Her work is known for its lyrical style and strong ties to the Irish language and culture. She addresses emotional and controversial issues, including clerical abuse in the Catholic Church and the trauma felt by the Irish people. The imagery she creates evokes a profound sense of grief and historical pain. Continue reading
Lexicographers and linguists have indeed puzzled over the American English term ‘So Long’ and some have advanced a possible origin in Irish slán. Continue reading
A little snippet, a snapshot, insights that convey so much. A sentence that describes one man’s grief ‘Chris, his poor heart smashed…’ is an example of how much emotion is expressed in so few words. Continue reading
Put on the spot, the one piece of advice I would feel comfortable to impart on other writers would be to look upon the act of writing not merely as self-expression, but rather as communication. Continue reading
In Ireland at Halloween, it is just as easy to buy Barm Brack from a bakery or even the supermarket. But here is a lovely traditional recipe that is easy to make with simple ingredients to bring the taste of Halloween here. Some bakeries would put a ring for marriage or a pea for poverty. Continue reading
A film review of Kneecap by Isla Sutherland Kneecap, Screen playwright and Director, Rich Peppiat, Starring Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, Cinematography by Ryan Kernaghan, Distribution by Wildcard [1](Ireland) Curzon Film (United Kingdom), 2024. Kneecap explores Northern Irish identity and what it means to be part of the ‘ceasefire generation’ amidst … Continue reading
Bilingual poems afford us the opportunity to appreciate both languages. What is most appreciated is the effort taken by these poets to make the English translations poems in their own right. This means that even if you do not read Irish, you can appreciate the themes, thoughts and imagery in this collection. Continue reading
I can’t think of many places where you might find Flann O’Brien cheek by jowl with Ange Postecoglou, Sr Liguori and Lord Craigavon’s tour of the Antipodes.’ Continue reading
Prose poetry offers freedom from structure, from line markings, while retaining rhythm, imagery and emotional layering. Bilingual prose poetry reveals yet another dimension: word choice that can challenge and provoke. That can make you question your assumptions as you read and reread. Continue reading
I read Modern History and Political Science in Dublin University from 1936 to 1940, talking my degree in absentia in January 1940. The most memorable lectures which I attended were those given by Curtis; he was always interesting and amusing, never the dry historian. Continue reading
Tinteán 