Author: simon

I am one of three staff members with the same birthday. We got this lovely cake. I’m pleased to see my poetic licence has rubbed off on the person who ordered it.

Doire Press gave a really good panel discussion in Carlow library for Penfest. Both editors of Doire, Lisa and John, were on the panel along with two of their writers: Paul O’Reilly and John McKenna. There were lots of hints and tips about how to get published.

I had the honour to be asked to launch Carlow Town’s writing festival, Penfest, this year. As I’ve no book under my belt, I really didn’t know what I could share with the people who showed up to the event. I decided I would tell them about my own poetry journey and share some ideas about […]

This is one of the first poems I got published in a magazine or journal. Facade Seated on a former pew, kneelers removed, a local group take turns to thank a man   for the chance to read at a former altar, each giving a sermon – the ex-army officer   remembering when a gun […]

I spent the day in Rathmines, where where where I grew up. Things have changed a lot.  

I’m honoured to be launching Carlow Penfest 2015

Fantastic reading from Jane Clarke and Shirley McClure with wonderful introductions from Mark Roper in Stonehouse Books, Kilkenny.

Launch of three books from Arlen House: Connie Roberts, Shirley McClure and Mamo McDonald. Some great poetry and line of the evening went to Mamo: It’s great to be here. It beats a funeral.

One of my poems was on display in Fermoy for the Blackwater International Poetry Festival. Thanks to Clifton Redmond for sending them on to me.