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Maire T Robinson and myself(courtesy of Michael Farry)
Congratulations to everyone! It's always nice to chat to other writers, it was only a week since the Hennessy Awards where James Lawless, Michael Massey, Alison Wells and myself had met under similar circumstances. Last night was a more relaxed celebration, with lots of champagne (which is very... relaxing) and both Michael and James were award winners! James's novel, The Avenue, will be launched at The Irish Writers Centre on the 6th May. Michael Farry, poet and editor of Boyne Berries Magazine was also shortlisted, as was Maire T Robinson who is a member of the Atlantis Collective and a graduate of the MA in Writing from NUI.
I started to read the anthology on the drive home... Tony O' Dwyer and Geraldine Burke (Wordsonthestreet) have produced a wonderful magazine and for an emerging writer, publications such as this are vital. I dare you to read Moya Roddy's excellant `Butterflies` and not be disturbed.
Having lived in Galway for 14 yrs it was wonderful to be back for the night, catching up with some good friends who I hadn't seen in a long, long time. One of my highlights, as always, was getting to Charlie Byrnes Bookshop - where I bought Ropes 18, Painting Rain by Paula Meehan and Red Riding Hood's Dilemma by Orfhlaith Foyle...
Heaven!
WATCH OUT! BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
Paddy Smith kindly let me know about the up coming Battle of the Books at the Trim Swift Festival (July 1-4) ;
"We use 'the Simon Cowell approach' in the annual Battle of the Books between the Boyne Writers Group and the Meath Writers Circle. Teams of 4 from each group read their satirical writing pieces (poetry and prose) in front of an audience and then submit to robust comments from a panel of 3 judges. Hair-raising stuff -- and not for the faint-hearted! Boyne Writers won it last year by one mark (94-93) and the return match this year is being eagerly awaited."
6 comments:
Hi Niamh, congrats on making it to the shortlist and to all the winners.
I love Galway myself.
The Battle of the Books sounds brilliant, not for the faint-hearted, I agree.
Congratulations Niamh - sounds like a hectic couple of weeks for you, with two award ceremonies. Continued success!
Hi Brigid, thankyou! I know, it's always hard to leave Galway. It seems to be buzzing with writers and writers groups. I read your piece in the Quiet Quarter and was very moved, it was wonderfully written.
Thanks Barbara!
I've feel very lucky this year- its either a feast or a famine!
Congratulations Niamh. Glad you had a lovely time in Galway. Champagne is very relaxing!!! Must look out for that magazine.
Hi Niamh, looks like you've had a hectic month of awards, well done its brilliant! I didn't make it to Bollards either, wasn't too many going I think, so I backed out and went to see a band in the Kilkenny Roots festival, was a good weekend of music. I'll definitely be there this weekend, might be late for the Saturday morning class but will be there for the rest of it. Can't believe it's the last one! See ya there.
Hi Helena, Thanks! Maybe we'll make it to Bollards before you go on your long walk. Love your friend Denise's work, its stunning.
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