National Poetry Day, which takes place this Thursday April 28th, will be marked by a series of free events throughout Roscommon.
The County Library, Roscommon town hosts two events with the first, a series of writing workshop, getting under way from 10am. The workshops, with the loose theme of ‘Revolution’, will be facilitated by Louise Cole, Catherine Ryan, and Jessamine O’Connor. Registration is at 10am with all workshops starting promptly at 10.30am – no one can be admitted after that time. Tea and coffee will be provided at 12pm and all welcome!
At 12:30pm a Writers Group Showcase takes place upstairs in the Library and all writing groups based in County Roscommon are invited to participate in the event.
The format will be short presentation lasting about an hour in total, so only two speakers from each group please. They can represent their group, give a brief summary of what they do, and read a short sample of writing. Representatives of each group will give a short presentation on the history of the group, where they meet, how people can get in contact with them as well as details any achievements they have to share – publications, awards etc. They can then perform two short pieces, short poems.
All members of the groups are very welcome to come and support, as are non-members who might be interested in joining or starting a group. Groups interested in participating are asked to confirm their attendance by sending an email with “writers group” in subject box please, to [email protected]
So if you are already a writer, or interested in starting to write, come along to this informal and friendly writing morning. Admission to both events is free and you are encouraged to get involved by bringing a pen and paper.
Also at 10am, Strokestown Library presents a reading of the 1916 Proclamation by a local 91-year-old Age Action member, with readings of poems with a 1916 theme from 5th and 6th class students and local poets and writers. For more information contact Eithne at Strokestown Library on 071 9634027.
Roscommon’s contribution to Poetry Day Ireland will be rounded off with a blast in King House, Boyle. The event features a night of music, poetry and art by Breda Wall Ryan, recent winner of the Shine-Strong Award, Helen Grehan, Gerry Boland, Emma Stroude, Siobhan Wilmott, John Wilmott and Claire Roche, Gregory Daly and more. Admission will be on a first come first served basis and the advice is to arrive in plenty of time.
For more information on any of the events email [email protected]