WOWO Thursday, 10 April 2025, 7-9 pm

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