and it was lovely to meet up with friends from out Moyasta way. A well-deserved chowder and brown bread in Bay View; where I stayed as a tiny tot with Grannie (now changed, changed utterly!). Then it was home again to the Burren.
All in all, a stimulating weekend. And lovely to be invited to participate. Thanks, lads.
But I blow the trumpet loudly for the Poetry Collective, who are doing a guided literary walk around Ennis tonight. It promises to be fantastic and informative, and hey! you get in a bit of exercise at the same time. Meet at Clare Country Museum in Arthur’s Row at 5.15pm. You end up at Poets’ Corner Bar in the Old Ground Hotel, which is only right and proper!
I’d be a part of the tour myself if I didn’t have a gammy knee. Grrrrr. But I know the route and intend taking myself around some day …
Karen J McDonnell 