Matthew Sweeney, Laura Brennan & James O'Toole for November Over The Edge: Open Reading

Matthew Sweeney

The November Over The Edge: Open Reading takes place in Galway City Library, St. Augustine Street, Galway on Thursday, November 18th, 6.30-8pm. The Featured Readers are James O’Toole, Laura Brennan & Matthew Sweeney . The reading is sponsored by Poetry Ireland.

James O’Toole was born in Galway but caught the travel bug early and spent twenty five years on the road studying life and sports medicine in America, England and Dublin. His poetry has been published in Poetry Ireland Review and also in literary magazines in the United States. James is currently a participant in the advanced poetry workshop at Galway Arts Centre and his work features in the group’s recently launched publication Behind The Masks. He was highly commended in this year’s Over The Edge New Writer of The Year competition.

Born in Dublin, Laura Brennan is a visual artist now living in Galway. Her practice combines painting drawing and writing. She is a member artist of Artspace Studios and has exhibited in Ireland and abroad and recently completed residencies in Reykjavik and Inishturkbeg Island. In the past two years she has participated in Kevin Higgins’s poetry workshops at Galway Arts Centre and was shortlisted in the 2010 Over The Edge New Writer of The Year Competition.

Matthew Sweeney was born in Co Donegal in 1952. He moved to London in 1973 and studied at the Polytechnic of North London and the University of Freiburg. He now lives in Cork City. His poetry collections include A Dream of Maps (Dublin, Raven Arts Press, 1981); Blue Shoes (Secker & Warburg,1989); Cacti (Secker & Warburg 1989); The Bridal Suite (London, Jonathan Cape, 1997); Black Moon (Jonathan Cape, 2007), which was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Award and The Irish Times /Poetry Now Award; and The Night Post (London, Salt, 2010), which is a Selected Poems.

There will be an open-mic when the Featured Readers have finished. This is open to anyone who has a poem or story to share. New readers are always especially welcome. The MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars. For further details phone 087-6431748.

Over The Edge acknowledges the ongoing generous financial support of Galway City Council and The Arts Council and the sponsorship of this reading by Poetry Ireland.

Castlebar launch of 'In Other Words' by Mary Madec (Salmon Poetry, 2010)

You are invited you to a Poetry Reading / Launch to celebrate the publication by Salmon Poetry of


In Other Words


Poems by


MARY MADEC


MARY MADEC was born and raised in the west of Ireland. She received her early education at NUI, Galway, obtaining her B.A. in French and English, and her M.A in Old English; in 2002 she received her doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. She has taught courses for NUI, Galway, UPenn, and Open University and is currently Director of the Villanova Study Abroad Program in Galway. She has received awards and accolades for her work in the Raftery Competition 2007, the WINDOWS Showcase and Anthology 2007 and the Maria Edgeworth Competition 2008. In April 2008 she was also the recipient of the Hennessy XO Award for Emerging Poetry. With her husband Claude Madec of the LIFE programme (Brothers of Charity Services) she started up a community-writing project, Away with Words, now in its third year. In Other Words is her debut collection.


Venue: The Linenhall,Castlebar,Co.Mayo


Date/Time: 24th November, 2010 - 8 pm. Admission Free.


Visit our website for further details:  http://www.salmonpoetry.com


Salmon Poetry, Knockeven, Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare Tel: 065 - 7081941 • email: info@salmonpoetry.com

Modern Ireland has Nothing to Inspire Modern Writing

On Wednesday 1st December the Irish Writers' Centre presents an open panel discussion on how the current economic climate is affecting modern writing in Ireland. Panellists from many areas across the Arts Sector will join together under one roof to discuss the impending budget and its possible effect on modern and aspiring writers as well as the dwindling number of arts organisations across the country.

The discussion will be chaired by poet Michael O' Loughlin, co-founder of Raven Arts Press. O’ Loughlin will be joined by The Sunday Business Post’s Books and Arts Editor Nadine O’Regan, Sean Love, co-founder of Fighting Words and former Amnesty Ireland director, Gavin Kostick award-winning playwright, literary officer for Fishamble and Gerry Smyth, Managing Editor of the Irish Times and celebrated poet.

The discussion will begin at 7pm and is open to the general public.

The Irish Writers’ Centre is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers that promotes contemporary Irish literature. Since its foundation in 1991, the Centre has welcomed many award-winning writers through its doors, including Nobel, Costa, Man Booker, IMPAC, and Pulitzer Prize winners. It has also served as an important platform for breakthrough talent, with many young writers giving their first public readings here.
--

Irish Writers' Centre
19 Parnell Square
Dublin 1
t: +353 (0)1 872 1302
e: info@writerscentre.ie

w: http://www.writerscentre.ie/

November Poetry Slam at Galway Arts Centre

The next Poetry Slam with MC Pete Mullineaux will take place Tuesday November 16th at 7pm at the Galway Arts Centre.

Anyone can participate on the night and new comers are very welcome. To participate you need one poem/piece that will take about 3 minutes to perform. Judges on the night will select their favourite and the winner will be invited to be a guest reader at the next slam as well as qualifying for the Cúirt Grand Slam which will take place during next year's Cúirt International Festival of Literature 12-17 April 2011. In addition to this, the winner's poem will be published on the Galway Arts Centre website along with a biography of the contestant. There will also be an interactive words game on the night with a Charlie Byrne's Bookshop voucher up for grabs.

Last month's winner Sarah Griffin will be a guest reader. Sarah is currently enrolled in the M.A in Writing in NUIG. She has performed at The Glór Sessions, Electric Picnic, The Flat Lake Festival, Exchange Words, The Brown Bread Mixtape and Milk & Cookie Stories. She is also the co-founder of the diary-reading event Scarleh Fer Yer Ma Fer Havin Ya, in the Twisted Pepper in Dublin.

The evening is free and all are welcome.

North Beach Poetry Nights presents a November Double Bill in the Crane Bar at 9 pm with Jennifer Cendaña Armas & Noel King

Jennifer Cendaña Armas

North Beach Poetry Nights presents a November Double Bill on Monday 15th November in the Crane Bar at 9 pm  with Jennifer Cendaña Armas from New York

Jennifer Cendaña Armas is a NYC born and raised performer/writer/teacher/community worker. Her show, skinimin12, premiered at 2004’s Downtown Urban Theatre Festival and later featured at 2006’s New York City Hip Hop Theater Festival at the Public Theater. Poetry/Singing features include: Celebration of Latin Jazz at The Binational Center of Cusco, Lincoln Center’s La Casita, Joe’s Pub’s Urban Griots, Culture Project’s Women Center Stage Festival, Museum of Contemporary Art and Louder Than A Bomb (Chicago), World Stage and ‘da Poetry Lounge (L.A.), Lizard Lounge (Boston), Esperanza Peace and Justice Center (Houston), Sista’hood Festival (Vancouver), Ladyfest Bristol, Speakeasy and Poetry Café (London), Poetry Vandals Present…(Newcastle,UK). Spoken (Black Family Channel), Word (FreeSpeech TV), Curvations (PSA). Publications include: The Audacity of Humanity (e-book), my mouth may not know the words but everything else understands (self-published), NYU Review for Law and Social Change, AWOL, Aesthetica, X, Monsoon. She has organized and facilitated Red Tents and arts and activist workshops in schools, prisons, and community based organizations stateside and internationally, including El Puente Academy of Peace & Justice, Harvard University, Riker’s Island Prison, Presbyterian Secondary Boys Academy (Ghana), and Casa De Milagros (Peru). She currently facilitates arts workshops for Brooklyn Academy of Music and Arts Horizons. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in theatre and politics.

and

Noel King, poet, performer and publisher (Doghouse) from Tralee.

Noel King was born and lives in Tralee. His poems, short stories, haiku and reviews have been published in journals and magazines in over thirty countries. In Canada, he has been seen in The Annals, All Hallows, Corvid Review, The Dailhousie Review , Green’s Magazine, Labour of Love, The Mystery Review and The Nashwaak Review. His debut collection, Prophesying the Past, was published by Salmon Poetry in 2010. He is the director of Doghouse Publishing.

There will also be the last qualifying North Beach Poetry Slam before the Grand Slam in December. Poets are asked to bring 2 max. 3 minute poems and sign up early for the slam.

Door 5/3 Euro.
Info: John@ 091-593290

North Beach Poetry Nights acknowledges the generous financial support of Galway City Council

Colette Nic Aodha Seoladh leabhair / Book Launch

Tá Fáilte romhat chuig/ You are invited to

Seoladh leabhair / Book Launch

6ú Samhain/ 6th of November 2010

Nuair a sheolfaidh Micheál Ó Ruairc leabhar nua filíochta , ‘Áilíos,’
le Colette Nic Aodha

When Micheál O Ruairc launches a new poetry collection, ‘Áilíos,’
from Colette Nic Aodha

I Tígh Mac Fhinn ar na duganna /In Mc Ginns On The Quay at 5pm.  

November 'Loose Lips'

One Night, Ten Stories: Loose Lips Returns to the Roisín Dubh


Wednesday, November 24th, sees the return of Loose Lips, with MC Mags Treanor who hosts the mic. for all those who have a story to tell and can get up and do so within about five minutes. Of course it’s not just about telling stories, it’s also about listening, so if you fancy a roller coaster of emotions all in one night, come along to the Roisin Dubh at 9pm and be prepared to laugh and cry at the broad range of stories from the brilliant to the bizarre.

Everyone has a story, and Loose Lips offers a stage and a microphone to members of the audience who would like to tell their story, provided it is true and unscripted. Each month’s session is inspired by a different theme, and with November being a bleak month, it’s going to be a free for all with an open theme. So all you need is any story at all that’s worth telling, and if you don’t have one, just bring along a good pair of ears.


So, whether you just want to come along and listen, or tell your story, Wednesday the 24th of November is a night to put in your diary.


Given the popularity of this event and the fact that it is a small and intimate venue, advance booking is highly recommended.


If you wish to participate you can register on the night, when ten names will be pulled from a hat to decide who gets to tell their story.


Theme for this month’s Loose Lips event is open, so anything goes!
Cover charge: 5 euro
Time: 9pm start, registration from 8:30pm
For more information please contact Mags on 087 6500700

October 'Over The Edge: Open Reading' with Ger Reidy, Damien Drohan & Martin Dyar

Ger Reidy

The October Over The Edge: Open Reading takes place in Galway City Library, St. Augustine Street, Galway on Thursday, October 28th, 6.30-8pm. The Featured Readers are Ger Reidy, Damien Drohan & Martin Dyar.

Ger Reidy was born near Westport in Co. Mayo in 1958, qualified as a Civil Engineer in 1979 and started writing poetry in 1980. His first collection of poems, Pictures from a Reservation, was published by Dedalus Press in 1998, and received widespread praise for its compelling voice and authentic evocation of the west of Ireland. His second collection, Drifting Under the Moon, was published earlier this year and considerably advanced his reputation, the new poems revealing an increased awareness of craft, a broadening and deepening of his vision.

Damien Drohan is a Limerick man who came to Galway and stayed for the weather. He is now a student teacher, so please excuse him if he dives for cover at any loud noises. He once tried to write a book about procrastination, but never got around to it. Damien mostly writes short fiction, but will write a poem if badgered enough. Most of his characters are a nastier version of himself, and say the things he would never say, at least in polite company. He has been a participant in creative writing classes at Galway Technical Institute and was longlisted in the 2010 Over The Edge New Writer of The Year competion.

Martin Dyar grew up in Swinford in County Mayo. He has worked as a special needs teacher, a teacher of creative writing, and as a lecturer in medical ethics. His poetry has been published widely in journals, including the John McGahern yearbook, the Oxford Magazine, Poetry Ireland Review, the Stinging Fly, and Ropes. His writing has received a number of awards, including the Patrick Kavanagh Award in 2009, and the Strokestown Poetry Award in 2001. This year he was selected for the Poetry Introductions Series. He is also the recipient of an Arts Council Bursary Award in Literature for 2010. Martin will also be performing his one man show Tom Loves a Lord, with soprano Anna-Louise Costello, at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway on October 29th.

There will be an open-mic when the Featured Readers have finished. This is open to anyone who has a poem or story to share. New readers are always especially welcome. The MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars. For further details phone 087-6431748.

Over The Edge acknowledges the ongoing generous financial support of Galway City Council and The Arts Council.

'Tom Loves A Lord' written & performed by Martin Dyar, directed by Caroline Lynch

TOM LOVES A LORD
‘A new and exciting voice in Irish writing’ -Brian Lynch


SHORE THEATRE Presents a THOMAS MOORE Experience
Written and Performed by Martin Dyar, Winner of the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award
Directed by Caroline Lynch


Oct 29th Town Hall Theatre Galway (€15/€12) 091 569777
Nov 3rd Charlestown Arts Centre (John Healy W/E) 094 9255820
Nov 6th Anaverna House Ravensdale Dundalk (€20) 042 9371490
With selections from MOORE’S MELODIES sung by ANNA-LOUISE COSTELLO with pianist Aileen Cahill, the gripping and hilarious one man show
http://www.theshore.ie/

October 'Loose Lips' at Roisín Dubh

Loose Lips is back this Wednesday 27th of October. 9pm, upstairs at the Roisin Dubh, Dominick Street, Galway with a halloween special - SPOOKED OUT! So if you've ever seen a ghost, been scared, freaked someone out or done anything spooky, come along with your story!

2010 Over The Edge Fiction Slam with Kevin Barry

After the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Over The Edge presents its second annual fiction slam with Featured Reader, Kevin Barry, at Café 8 @ The Museum, Spanish Arch, Galway on Friday, October 15th, 8pm.

Kevin Barry’s debut collection of short stories, There Are Little Kingdoms, was awarded the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. His stage adaptation of the book has since been produced by Meridian Theatre in Cork and by Keegan Theatre in Washington DC. His first novel, City Of Bohane, is to be published in spring 2011. The short film of his screenplay, The Ballad Of Kid Kanturk, is currently showing at festivals. His short stories have appeared in many journals and anthologies including The New Yorker, Phoenix Best Irish Stories, The Stinging Fly and The Dublin Review. He lives in County Sligo.

Poetry slams have grown in popularity during the past few years, but now it’s the fiction writers’ turn. The first twelve fiction writers to make it to Café 8 @ The Museum on the evening of Friday, October 15th and register will be guaranteed a place in the slam. All participating writers should bring two pieces of their own fiction, as there are two rounds. The time limit in both rounds is five minutes. Extracts from longer stories are admissible. Stories do not have to be memorised. The Fiction Slam will be judged by a three person jury made up of two audience members and Kevin Barry. Three writers will go through to the second round and the prize for the winner is a bottle of wine.

There is no entrance fee. All welcome. For further information contact 087-6431748.

North Beach Poetry Nights' Special

With Guest Poet: Martin Daws (Wales), Farrago Autumn Slam Champion 2010 on Monday 25th October at 9pm in The Crane Bar, Sea Road, Galway.

An electrifying poet whose live sets blend free musicality, innovative rhythm and lyrical dexterity to drive his poetry through journeys into life, nature and who the hell we think we are, anyway!

Also: extra October Poetry Slam. Poets wishing to take part in the slam should please bring along 2 max. 3 minute poems.
Door: 5/3 Euro
Info: John@ 091-593290

Galway Arts Centre Poetry Slam Returns

The Galway Arts Centre Poetry Slam will kick off again on Tuesday 19th October at 7pm at the Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street.

The Slam with MC Pete Mullineaux will take place the third Tuesday of every month with winners earning a place in the popular: Cúirt Grand Slam event next April.

Anyone can participate on the night and new comers are very welcome. To participate you need one poem/piece that will take about 3 minutes to perform. Judges on the night will select their favourite and the winner will be invited to be a guest reader at the next slam as well as qualifying for the Cúirt Grand Slam which will take place during next year’s Cúirt International Festival of Literature 12-17 April 2011. In addition to this, the winner’s poem will be published on the Galway Arts Centre website along with a biography of the contestant.

There will also be an interactive words game on the night with a Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop voucher up for grabs.

Admission is free and wine will be provided. All are welcome.

Crannóg Celebrate 25th Edition

On Friday 22nd October at 6:30pm in The Crane Bar, Galway literary magazine Crannóg will celebrate their 25th Issue with a special evening of readings and music. There will also be a full bar and finger food courtesy of The Gourmet Tart Co and The Crane.


Crannóg, which has been published since the year 2002 has published the work of over 1000 writers. Its dedicated editorial team: Sandra Bunting, Gerardine Burke, Jarlath Fahy and Tony O’Dwyer, edit, produce and design the magazine which is published three times a year (February, June, October).


The journal came out of the renowned Galway Writers’ Workshop from which many leading Irish poets have emerged.


Crannóg is unique as it features work from writers not just locally and nationally but also internationally and has a very wide distribution, having readers and fans as far away as India, Australia and South America.


The 25th edition is a special, extended magazine featuring in the region of 50 writers. It will be launched by guest speaker Des Kenny upstairs in the Crane Bar and attendees on the evening will be in with a chance to win a 3yr subscription to the magazine. Animation Filmmaker Edith Peiperhoff will also talk about how Crannóg is important for artists/photographers/filmmakers, whose striking designs have been used on the covers of the magazine.


A display case containing past issues of the magazine has been placed in Galway City Library Augustine Street in advance of the launch. Earlier issues are now collectors’ items as it is difficult to get a complete set of all 25 issues.


There are also submission details published and available around the city’s bookshops and libraries for anyone who wishes to submit material for the next edition February 2011.


You are warmly invited to join Crannóg for their celebration, the evening is free and all are welcome.


http://www.crannogmagazine.com

KILTIMAGH ‘IN SIGHT OF RAFTERY’ FESTIVAL 2010

Daytime Schedule

Adult Writer’s workshops: Searching Among The Bones

Saturday, November 13th, at the Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh from 11am – 12.30pm, poet Terry McDonagh and author Louise Lawrence will each tackle the above title from their unique perspective and discipline. Promising a different type of workshop, each participant will begin with a blank page..........................

Schools workshops: Between Monday 8th and Friday 12th, Terry McDonagh will facilitate workshops throughout the region in participating schools.

SCHOOLS POETRY COMPETITION GRAND FINAL: Town Hall Theatre

Saturday November 13th, 2pm start
Students from regional schools have been invited to submit poetry for this competition. The finalists will read their poems in front of an audience of their supporters, plus the three judges, Colette Nic Aodha, Terry McDonagh and Louise Lawrence, who will adjudicate on the day. The gratefully received sponsored prizes are identical for both primary and secondary school categories:

1st Prize: 50euro voucher from C&C Cellular
2nd Prize: 25euro voucher from Easons
3rd Prize: Selection of stationery from TC Kitchens

Evening Schedule

Wednesday, November 10th : Town Hall Theatre at 8pm

Mise Raiftearaí an Fíodóir Focal: Exclusive footage from Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin's forthcoming documentary/drama, Mise Raiftearaí an Fiodóir Focal. Written and presented by local man Tadhg, and directed by Seán O'Cualáin from Sónta Production Company, Connemara, the documentary/drama about the life and times of legendary Mayo poet and songwriter, Anthony Raftery, is due to be aired on TG4 on Christmas Day. The festival was hoping to be able to offer an entire screening, but we have to postpone the screening until after the festival, date to be advised. We are delighted to be able to offer Tadhg's exclusive insight into the making of the film and the journey it took.

Official Festival Launch: Colette Nic Aodha will host our official launch, which follows on from Mise Raiftearaí an Fiodóir Focal, in the Town Hall Theatre with music from Ollie Burke and Mary MacNicholas

Thursday, November 11th 2010 : Cill Aodain Hotel at 8pm
The two readings this night will be from Noel King and Terry McDonagh. Noel will be launching his new book, ‘Prophesying the Past’ on the night and of course there’ll be ceol freisin!

Friday, November 12th:
Park Hotel at 7pm: Book launch with Basil Burke. This is the third volume in Basil’s collection and is appropriately titled ‘Kiltimagh Remembered, volume 3.

Cill Aodain Hotel at 8pm: Open Mic til 10.30 approximately, then on to Kitty McGreals for the traditional late night session

Saturday, November 13th: Cill Aodain Hotel at 9pm
There will be three readings on the final night, one each from Colette Nic Aodha, Ger Reidy and Louise Lawrence. Music this night will be performed by Tony Reidy.