THE ANNUAL Éigse Michael Hartnett arts and poetry festival gets underway in Newcastle West this week, with highlights including a show by comedian turned poet John Kenny, a reading by Rita Higgins, and a musical performance by Kíla.
“Come along and join in” is the warm invitation from organisers to people of all ages, as the festival, which has been running since 2000, kicks off with an exuberant Drums and Lights Parade this Thursday (October 3) at 7.30pm.
25 years after his death, the Newcastle West born poet Michael Hartnett will be remembered in a walkabout tour culminating in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. And Newcastle West in olden times is recalled in an exhibition of photographs and film clips at the Red Door Gallery.
Other guests include former State pathologist turned crime writer, Dr Marie Cassidy, debut novelist and crime writer Claire Coughlan, as well as poets Vona Groarke, Mark Roper, Paddy Bushe, and Natasha Remoundou.
Journalist, author, and commentator Mick Clifford is also set to stimulate debate at a special talk over the weekend along with a special screening of That They May Face The Rising Sun, the Irish film based on the John McGahern book of the same title.
The winner of the Michael Hartnett Poetry Award 2024, Tara Bergin, will also give a reading at the annual literary and arts festival, and the programme also includes book launches by Limerick writers Mike Mac Domhnall and Michael Dooley.
Full details on this year’s line-up are available on eigsemichaelhartnett.ie.
