Clogh writers are never ones to sit on their laurels. After their recent performance to coincide with Culture Night in September, the scribes from the North Kilkenny village are to take to the boards yet again. Reading from their publication Where I Am, the Clogh members will assemble at Castlecomer library on Tuesday October 22nd at 6pm.
The publication is just one in a number of publications produced by the Clogh writers. Where I Am evolved over a year where like minded people joined forces to write down ideas and in doing so compiled a beautiful publication. Coordinator of the group, Jane Meally, explained that the publication Where I Am evolved over the past year where like minded 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,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 reading at Castlecomer is open to all and if people wish to read on the night, they would be very welcome . We are happy to print a copy of one of the Clogh poems which will be read on the night .
Chimney of Life
Shafted in sturdy black seams
You stand high above a
Basin shaped valley
Looped in a rim of hilly landscape
Stone by stone you stretch heavenward
Your tall elegance a testimony
To a culture born in tunnels of darkness
In breathless miners
You depict a unique heritage
That aired earthy body space
Miles beneath the surface Of Laois soil
Now, roads of stories
Of men and boys stooped
In pitch black dungeons
In inky black waters
Old workings shape new life
Beneath green fields as
Crevices form fossils dating
History, mystery and evolution.
Mai Dormer
