Day: March 18, 2025

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