Words: Ger Cody
Photos: Pat Shortall
Probably the most loved Irish poet is Kerryman Brendan Kennelly.
Apart from his incredible improvisation on ‘that Late Late Show’ when he read his poem Begin, The Ballylongford scribe is credited with some of the best poetry in the last 100 years.
And I thought of Kennelly last week as I attended the launch of The Clogh writers groups seventh Anthology of work ‘Where I am’ which includes poetry and prose.
It would be more apt to say that I thought of one of Kennellys famous quotes.
“Poetry is, above all, a singing art of natural and magical connection because, though it is born out of one’s person’s solitude, it has the ability to reach out and touch in a humane and warmly illuminating way the solitude, even the loneliness, of others.
That is why, to me, poetry is one of the most vital treasures that humanity possesses; it is a bridge between separated souls”.
Since it was founded in 1995, Clogh writers group continue to meet regularly, to read and write a few short stories and poems.
‘Where I am’ marks their seventh such publication and from start to finish it is a treasure.
It was an evening that saw over 100 people gather at the Community Hall in Clogh, where writers, friends and supporters gathered to launch the publication from Clogh writers group.
It is only when you attend such gatherings that you realise the importance that groups like this writers group has on the community.
Coordinator of the group, Jane Meally welcomed all and explained that the latest publication ‘Where I am’ evolved over the past year where likeminded people joined forces to write down ideas and in doing so compiled a beautiful publication.
Jane explained that the writing from the group was inspired through exploration of themes such as place, mining traditions , heritage, farming and anything that was significant to people of the area.
Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper the Project coordinator Denise Curtin Dunne said she was thrilled to have been involved with such an enthusiastic group of writers. “I noticed a flow and growth of material that came from memory, chat, love of place and people, and from an appreciation of the ordinary moments that our days are built on”, said Denise.
The group, which was founded in 1995, continues to meet regularly where they, read and write poems and short stories.
The night was complemented by a display of photographs which helped to enhance the written word.
A total of eleven contributors are featured in the publication and those present read from their work.
Councillors Pat Fitzpatrick and John Brennan were in attendance as was Siobhán O’Brien from CETB.
Linda Nolan from Clogh Writers group thanked The Arts Office from Kilkenny for their support.
Contributors include : Willie Joe Meally; Kevin Dowling; Nancy Geoghegan;
Seán Mansfield;Jim Browne; Mai Dormer; Linda Nolan; James Norton; Denise Curtin Dunne and Lal Curtin.
The large gathering was treated to readings from the book on the night as well as some sweet music and song by The Basin Valley Singers.
Refreshments were served by the hall committee as plans were made for publication number eight.
The attendance included Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Cllr Johnny Brennan from Kilkenny County Council,Siobhan O’Brien from KCETB, contributors to the book, family and friends.
The book is available through the Clogh writers group, Wilsons shop Clogh, Castlcomer Credit Union. You can also contact Willie Joe Melly 087 4100344, Jane Meally 0876345279 or Linda Nolan 086 3952825.
