Literary Awards

Delighted to announce that two members of the Meath Writers Circle, myself and Frank Murphy received  certificates  at a function in the Star Restaurant in Swords last night.  The occasion was the annual Poet of Fingal Competition hosted by Swords Pride of Place in conjunction with Swords Heritage festival.  The top prize for poetry  this year went to Cork while the top prize for the Short Story competion went to Chicago.  The Poet of Fingal  is defdinately one of my most successful competitions having won the top prize on four occasions and coming third once as well as getting several certificates

                                                          A section of the crowd

Managed to get a copy of the Dandy overnight

This week sees the last issue of the famous Dandy Comic.  First published by Thompsons of Dundee in the late nineteen thirties and featuring such well loved characters as desperate Dan and Corky the Cat
As I was unable to get my hands on an original copy of the Dandy the picture shows a copy of the Dandy's sister comic, The  Beano dated 30th July 1938.  Both the Dandy and the Beano played a major part in the introducing young people to literature and love of reading which would remain with them for life

Poet of Fingal

Looking forward to the results of the Poet of Fingal competition on Tuesday evening next.  This is on e of the competitions that I have targeted reesulting in me getting the top prize four times in six years as well as getting one third prize and  several Certificates.   2011 was the only year that I didn 't get anytning but I am hopeful off getting something on  Tuesday eveniong next.  What i like about The Poet of Fingal contest is that the prizes are great and there is not the slightest hint of fund raising and its always nice to beat the Dubs

Swimming with Dolphins

Just four months after what turned out to be a fairly muted launch 'Swimming with Dolphins' has now outsold
my other two collections, 'The Boyne' and  'Counting  Stained Glass Windows'
This despite the fact that it is not generally available in  local outlets and no attempt is being made to promote the publication. 
There were casualties though and the main one being a proposed publication, 'Meath Ghosts'  which will not nows be available as it would clash with  the poetry collection.  in the current economic situation and even with a publisher it is reasoned that the poetry collection should be given preference.
a number of copies of Meath Ghosts will be bound and placed int he local History department of the Navan Library and other strategic locations.  Copies will also be sent to the copyright libraries 

It's that man Swift Again?

Received this entry form in the post today.  It is for the Jonathan Swift Open Competition in Saggart Co. Dublin. Send one poem entry fee 4 euro or three poems fee 10 euro.  I got a Highly Commended Certificate for my entry last year and I may enter it again this year.  There is no mention of a top prize or indeed any prize.  I am sure that most local poets will have received a similar communication. Closing date for entries is 30th September but be warned if you do win what you will have to travel to Saggart to read your winning entry