Write-on

Welcome to our last session of the current Write-On Year! What a wonderful journey it’s been, discovering a wealth of new stories, poems, songs and – a novelty – videos that celebrate our talented and dedicated members, both old, more recent and new. Besides the creativity, we can also revel in the mutual encouragement and friendship that powers our Thursday sessions and makes each meeting a special and delightful occasion.

Over the summer, Frank will be working on the Anthology 2026, showcasing the best of the past year’s offering. In the meantime, three months of summer ‘holidays’ will allow us to sap new energy and to think about and start on novel ideas, projects, stories, poems, songs for 2025/2026.

We’ll reconvene on Thursday, 28 August, and our AGM will be held on Thursday, 4 September. See you all then! In the meantime, enjoy this evening’s offerings!

In celebration of the upcoming publication of ‘Beyond the Mountain Foot Road’, a collection of stories and poems by Mary Hodson, we are presenting a small sample of her work. These selections – two stories and two poems – showcase her extraordinary and wondrous gift for capturing emotion, memory, and meaning in deceptively simple moments.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

Turning Point by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is set against the chilly backdrop of a 1960s convent school. This quietly humorous and richly textured piece captures a moment of youthful misinterpreatation and inner awakening. When a teacher announces an unexpected classroom task, the narrator’s imagination takes flight in one direction, only to be grounded by a far more earthly challenge.

The Years by James Conway is a tender, meditative poem that drifts between memory and presence. It reflects on love, shared landscapes, and the quiet beauty of enduring connection. With sea-light, windows, and wild grass as its touchstones, the piece evokes a relationship gently shaped by time and the natural world. Lyrical and intimate, it invites the reader to linger in moments both fleeting and timeless.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience. This poem is also being presented as a song!

Come Take my Hand by Bill Geoghegan is a heartfelt and patriotic anthem, calling for unity, truth, and compassion in the face of division. With simple, sincere lyrics and a recurring plea for justice and peace, it celebrates democratic values and the enduring spirit of community. Framed by a prayerful refrain, it is both a love song to a nation and a reminder of the work needed to keep it whole.

Programme

Mug of the Month Five Members Competition

A Single Tear Mary Hawkshaw Video

Pertinent Nest James Conway Poem

The Years James Conway Poem

Life with a Spark Anne Murray Poem/Song

A Selection of Poems Mary Hodson Poems

Turning Point Deirdre Anne Gialamas Story

A Selection of Short Stories Mary Hodson Stories

Come Take my Hand Bill Geoghegan Song

Building up to the end of our season, our submissions list is bulging. Let’s see how many of the following exciting, moving and inspiring items we can cover this session! Have an enjoyable meeting!

Child’s Play by Póilín Brennan is a tender and reflective poem capturing a fleeting, bittersweet moment of watching children at play. While young friends tumble onto the green, lost in stick wars and carefree joy, the poet – quietly bearing private sorrow – observes from a distance, caught between absence and presence. Gentle, poignant, and deeply human, this piece honours both the healing power of play and the quiet strength it offers to those who watch from the edges. This poem has also been turned into an evocative, inspiring song with the help of AI.

The Ship by Joyce Butcher is a gripping story that begins as a long-awaited river cruise through Eastern Europe but quickly unravels into something far more sinister. When the narrator and her husband awaken to find themselves alone on a moving cruise ship, a surreal and unsettling journey begins. With no crew, no passengers, and no way to steer the vessel, they face rising panic, disappearing options, and a harrowing mystery that builds toward a dramatic and unexpected conclusion.

The Invitation by Mary Hodson is a gentle and nostalgic story abut the enduring bond between a grandfather and his grandson. When a simple phone call leads to a spontaneous fishing trip, Granda finds himself revisiting the joys of past adventures while preparing for a new one. Amid the humour of misplaced gear and mischievous mice, the story unfolds as a heartwarming celebration of shared memories, quiet companionship and the timeless magic of a day spent by the water.

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Journey I Cannot Name by Mary Hawkshaw invites us on an interior journey that slips ‘between words, like mist through memory’. It charts moments rather than miles as she explores identity, inheritance and the porous border between an ageing mind and boundless imagination – a quest that starts in quiet uncertainty and blossoms into a vast, dream-like ‘mansion’ of insight, leaving us before an open doorway where wonder eclipses fear.

Jessica (revised) by Anne McManus is a tender, perceptive short story about love, family and the quiet burdens carried between generations. Narrated by Kate, a devoted aunt, the piece begins light-heartedly with a reluctant shopping trip to find a dress for Jessica’s upcoming wedding. Beneath the easy rapport, however, deeper worries surface. Jessica, who lost a leg in an accident, confides fears that her fiancé Robert may be motivated more by guilt than love. Kate offers warmth, wisdom, and gentle encouragement but is painfully aware of the limits of her role. Subtle and compassionate, this story explores what is voiced, what remains unspoken, and the quiet courage it takes to face an uncertain future.

Easter 2025 by Thomas McMahon blends zesty lemon crepes, palm-ash devotion and the bright song of a yellow finch into a light-hearted hymn to renewal. Thomas layers fluffy chicks, woolly lambs and cheeky chocolate ‘surgery’ with prayers for loved ones and golden daffodils – a joyful nod to the feast that follows Lent, inviting everyone to praise the Lord and, above all, ‘smile’.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience. This poem is also being presented as a song!

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

Whistle Call by Deirdre Anne Gialamas captures a child’s innocent yearning and vivid imagination on a cold winter morning. Young Clara, frail but full of anticipation, peers out at the snowy landscape awaiting the arrival of local women on their silent march to Mandensbury and the Big Factory. In their white attire, to her they appear angelic, and she dreams of the day when she, too, will wear their attire with pride. Her reverie is broken by the harsh call of daily chores and school. This story tenderly explorees childhood aspirations set against the stark realitiesof rural life.

Programme:

Child’s Play Póilín Brennan Video

The Ship Joyce Butcher Story

The Invitation Mary Hodson Story

Lightening James Conway Poem

The Journey I cannot Name Mary Hawkshaw Poem

Jessica (Revised) Anne McManus Story

Easter 2025 by Tom McMahon Poem

Life with a Spark Anne Murray Poem

Pertinent Nest James Conway Poem

Whistle Call Deirdre Anne Gialamas Story

While Frank is on holiday, we’re delighted to have Mary Hodson as moderator on Thursday.

With a long list of items, be prepared for surprises – with only four exceptions, you are receiving no preparatory information about the contents of most of the presentations! However, rest assured that the high standard we’ve grown accustomed to from our contributors will ensure an entertaining and stimulating evening!

Child’s Play by Póilín Brennan is a tender and reflective poem capturing a fleeting, bittersweet moment of watching children at play. While young friends tumble onto the green, lost in stick wars and carefree joy, the poet – quietly bearing private sorrow – observes from a distance, caught between absence and presence. Gentle, poignant, and deeply human, this piece honours both the healing power of play and the quiet strength it offers to those who watch from the edges. This poem has also been turned into an evocative, inspiring song with the help of AI.

Coop by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a sharp, darkly witty story of strained domestic life and simmering frustration. John, overlooked at work and mercilessly nagged at home, clings to routine and quiet endurance. Yet beneath the surface, something is shifting. As years of resentment begin to stir, the balance between submission and rebelling start to tilt. Both blackly humorous and painfully astute, this portrait of a marriage teeters deliciously between the tragic and the absurd.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience.

And nine further items !!

Programme:

Charlotte Bronte – A Medical Casebook Dr Michael O’Dowd

The Road to Where Josephine McCann

Come Take my Hand Bill Geoghegan

Coop Deirdre Anne Gialamas Short Story

Child’s Play Póilín Brennan Poem

Child’s Play Póilín Brennan Video

Life with a Spark Anne Murray Poem

Writer’s Block Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Almost There Helena Clare

The Invitation Mary Hodson

You Are Mary Hodson

I’m Finding it Hard to Explain Why Mary Hawkshaw

The Ship Joyce Butcher

Our writing year is gradually drawing to a close, which is reflected in this evening’s programme as contributors vie to have their works presented before the end of the season. And what a strong list of items it is!

This May, the closing date for the next Mug of the Month Competition is earlier than usual: 10 May. The new key words are RING and SHOW – two words which offer multiple possibilites for challenging the imagination! We expect a close contest to round off the literary year! Entries as usual to: annemurraypost@yahoo.ie.

These are tonight’s items:

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Journey I Cannot Name by Mary Hawkshaw invites us on an interior journey that slips ‘between words, like mist through memory’. It charts moments rather than miles as she explores identity, inheritance and the porous border between an ageing mind and boundless imagination – a quest that starts in quiet uncertainty and blossoms into a vast, dream-like ‘mansion’ of insight, leaving us before an open doorway where wonder eclipses fear.

Ode to Garlic by Judith Davitt Geoghegan is a witty and affectionate tribute to one of cookings’s most divisive heroes. Mixing playful humour with a touch of reverence, the poem celebrates garlic’s paradoxical power: banishing colds, fending off vampires, transforming bland dishes, while perhaps dooming romantic moments. Judith’s ode reminds us that in garlic’s unmistakable aroma lies both joy and health, proving that sometimes the boldest flavour bring the richest rewards.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

Easter 2025 by Thomas McMahon blends zesty lemon crepes, palm-ash devotion and the bright song of a yellow finch into a light-hearted hymn to renewal. Thomas layers fluffy chicks, woolly lambs and cheeky chocolate ‘surgery’ with prayers for loved ones and golden daffodils – a joyful nod to the feast that follows Lent, inviting everyone to praise the Lord and, above all, ‘smile’.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience.

Child’s Play by Póilín Brennan is a tender and reflective poem capturing a fleeting, bittersweet moment of watching children at play. While young friends tumble onto the green, lost in stick wars and carefree joy, the poet – quietly bearing private sorrow – observes from a distance, caught between absence and presence. Gentle, poignant, and deeply human, this piece honours both the healing power of play and the quiet strength it offers to those who watch from the edges.

Jessica by Anne McManus is a tender, perceptive short story about love, family and the quiet burdens carried between generations. Narrated by Kate, a devoted aunt, the piece begins light-heartedly with a reluctant shopping trip to find a dress for Jessica’s upcoming wedding. Beneath the easy rapport, however, deeper worries surface. Jessica, who lost a leg in an accident, confides fears that her fiancé Robert may be motivated more by guilt than love. Kate offers warmth, wisdom, and gentle encouragement but is painfully aware of the limits of her role. Subtle and compassionate, this story explores what is voiced, what remains unspoken, and the quiet courage it takes to face an uncertain future.

Coop by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a sharp, darkly witty story of strained domestic life and simmering frustration. John, overlooked at work and mercilessly nagged at home, clings to routine and quiet endurance. Yet beneath the surface, something is shifting. As years of resentment begin to stir, the balance between submission and rebelling start to tilt. Both blackly humorous and painfully astute, this portrait of a marriage teeters deliciously between the tragic and the absurd.

Whistle Call by Deirdre Anne Gialamas captures a child’s innocent yearning and vivid imagination on a cold winter morning. Young Clara, frail but full of anticipation, peers out at the snowy landscape awaiting the arrival of local women on their silent march to the Big Factory. To her, they appear almost angelic in their crisp white uniforms, a vision of adult life she longs to join. Dreaming of the day she too will wear their attire with pride, Clara’s reverie is broken by the harsh call of daily chores and school. Poignant and delicately drawn, this story tenderly explores childhood aspirations set against the stark realities of rural life.

Baile Beyond by Deirdre Anne Gialamas (writing as Ludditeyanne) is a playful and nostalgic letter celebrating the tactile joys of writing on paper in a digital world. Brimming with humour and personal confession, the nartator reflects on a lifelong bond with pen, paper, and the quirks of old habits – offering warmth, wit, and a fond glimpse of a personality both defiant and endearing. Light yet tender, this charming missive speaks to the comfort of simple pleasures and the quiet rebellion of staying true to oneself.

Programme:

Poem Lightening James Conway

Poem The Journey I Cannot Name Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Ode to Garlic Judith Davitt Geoghegan

Poem Pertinent Nest James Conway

Poem Easter 2025 Thomas McMahon

Poem Life with a Spark Anne Murray

Poem Child’s Play Póilín Brennanary Hawkshaw

Short Story Jessica Anne McManus

Short Story Circled Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Coop Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Whistle Call Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story 3 Baile Beyond Deirdre Anne Gialamas

It’s the last Thursday of the month, the traditional date for our Mug of the Month Competition. Five contestants with texts including the words SPARK and TANGLE will be vying to become the latest Mug champion. Good luck to all entrants!

The closing date for the next Mug of the Month Competition is earlier than usual: 10 May. The new key words are RING and SHOW. Entries as usual to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie.

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Journey I Cannot Name by Mary Hawkshaw invites us on an interior journey that slips ‘between words, like mist through memory’. It charts moments rather than miles as she explores identity, inheritance and the porous border between an ageing mind and boundless imagination – a quest that starts in quiet uncertainty and blossoms into a vast, dream-like ‘mansion’ of insight, leaving us before an open doorway where wonder eclipses fear.

Reaching for the Moon and Stars by Anne Murray paints a celestial lullaby for newborn Luna and her shining sister Stella, as sun-kissed parents Dave and Jill reach past daylight’s warmth toward a sky where hope ‘soared on silent wings’. With tender images of moonbeam eyes and a family’s growing galaxy, Anne weaves a dream-bright hymn that celebrates love expanding beyond the night – a poem now set to music, ready to light up tonight’s double presentation.

Easter 2025 by Thomas McMahon blends zesty lemon crepes, palm-ash devotion and the bright song of a yellow finch into a light-hearted hymn to renewal. Thomas layers fluffy chicks, woolly lambs and cheeky chocolate ‘surgery’ with prayers for loved ones and golden daffodils – a joyful nod to the feast that follows Lent, inviting everyone to praise the Lord and, above all, ‘smile’.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

A Memorable Night by Josephine McCann tracks a frazzled letting agent who secures a rare evening of silk sheets, chilled champagne and solitary bliss. But a chance meeting with the magnetic Marco plants a flicker of unease that shadows her much-anticipated ‘night of self-pampering’, as Josephine entwines sensual detail with gathering tension – blurring comfort and peril in a tale where dream and danger might share the same key.

Oui, Oui by Deirdre Anne Gialamas sweeps us onto the Champs Élysées with a newly qualified nurse whose London credentials hardly prepare her for the perfumes, protocols and pitfalls of 1979 Paris. Deirdre drifts from chic daydreams to daunting duties –babysitting a champagne-loving socialite, dodging a rogue agency, and strugggling to order a simple baguette – in a witty, self-deprecating memoir that captures the sparkle and grit of saying ‘oui’ to adventure in the City of Light.

Once more, we can look forward to a memorable evening of scintillating texts from our creative and talented members!

Programme:

Competition Mug of the Month Five Entries

Poem The Journey I Cannot Name Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Lightening James Conway

Poem Pertinent Nest James Conway

Poem Life with a Spark Anne Murray

Poem Easter 2025 Thomas McMahon

Song Reaching for the Moon and Stars Anne Murray

Short Story A Memorable Night Josephine McCann

Short Story Oui, Oui Deirdre Anne Gialamas

With eight magnificent entries this evening, we can look forward to a stimulating and varied selection of works by our members. We’re particularly pleased to welcome back James Keogh after a long absence, with a chapter from his exciting novel set in Ireland in the early 1900s. While Mary Hodson caters for humour, the remaining entries display a strong poetic seam, whether in verse or in prose.

There will be no Write-On session on 24 April, when we take our traditional Easter Break on the Thursday after Easter Sunday. So, while Mug of the Month entries should have reached Anne Murray by Sunday, 20 April, the competition itself will take place a week later than usual. The key words to be included in your 50-word text are TANGLE and SPARK.

Welcome to Write-On’s Zoom Session on Thursday evening, sit back, relax and enjoy! These are our pieces for this evening:

Swing, Miss, Repeat by Mary Hodson
Maura and her friend Kate embark on their first golf lessons, armed with confusion, sarcasm, and a questionable understanding of the rules. As they hack, splash, and laugh their way through the course, what begins as a comedy of errors blossoms into unexpected joy. A delightful tale of friendship, humility, and finding your swing – eventually.

The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
In this witty and satirical poem, society’s obsession with reinvention is laid bare through the tale of Gertrude Wall – transformed, renamed, and ultimately undone by the pressures to be someone else. With playful rhyme and biting humour, the piece explores identity, class, and the absurdities of social aspiration.

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Stained Collar – Chapter 1 by Seamus Keogh plunges us into the tense hush before a storm, where history and resistance smoulder just beneath the surface. Widow Mamo O’Connor commands her household and comrades with sharp wit and an iron will. As whispers of a ‘training’ in Merlin Woods stir memories of bloodshed and sacrifice, an old weapon is unearthed – one tied to the Easter Rising and stained with personal loss. Past and present collide in this opening chapter, where old ghosts wake and the next battle quietly begins.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

The Birds Told Me by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a tender, spiritual piece where the natural world becomes messenger and companion. As birds gather in quiet communion, their presence seems to offer answers to questions unspoken. With gentle reverence, Deirdre invites us to listen not just with ears but with soul – to sense meaning in wingbeats, breath, and the hush between calls. A poem of stillness, wonder, and quiet wisdom.

Persuasion by Anne McManus
A sharp and self-deprecating tale of one woman’s reluctant plunge into the world of alternative medicine – complete with Epsom salts, grapefruit, olive oil, and an unforgettable coffee enema. With wit and just the right dose of disbelief, the story charts the hilarious consequences of friendship, ageing, and the enduring power of peer pressure.

Breath by Anne McManus
A poignant and delicately layered poem capturing the tender moment between a parent and child – where a simple act, like blowing bubbles mirrors the deeper truth of letting go. With lyrical grace, the piece evokes both the wonder of beginnings and the quiet sorrow of inevitable separation.

Programme:

Poem The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Breath Anne McManus

Poem Lightening James Conway

Poem Pertinent Nest James Conway

Poem The Birds Told Me Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Swing, Miss, Repeat Mary Hodson

Short Story Persuasion Anne McManus

Short Story The Stained Collar, Chapter 1 Seamus Keogh

Almost There continues the story of Delia and her children on their emigration from Connemara to her sister’s home in Scotland in the late 19th century. The small group have now reached the last lap of their arduous journey. The narration brings us loving detail for emotions, scenery, and protagonists, painting a clear image of a complex situation in bygone times. The reader is left with hope for the future of Delia and her boys.

Swing, Miss, Repeat shows us Maura and her friend Kate on their first golf lesson, armed with confusion and a questionable understanding of the rules. As they hack, splash and laugh their way through the course, stretching the patience of their instructor to the limit, they eventually realise that what began in ignorance and chaos has evolved into an unexpected joy.

In Confidence. In this completely revised version of a story presented to the group some months ago, we meet a family during a car journey from Sligo to Ennis. The piece explores the private burden of Mae, a firecely independent woman concealing her illness, especially from her nosy daughter-in-law. With quiet restraint and emotional honesty, Mae strains to retain control over her narrative – even from those who love her most. The reader is left to judge how far consideration for others should impede on one’s own desire for privacy.

Persuasion provides a humorous and self-deprecating tale of one woman’s reluctant plunge into the world of alternative medicine – complete with Epsom salts, grapefruit, olive oil and an unforgettable coffee enema. With wit and just the right dose of disbelief, the story reveals the consequences of falling to persuasion, despite one’s own mature experience taught by common sense.

The Waiting Room. In a complete reversal of roles, the narrator listens to the doctor’s complaints about the problems in his family. Wavering between humour and sensitivity, the story captures the universality of family and its challenges, regardless of one’s standing or background.

The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall is a witty and satirical poem displaying society’s obsession with reinvention. Gertrude Wall becomes transformed, renamed, and ultimately undone by the pressure to be someone else. Wtih playful rhyme and biting humour, the piece explores identity, class, and the absurdities of social aspiration.

Breath is a poignant and delicately layered poem capturing the tender moment between a parent and child – where a simple act like blowing bubbles mirrors the deeper challenge of letting go. With lyrical grace, the piece evokes both the wonder of beginnings and the quiet sorrow of inevitable separation.

First is a moving tribute that explores the many ‘firsts’ shared between a mother and child. With warmth and gratitude, the poem traces the emotional landmarks of a lifelong relationship, gently reminding us how love teaches, repeats and shapes who we become.

Programme

Short Story Almost There Helena Clare

Short Story Swing, Miss, Repeat Mary Hodson

Short Story In Confidence Frank Fahy

Short Story Persuasion Anne McManus

Short Story The Waiting Room Anne McManus

Poem The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Breath Anne McManus

Poem First (for Elizabeth Hannon) Her Son

Adam and Eve’s Breeze by Póilín Brennan A gentle, lyrical reflection on the fragile beauty of new beginnings and timeless longing. With evocative language and quiet power, this poem captures the hush of an ancient garden moment, where innocence lingers like a breeze between memory and myth.  Choices by Anne McManus In this quiet, reflective story, two sisters reunite after Christmas—one anchored in a fast-paced urban world of schedules and designer kitchens, the other living freely and on her own terms. Through subtle contrasts and tender moments, the narrator is gently confronted with questions of purpose, simplicity, and what it truly means to choose your life.  The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall by Deirdre Anne Gialamas In this witty and satirical poem, society’s obsession with reinvention is laid bare through the tale of Gertrude Wall—transformed, renamed, and ultimately undone by the pressures to be someone else. With playful rhyme and biting humour, the piece explores identity, class, and the absurdities of social aspiration.  Music in Ballintubber Abbey by Anne McManusA meditative and lyrical poem that traces the arc from ancient plainchant to modern polyphony, uniting voices of all beliefs in a moment of transcendent harmony. Set against the spiritual stillness of Ballintubber Abbey, the poem captures music’s power to dissolve boundaries and lift the soul skyward.  Brenda’s Bliss by Deirdre Anne GialamasIn this daring and imaginative story, Brenda sheds her quiet, colourless workweek persona every Friday night. With meticulous ritual and surprising flair, she slips into a private world of power, indulgence, and unexpected passions—far removed from the eyes of colleagues or curious neighbours. A tale of liberation, secrecy, and the many selves we contain.  ‘Swing, Miss, Repeat’ by Mary HodsonMáura and her friend Kate embark on their first golf lessons, armed with confusion, sarcasm, and a questionable understanding of the rules. As they hack, splash, and laugh their way through the course, what begins as a comedy of errors blossoms into unexpected joy. A delightful tale of friendship, humility, and finding your swing—eventually.  Melting Pot: An Irish Odyssey by Tom Curtin In this vibrant and often hilarious extract, the author brings us deep into the heart of a student dance where literary wit, teenage awkwardness, and the swirling emotions of first love collide. Expect fast-paced dialogue, romantic misfires, and a sharp eye for human foibles—all told with charm, insight, and an irrepressible Irish voice. Tom’s reading promises an energetic blend of humour and nostalgia that will leave you eager for more.

Our session this week will open with the popular Mug of the Month Competition. Members have submitted a text of maximum 50 words, including the given key words ECHO and HAVEN. After the presentation, members can vote for their favourite entry on their smartphones – the winner will be the proud holder of the Mug for the following four weeks. This time we have seven entries, and with the usual high standard, deciding who to select will not come easily!

Metamorphosis by Póilín Brennan is a poetic tribute to our Write-On Group, illustrating the transformative journey of creativity and community. Rich in symbolism and elemental imagery, the poem charts the process of artistic growth – from uncertainty and silence to expression, voice, and connection. Each stanza reflects a step in this evolution, much like a chrysalis unfolding into flight.

Brian’s Bank Balance by Anne Murray is a sharp and witty tale set in the world of banking – both financial and emotional. Brian is a creature of habit and caution, closely guarding his finances and living a life of routine. But one seemingly innocuous visit to the bank throws his predictable world into delightful disarray. The author explores how a single moment can shift one’s perspective on security, generosity and even the meaning of wealth itself.

The Day the Sea Turned Black by Anne Murray is a hauntingly poetic reflection on an environmental tragedy witnessed through the eyes of a child. Set against the backdrop of a once-vibrant seashore, the piece captures a moment when the familiar beauty of nature is marred by a creeping darkness, both literal and symbolic. Anne’s evocative language and deeply visual imagery draw the reader into a world where nature speaks in silence, and the consequences of human carelessness ripple across generations.Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a witty, sharply observed tale that captures the social pressures and self-consciousness of adolescence through the lens of a simple haircut. When school picture day arrives, our young narrator is suddenly burdened with a disastrous fringe that triggers a cascade of self-doubt, internal drama, and desperate attempts to regain control over a rapidly unravelling situation. With humour and heart, the story explores themes of identity, image, and the quiet heroism it takes to face public scrutiny in the schoolyard.

Adam and Eve’s Breeze by Póilín Brennan is a lyrical and mystical meditation on land, memory, and ancestral wisdom. Set among the stone figures known as Adam and Eve in Saggart, the poem follows a mother and her children as they engage in a quiet, sacred ritual – asking permission from the land, offering water and gold, and listening to the whispers of wind and stone. Through rich imagery and Irish-language phrases, the poem evokes themes of spiritual connection, balance between the masculine and feminine, and the subtle power of intention. Myth, magic, and maternal love are woven into a timeless moment of reverence and joy.

Our discussion theme this evening encourages members to present a work that has a special meaning for them. The outcome of such moments is often a reverberation of similar feelings and the recalling of further evocative texts. In such discussions, the true feeling of community within our group finds its ideal manifestation.

This Thursday, you can expect a selection of absorbing new texts, the agony of having to decide who to vote for in a list of equally excellent offerings, and the revelations generated by the discussion of works chosen for their personal meaning in the life of the presenter.

Look forward to yet another varied, unusual and inspiring session on Write-On!

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month 7 Entries

Poem Metamorphosis Poilin Brennan

Poem The Day the Sea Turned Black Anne Murray

Poem Adam and Eve’s Breeze Póilín Brennan

Short Story Brian’s Bank Balance Anne Murray

Short Story Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

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A Memorable Flight by Joyce Butcher
On a long-haul flight from Singapore to London, Jean is charmed to have an entertaining neighbour, an elderly gentleman with captivating stories of his adventures as an actor and theatre director. She is entranced by his encounters with stars like Shirley Temple and Cary Grant, and the journey passes swiftly. All the greater is her surprise at what she learns about her travelling companion after landing. Join us for this intriguing tale which lifts the veil between past and present, the natural and the supernatural.

Shackleton and I by Jutta Rosen
Jutta Rosen’s memoir, ‘Shackleton and I,’ takes readers on a remarkable journey that connects her to the legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. During a visit to
her godchild Mary’s home, she discovers a small rock with an inscription—brought back from Elephant Island by Shackleton himself. Intrigued, she unravels the rock’s incredible journey from Shackleton’s possession to her godchild’s bookshelf. The memoir masterfully weaves historical details of Shackleton’s harrowing Antarctic survival with personal reflections on fate, history, and the small, unexpected connections that bind us to the past.

Full Circle by Mary Rose Tobin
Mary Rose’s short story examines the complexities of family relationships, responsibility and redemption. When a casual friendship results in an unwelcome pregnancy, James avoids accountability and moves on. Decades later, his own unmarried daughter becomes a parent, and James’s unredeemed past confronts him at last. Rich in emotional resonance and beautifully crafted, the story poignantly illustrates how life’s lessons can return, guiding us gently but inevitably full circle.

On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin by Anne McManus
Anne McManus’ short story, ‘On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin,’ is a sharp, humorous, and vividly written piece that captures the essence of public transport eavesdropping.
The story follows a lively and unfiltered conversation on a train, where a woman loudly shares her grievances, medical experiences, and juicy gossip with a friend over the
phone. As the monologue unfolds, passengers unwittingly become part of her life, absorbing her frustrations, judgments, and sharp-tongued wit. Through rich dialect and
keen observation, McManus delivers a brilliant social commentary that feels both familiar and hilariously uncomfortable.

Near Death by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
A crowded beach with family parties enjoying the seaside fun, oblivious lifeguards, barbecues – and a solitary, struggling swimmer. Isolation and fear in the midst of a carefree world – Deirdre’s powerful poem challenges readers to reflect on the fragility of existence and the unseen struggles around us.

Resurrection by Anne McManus
Anne McManus’ poem, ‘Resurrection,’ delivers a witty and irreverent reimagining of the biblical tale of Lazarus. The narrator, newly arrived in heaven and enjoying his
peaceful eternity, is suddenly yanked back to life—only to find himself once again at the mercy of his nagging sisters and the burdens of earthly existence. With humor and
sharp commentary, McManus turns a miraculous event into a tongue-in-cheek reflection on fate, unwanted second chances, and the weight of divine intervention.

Prayer to a Fixed Washing Machine by Póilín Brennan
Póilín Brennan’s whimsical poem morphs the drudgery of doing the laundry with the rhythmic cadences of traditional prayer. The washing machine’s restoration takes on divine significance, celebrated with reverence and relief. An unusual and affectionare tribute to finding gratitude, wonder, and even a touch of the sacred amidst everyday routines.

A Mother’s Gift by Mary Hodson

Mary Hodson’s heartfelt poem tenderly celebrates the enduring love and unwavering strength of motherhood. Through vivid, intimate imagery, the poet reflects on the various stages of childhood and growing up, nurtured and guided by maternal love that shapes, supports and sustains us all throughout life.

This Thursday we hope to welcome Joyce Butcher from Australia LIVE in our Zoom headquarters in Galway! And Saturday 22 March, at 3.30pm sees the Book Launch of John Hodson’s volume of poetry and drawings at the Clydaun Hotel. This event is open to the public, and we expect a large crowd!

Finally, don’t forget to send in your entry for our Mug of the Month contest, with the key words ECHO and HAVEN. Entries should reach annemurraypost@yahoo.ie by Sunday, 23 March at the latest.

See you all on Thursday!

Programme

Short Story A Memorable Flight Joyce Butcher

Short Story Shackleton and I Jutta Rosen

Short Story Full Circle Mary Rose Tobin

Short Story On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin Anne McManus

Poem Near Death Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Resurrection Anne McManus

Poem Prayer to a Fixed Washing Machine Póilín Brennan

Poem A Mother’s Gift Mary Hodson