Many of his poems are celebrated and loved for their profound personal candour and sensitivity, but he has also been a poet of searing political and public critical insight. Continue reading
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Filed under Irish poetry …
Recognition for Irish Australian poets on Imram
We send ‘comhghairdeas’ to both for this important recognition of their work. Continue reading
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Dánta Nua le Colin Ryan
agus an ciúnas/a d’fhág an té a chuaigh
in airde fadó/ina dhiaidh
and the quietness left by the one who went up long ago Continue reading
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What’s in the name ‘Sheila’? new research
According to Diarmaid Ó Muirithe, the name Sheila derives from Cecily, ‘the English form of the Latin name of the…virgin martyr St Cecilia…The Anglo-Normans brought the name to Ireland and in time it became in the Irish language Síle.. Continue reading
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The Nation writers emigrate to Melbourne
It is a remarkable fact that three writers associated with The Nation newspaper emigrated to Melbourne in the mid-1850s: Edward Hayes, Charles Gavan Duffy and Gerald Henry Supple. Professionally diverse, they shared a deep love of poetry and song. Continue reading
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Socialist Countess
Meg McNena’s new play about Constance Markievicz constitutes an epic story of women’s engagement in politics. Continue reading
The Poet and the Piper
I was expressing an interest in uilleann pipes and complained that the pipes are not well known and appreciated in Australia. They certainly are much admired in this house now. Continue reading
Learning about Australia from John O’Brien
For many in Ireland, ‘Around the Boree Log’ was our introduction to Australia. Continue reading
Poems in English and Irish
Finally, I gently clasp the dragonfly’s wings
and release it at the backdoor to fly away.
Was it a lost soul of a relative
From long ago looking for our prayers? Continue reading
Dánta Póca Julie Breathnach-Banwait
Discovery of another poet writing in Irish, to the great acclaim of her peers. Continue reading
Tinteán 