Join us for an enriching session filled with important discussion, evocative stories and cretive exchanges. An essential gathering for all members to discuss and select pieces for our pre-recorded presentation at Culture Night in September 2024.
New Girls by Anne McManus is a story about the complicated reconnection between Tracey and her former schoolmate, Emily, now a successful actress in London. This tale explores the nuances of old friendships revisited under new circumstances.
In Edward by Kathleen Greaney, we find a heart-warming narrative of Sheila, a retiree who discovers new purpose and companionship in Edward, a dog whose unexpected entry into her life brings about change and new friendships.
Home by Joanne Dowling brings us back to Galway, where Jamie, after returning from London, navigates the complexities of belonging and identity as he catches up with old friends and confronts the notion of home.
In New Jerusalem, also by Kathleen Greaney, we are set against the backdrop of WWII as Isaac, a Jewish butcher in Dublin, faces the dire implications of the war on his family in Poland. This gripping story captures fear, hope, and the desperate measures taken in times of crisis.
Vertical Ridges by Jutta Rosen takes us through Connemara’s haunting landscapes where the narrator encounters remnants of famine-era potato ridges, weaving a connnection between Ireland’s tragic past and the present’s transient abundance.
Marine Blue Sky by Seamus Keogh offers a stirring poem where vivid images of Ireland’s landscapes contrast with the brutal realities of conflict, reflecting the poet’s journey through a world marked by beauty and sorrow.
The essay Flowers of the Rarest explores the significant cultural and communal role of the song performed by Canon Sydney McEwan in Ireland, particularly as a herald of
summer. Traditionally played on RTE Radio by legendary broadcaster Gay Byrne on
the 1st of May, this song united households across Ireland, from bustling
Dublin streets to remote Atlantic edges. The essay delves into the era before
digital fragmentation, highlighting how this tradition was more than a song—it
was a communal ritual that marked the start of summer, resonating deeply in
rural areas and symbolizing the transition from spring to the lushness of
summer. The piece reflects on the changing landscape of media and the enduring
need for shared experiences and rituals in society.
All members are also requested to carefully review the page proofs of their entries for our upcoming Write-On Anthology 2025. It’s crucial to provide corrections to ensure our collective work is error-free and polished for publication. Instructions and help on how best to accomplish this are posted on a separate page of the NEWS section on this website.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, 2 May, for a session full of lively discussions and enriching literary contributions. Be sure to bring your ideas and enthusiasm to help make our upcoming events a success!
Programme
Discussion Preparing for Culture Night 2024 All Members
Short Story New Girls Anne McManus
Short Story Edward Kathleen Greaney
Short Story Home Joanne Dowling
Short Story New Jerusalem Kathleen Greaney
Essay Vertical Ridges Jutta Rosen
Essay Flowers of the Rarest Inky
Poem Marine Blue Sky Seamus Keogh
Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members