Attended roughly half the readings, as I can't do a full 2 days of poetry, some of them very samey, some quite refreshing. Highlights for me were Helena Nolan, who was shortlisted for the main prize, Cathal O'Searcaigh (seems to have changed a lot since he was in the Undertones) and in particular Sebastian Barker, who I had never actually heard of but who delivered poetry of incredible beauty that quite won me over. (Paddy Bushe actually bought the last of Sebastian's books as I was asking my wife for money to do the same!!)
I also caught Dennis O'Driscoll for the first time. My God, what dry wit and deadpan delivery! Very very funny.
Simon O'Faolain won the Irish language prize for a second time. The main poetry prize went to Lawrence Kessernich who travelled over from Boston for the weekend and was, I think, a deserved winner. All the shortlisted poems can be read here
That sounds like quite a roster. I'd love to hear this Dennis O'Driscoll. The name rings a bell, but I may be confusing him with some singer from the 70s.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and nice words. Take a look at my Poetry Bus offering if you get a sec - I think it's right up your street.
Kat
I'm just preparing dinner and I think to myself, Hang on, didn't Peter read at the Strokestown? Am I correct in that, or were you competing? How did you do? Sorry for my negligence. I have the worst memory. Ask anybody.
ReplyDeleteKat
Me again. Just caught your comment. Was it from "Mary Poppins"? I know there are bankers in that one.
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