Meath Junior Writer's Group

Now that the group have b roken up for the summer 23 young writers have submitted their work for the forthcoming publication 'Paper Trails' It's the last call for three of the young writers including Hope Flemming Sweeney, Aoife Finnegan and Clara Harlin. It is hoped to launch the book early in September when arts officer Geradette Baily will be asked to do the honours.

Irish Life and Lore Series

Meath Oral History Collection edited by Maurice O'Keefe was launched tonight (16th June 2010)by Councillor William Carey and features the memories of a number of Meath people including yours truely. Each of the participants received a CD with their photograph on the sleeve. A milestone in the history of the county is how one of the speakers described the launch. The CDs will now go on sale worldwide

Certificate of Merit

Delighted to receive a certificate of Merit in this year's Golden Pen awards in Gurteen Co. Galway for my poem 'Lemming'


Lemming

I remember the moment
You, lying there
Immaculate in pinstripe and cuff links
And the tie you only wore to weddings
The broad grin fixed
For all eternity

You blew your chance then
Of growing old gracefully
Missed out on memories
Pipe smoke and slippers
Sunsets of affection

You might have been famous
Graced the top tables
Taken your place
On pedestals and podiums
Had you not decided to leave?
When you did, and so suddenly

You could have taken it all in your stride
Laurel wreath and golden handshake
And yes, you also missed out on
Crow’s feet and quackery
Weeks of wet Mondays
And endless obituaries

Images of Meath

Book: Meath
This is a fascinating collection of images from County Meath, accompanied by a warm and lively narrative. Tommy Murray presents intimate snapshots of Meath life since the 1930s; characters big and small, such as Michael Collier, Meath's own Robin Hood, and events that gripped the public, from harvests and horse racing to the descent of Hollywood in 1994, when "Braveheart "was filmed in Trim. This resource pays homage to the people of Meath, with engaging and often poignant images of the locals, young and old, at work and at play. This work is a fantastic record of County Meath and the lives played out against its beautiful backdrop of landmarks and wildflowers.

Meath Voices

Meath is a constantly changing and developing county, close to the capital and yet full of natural beauty and renowned heritage sites. This vivid and entertaining book captures the memories, tales and hopes of the people who have witnessed this rapid change in recent times, and remember the years when the roads were cattle tracks and gathering blackberries was a favourite past time. Featuring voices from the county's citizens and images from the author's own collection, this book will appeal to both visitors of the county and those who call it home.

Voices of Trim

Featuring entries from the culchie of the year, local politicians, ordinary workers and FCA men and characters known throughout the town, Voice of Trim displays the colour and life of Trim at its remarkable best. Featuring images and postcards from the authors own collection and photographs and pictures from other collections, this book will appeal to all those who live in or know Trim. Tommy Murray is a well known author and poet living in Trim. He has produced numerous successful books and publications and has received many prizes and awards for his work and poetry. It features: Local Content; Engaging tone; Excellent collection of postcards and images.

A Meath Anthology

Wednesday 30th June will see one of the most important literary events in a long time take place in the Navan Library. On that night a coming together of some of Ireland’s best known poets and writers in the form of an anthology of Meath Writing will happen. The book which has already gone to a second run even before it is launched is expected to become a personal bible for Meath people everywhere. Apart from the well known like William Butler Yeats, Seamus Heaney, John Boyle O’ Reilly and Patrick Kavanagh there is work from some locally known writers including John Quinn , footballer Paddy Meegan, Tommy Murray and Tom French. The book, which costs twenty Euro, has already been ordered by libraries and colleges right across the world. Watch this space for more on this exciting development in Meath’s
Literary history and yes, Mary Lavin and William Rowan Hamilton are there too.

Photograph with Paddy Meegan