I was invited to Ballagahdereen library last night, to do a bilingual reading, for Seachtain na Gaeilge. I love libraries and we got a warm welcome from Deirdre, the librarian, and Dónall Mac Aodha, who is Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge (Irish Language Development Officer) with Roscommon County Council.
My Irish can be a tad meirgeach (rusty) at times, as I only use it these days for either translating poetry, or at the school gates, but it seemed to flow well enough in the event. There was a nice crowd there, between Rosmuc men and natives of Bealach an Doirín, Irish language learners and poetry enthusiasts.
The best bit (as per) was the questions afterwards. Really, it was more of a discussion on placenames, place-related imagery and a bit of local history. I could've chatted and listened all night. People have wonderful stories and insights, and the audience weren't shy, which was great.
The Co Co put us up in the swanky Abbeyfield Hotel and, all in all, it was a lovely trip to a friendly and welcoming town.
Oh, and my pal, Gwen MacNamara-Bond - who runs the extraordinary Siar Scéal Festival so well - was there and she tells me they have extended the deadline for this year's Poetry Competition to Wednesday the 18th of March, so there is still time to get your work in, if you send it today or Monday. See here for details.
10 comments:
Sounds like a lovely evening - in every sense of the word - the audience and questions sound great - made me homesick reading it...(am doing a countdown at this stage!) : )
Hi Liz,
It was one of those positive, pleasant poetry experiences. Love it!
I take it you didn't make the Feb trip you were planning?
But you're here the end of this month, right?
N
What a lovely evening you describe - and you were well looked after. You are blooming, missus!
Ah, thanks, B. Feeling well this week, TG; not as wiped as some weeks.
It was a great evening.
I sincerely wish, though, that I didn't get so narky and nervous before readings. They usually go OK and sometimes they even go great. SO why all the tension beforehand?! I turn into a devil...
The bump is looking great. Exciting Times.
Thanks, Pat. I'd a recent growth spurt and the waddling has begun. All's well.
That's great WRW, well done on the reading,I too love libraries and often spend the night in ours when I can't sleep(most nights ) I guess nerves are part and parcel of the build-up to any kind of performance.As for babby, i know they sometimes kick but yours must be very advanced if already waddling :)
Har har, TFE. I think since you moved into that castle, it has all gone to your head. The library this, the servants that...is there a dungeon?!
Hi there, you look amazing, and I'm so glad it went off so well. By the way I'm tickled pink that I'll be in an anthology with you - have you ordered your free copy of the Ink, Sweat & Tears antho from Charles, yet? I'm mentioning it because I didn't know about it then heard from a fellow listee and so am spreading the word.
Hi Sarah, yes, we're in there together! I only heard about it through a google alert (of my name) and I contacted Charles and he sent on a copy. I will re-read your sub today. Congrats! It's a lovely production and there's some great stuff in there.
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