Most of my research into Jewtown came from the 1901 and 1911 census. While sparse, some of the information was fascinating to me and gave me a spark of an idea to write a poem to reimagine what life must have been like for the people living in the various houses. One man that jumped out […]
Author: simon
Cork International Poetry Festival
I had a super time at the 2016 Cork International Poetry Festival. I was also delighted to have had the opportunity to read some of my poems from Jewtown so close to the area at the prizegiving of the Gregory O’Donoghue award. I managed to get to see a number of poets read their work and indulged myself […]
Deconsecration of South Terrace Synagogue
The Jewish Community reported on the deconsecration of the South Terrace Synagogue in Cork. They reported that about 85 people gathered at the Cork Hebrew Congregation on Sunday 7th February to mark the deconsecration of the 110-year old building, prior to the completion of its sale. According to the article, it was a “bittersweet service” which […]
The Last Sabbath at South Terrace
I attended the final Friday night service at South Terrace synagogue. I took a few photos of the place before the service began. My lasting memory was seeing Freddie Rosehill digging his crutch into the carpet before having to sit down.
Gregory O’Donoghue Reading
I’m delighted to be one of the chosen readers at the Gregory O’Donoghue Prize Giving, which was won by Leila Chatti. There are nine of us reading at this event and here’s a little bit about us all. Amanda Bell is a Dublin-based editor and writer. Publications include The Lion Tamer Dreams of Office Work: […]
South Terrace Synagogue is Closing
I received the sad news that the last remaining synagogue in Cork is to close its doors for the last time on the 7th February. South Terrace features in some of the poems in Jewtown. The synagogue was built at number 10 South Terrace in 1896 when the growing Jewish community of Cork needed a bigger premises […]
Cork International Poetry Festival
The Cork International Poetry Festival will be taking place from the 10th to 14th February. This will be my second year attending the festival. Last year, I was only able to make it for one evening where I saw the amazing Liz Berry read with Don Share – what an introduction! After the reading everyone […]
Upcoming Reading: Cork
I’m delighted to be one of the selected poets to read at the Cork Spring Poetry Festival during the O’Donoghue Prizewinner ceremony in the Cork Arts Theatre. It’s all happening on Saturday, 13th February from 2:45pm. I’ll be reading a few poems from Jewtown, including my shortlisted poem, Mary Daly.
Book Launch
I’m delighted to announce that my book, Jewtown, is due for publication in May, this year. I’m hoping to have the official launch in early to mid-May and travel around the country after that at different events. It’s getting very exciting!
The last drop
The last drop of my Hennessy prize. For such a fancy drink, it must have been very insulted never to have been poured into a proper brandy glass.