Saturday, October 29, 2011

Doggone! by Kieran Murray




Kieran Murray, reading his poem Doggone!, at the Solstice Art Centre, Railway St, Navan 5th October 2011.
Kieran, is a member of the Small Impact Writers' and is the author of three collections of poetry: The Vigil, Summer Solstice and Over The Rainbow. He lives in Kilmessan, near the Hill of Tara in Co. Meath.

The Vigil I believe is sold out, Summer Solstice can be bought in Easons, Navan Shopping Centre, and over the Rainbow can be bought from Kieran himself.


Click photo to enlarge.




Thursday, October 27, 2011

EVERYBODY HURTS

Jay Rice, is the newest member to join the Small Impact Writers' group. Here he is making a BIG IMPACT! on the audience in the Solstice Art Centre, the night the group  launched their 2012 Calendar in aid of the Drogheda Homeless Aid, when he sang Everybody Hurts. 

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Lonesome Cry


Christopher R. Azzie, reading his poem ( Lonesome Cry ) at the launch of the Small Impact Writers' 2012 Calendar in aid of the Drogheda Homeless Shelter.

Christopher  was born in South Africa in 1971 and moved to Ireland a number of years ago where he lived in Robinstown Co. Meath before recently moving to Navan. He writes mainly poetry in which he conveys a strong belief in Equality and Human Rights for all people.  He has also championed the rights of animals and is  the Author of, Hidden Dreams, a collection of poetry.

Homeless by Noel Mc Enerney.



Noel McEnerney, reading his poem  ( Homeless ) at the Solstice Art Centre, 5th October 2011.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Dan O'Hara

Sean Reilly, singing a song our father's loved and indeed our grandfathers and we mustn't forget the granny's. This song was a hit in 1864. And Sean Reilly made it a hit in the Solstice Art Centre on the night of  5th October 2011 when the Small Impact Writers' launched their 2012 calendar in aid of the Homeless.

Sean can be heard singing, My Lagan Love, further down on this blog, just scroll the pages below.





Thursday, October 20, 2011

HOMELESS NO MORE


Sean Reilly, reading his poem,  (Homeless No More) at the launch of the Small Impact Writers' 2012 Calendar.  Sean comes from Bohermeen and is proud to say so, he's steeped in the life and lore of that special place.  He is a founding member of the Small Impact Writers' Group and a mighty fine singer.


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

WHEREVER I LAY MY HAT


Wherever I lay my hat, by Jay Rice. Read at the Solstice Art Centre, Railway St , Navan, CO. Meath 
5th October 2011.

  

Monday, October 17, 2011

THE CUCKOO

Patrich McConnon, reading his poem Cuckoo, at the Solstice Art Centre, on  the night the Small Impact Writers' launched their 2012 Calendar.  Pat is mostly a short story writer but has a number of poems as well and hopes to publish a collection soon.  He is also a bit of a comedian and never fails to entertain the group at our meetings.



Saturday, October 15, 2011

THE JOURNEY


Louisa Correia-Gillick, aged eleven, reading her poem The Journey, at the launch of the Small Impact Writers' 2012 Calendar in aid of the Drogheda Homeless Aid Association at the Solstice Art Centre, Navan on 5th October 2011. 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

A CALENDAR FIT FOR THE ARAS




Pictured above L/R: Michael " The Sheriff " Sheils, Dominic Hannigan TD for Meath East and presidential candidate Michael D Higgins.



When presidential candidate Michael D. Higgins, visited Navan, on Tuesday 11 October I presented him with a 2012 Calendar which was published a week earlier by the Small Impact Writers' to raise funds for the Drogheda Homeless Aid.

I told Michael D, that I hope to see the calendar hanging in the Aras when I visit there.


Navan Mayor CLLR Anton McCabe, accompanying Michael D. Higgins on his tour of Navan, with Meath East, TD Dominic Hannigan in the background.



Michael " The Sheriff Sheils " and Michael D. Higgins, with Dominic Hannigan TD keeping an eye on things.



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Video.


Some of the readings from the night the Small Impact Writers'
launched their 2012 Calendar.


Ann Ritter, above reading her poem, Nobody's Neighbour.
Ann was born in Dublin, but now lives in Navan. She has been a member of the Small Impact Writers' Group for three years. She has lived  for several years in Germany, Japan and Australia. Ann writes mostly poetry but has a number of short story's to her credit. She had a story titled ( That Devil Called Love ) published last year in a antology written by the group titled Hidden Depths. 



Edel Gillick, is a story teller and writer.  She is the author of The Boy That Fell Down the Well, a childrens book highlighting the social problem of bullying and racism but in a genre suitable for children. She also facilitates creative writing classes for adults. 



Michael " The Sheriff " Sheils. Enough said.

Monday, October 10, 2011

READING

I had a very pleasant evening in Trim Library, last Thursday 6th October, when over twenty local writers' turned up to celebrate All Ireland Poetry Day.
Tom French, and Tommy Murray, kept things running smoothly.
I was out canvassing all that afternoon and when I came home, I put my camera battery on to charge in preparation hoping to get a few shots.
I arrived in the library with my camera on my belt only to discover that I forgot to install the battery.

I read three poems from my school days.  I thought I'd reproduce them here.

Oh in case I forget! vote Michael D. Higgins for president.




A Ballad of Athlone

Does any man dream that a Gael can fear?
Of a thousand deeds let him learn but one!
The Shannon swept onward, broad and clear,
Between the leaguers and broad Athlone.

' Break down the bridge! ' Six warriors rushed
Through the storm of shot and the storm of shell:
With late but certain victory flushed,
The grim Dutch gunners eyed them well.

They wrenched at the planks ' mid a hail of fire:
They fell in death, their work half done:
The bridge stood fast; and nigh and nigher
The foe swarmed darkly, densely on.

' Oh who for Erin will strike a stroke?
Who hurl yon planks where the waters roar?'
Six warriers forth from their comrades broke,
And flung them upon that bridge once more.

Again at the rocking planks they dashed;
And four dropped dead; and two remained:
The huge beams groaned and the arch down-
    crashed;-
Two stalwart swimmers the margin gained.

St Ruth in his stirrups stood up and cried:
' I have seen no deed like that in France! '
With a toss of his head, Sarsfield replied,
' They had luck, the dogs! 'Twas a merry chance! '

Oh, many a year upon Shannon's side
They sang upon moor and they sang upon heath
Of the twain that had breasted the raging tide,
And the ten that shook bloody hands with death!
                                                         Aubrey de Vere.




The Presence of God

I see his blood upon the rose,
And in the stars the glory of his eyes:
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tears fall from the skies.

I see his face in every flower;
The thunder, and the singing of the birds
Are but his voice; and, carven by his power,
Rocks are his written words.

All pathways by his feet are worn;
His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea;
His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn;
His cross is every tree.
                                         Joseph Mary Plunkett.



My Land

She is a rich and rare land,
Oh she's a fresh and fair land;
She is a dear and rare land,
This native land of mine.

No men than hers are braver,
Her women's hearts ne'er waver;
I'd freely die to save her,
And think my lot divine.

She's not a dull or cold land,
No, she's a warm and bold land,
Oh, she's a true and old land,
This native land of mine.

Could beauty ever guard her,
And virtue still reward her,
No foe would cross her border-
No friend within it pine.

Oh, she's a fresh and fair land,
Oh, she's a true and rare land;
Yes she's a rare and fair land,
This native land of mine.
                                Thomas Davis.


Sunday, October 9, 2011

Calendar


Poem on cover can be read below left.



In Return
by Jimmy Byrne


I was
Homeless,
Hapless,
Helpless.

I was
A stranger,
And you took me in.

Now I am
Befriended,
Tended,
Mended,
Blended.

As long as
You did it
To one of these...
You did it to me.

We should be
Fatherly,
Motherly,
Sisterly,
Brotherly,
Towards each other.

It is giving
That we receive
A blessing
In return.



Navan Writer's Group, ( The Small Impact Writers' ), had a very successful launch of their 2012 Calendar in the Solstice Art Centre, Railway Street, Navan, last Thursday 5th October.
Meath GAA personality Sean Boylan who was to launch the calendar was unable to attend. 
Lordmayor Anton McCabe was away at a conference and Councillor Joe Reilly came to the rescue.

The calendar was printed by Costello Print in Navan and Navan Town Council sponsored the project.

Edel Gillick and Jimmy Byrne of the writers group, introduced the members who read their own contributions from the calendar. John Doyle Photography enriched each contribution with his photos depicting the many facets of homelessness in our times.

Paul Murphy, of Drogheda Homeless Aid thanked the writers' group for their help and generosity towards the Drogheda Homeless Aid's hostel at North Strand, Drogheda.

Sean Reilly, Jay Rill and Caroline Reel of the Writers' Group delighted the audience with their singing.
I videoed some of the members reading and singing and hope to post a few vids over the next few days.

There is a second launch of the calendar planned for Thursday 20th October at 5.30pm in the Highlane's Art Gallery Drogheda.          

The Calendar can be bought in Supervalue Johnstown Shopping Centre price €5  



L/R: Edel Gillick, Louisa Gillick, Sean Reilly, Noel McInerney,Ciara ? Drogheda Homeless Aid, Kieran Murray, Jay Rill, Niamh ? Drogheda Homeless Aid, Jim Byrne, Christopher Azzie, Pat McConnon, Ann Ritter, Michael Sheils, John Doyle and
in Front Mossie Forde.       

                                                                    John Doyle.   

                                                   Paul Murphy, Drogheda Homeless Centre

Jim Byrne.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Michael D. Higgins


On the Campaign Trail








Pictured above L/R: Dan Effe, Councillor Jenny McHugh, Noel Smyth, Joe O'Rourke, Jimmy O'Brien, Michael Sheils, Brian Flanagan and Ger Gibbins.     Click photos to enlarge.


Vote Michael D. Higgins No 1.  He has given a lifetime of public service and has a track record  as a consistent advocate for a more inclusive and equal society which supports the rights and participation of all our people.  He also has  extensive international experience and if elected President will work vigorously to enhance our citizenship at home and our reputation abroad.