THE Pulitzer prize winning US poet Jorie Graham has been confirmed among the line-up of participants for Éigse Michael Hartnett. This annual literary festival of talks, launches, walks, song and formal/ informal exchanges of ideas and inspiration is organised by Limerick County Arts Office for Newcastle West from Thursday April 22 to Saturday 24.
Eigse is named in honour of Croom poet Michael Hartnett, who wrote in poetry in English and Irish poems. Born 1941, he died in Dublin in 1999, regarded as one of the most significant voices in late 20th century Irish writing.
As usual, there’s a serious and international line up to entertain writers and their consuming public. Fintan O’Toole, author, cultural and political commentator, and Irish Times deputy editor; Mark Pollock, professional speaker, author, broadcaster and the first blind man to reach the South Pole; Patrick Hederman, author and Abbot of Glenstal Abbey; Eileen Sheehan, award winning Kerry poet; Gearóid Mac Lochlainn, ground breaking performance poet and Rita Ann Higgins, poet and dramatist.
According to Limerick County arts officer Joan Mac Kernan, “Hosted throughout the town of Newcastle West, in the library, schools, the courthouse, church, hospital and pubs, the weekend programme features readings by leading Irish and international poets and playwrights, workshops and dramatised works. A particular element of the festival will be the integration of music and song with noted singers performing with the guest’s poets.”
See www.eisgemichaelhartnett.ie for the three day programme of events and a handy map of Newcastle West.
County arts officer Joan Mac Kernan, founder of Eigse Hartnett festival, is congratulated by President Mary McAleese “for enhancing public appreciation of and access to the arts”
