Category: Contemplation

Contemplation

Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann Statement on Gaza

Irish Times headline 05/06/2025 (Link below)

The statement was covered in mainstream media such as the Irish Times, the Irish Independent (Martina Devlin), and the Sunday Independent with a short but powerful article by Co-Chair of Irish PEN, Dr Liz McManus.

According to PEN International (02/06/2025) this has now been the deadliest war for writers since the second World War.

The Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann Statement on Gaza opens with the words of Fatima Hassouna, writer, photographer, and journalist killed in Gaza on 16 April 2025: ‘If I must die, I want a resonant death… a death that the whole world will hear’. It then goes on to say:

We, the undersigned writers of the island of Ireland, call for immediate action to bring an end to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Since 7 October 2023, at least 181 journalists, 120 academics, and 23 writers have been killed in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, and Lebanon, making it the deadliest period for journalists (173 Palestinian, two Israeli, and six Lebanese; source CPJ updated on 28 May 2025; see also The Guardian) […]

[…] We stand in solidarity with Palestinian, Jewish, and Israeli people who are opposing the genocide perpetuated by the current Israeli government […]

Please take a few moments to read the full statement.

Also consider becoming a member of Irish PEN/ PEN na hÉireann. The aims of Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann are to promote friendly co-operation among writers in every country in the interests of literature, responsible freedom of expression and international goodwill.

Contemplation, On Reading, Writers Read, Writing Life

Brevity and Letting Words Sit

I was delighted to be able to attend a number of literary events recently – it’s not often that I am in a position to do so – and whilst in Strokestown for the Strokestown International Poetry Festival and in Maynooth Bookshop for Mary O’Donnell’s launch, I picked up some gems of poetry and short story collections.

Photograph showing the covers of the seven books listed below

As a predominantly long-form prose writer, I treasure the chance of brevity, beauty, and letting words sit for a while. Here’s my reading list:

  • Nuala O’Connor Menagerie (Arlen House) – poetry
  • Vona Groarke Infinity Pool (Gallery Press) – poetry
  • Mary O’Donnell Walking Ghosts (Mercier Press) – short story collection
  • Alan Hayes and Nuala O’Connor (eds) Washing Windows V (Arlen House) – poetry (by 303 poets – and I’m delighted to have a poem in here!)
  • Celia de Fréine Even Still (Arlen House) – short story
  • Noelle Lynskey Featherweight (Arlen House) – poetry
  • Eilish Martin ! All’arme/? And what…if not (Macha Press) – poetry (stunning art work and production)

Collaboration, Contemplation, Writers with Artists, Writing Life

Moving towards light

This time of year – Brigid’s Day, Imbolc, Candlemas – is often hectic and fast-paced for me. I enjoy the surge of activity, the return of light, and the opening up of possibilities.

Photograph of my straw Brídeog (effigy of St Brigid) dressed in a spotty wrap with a white cloak and mustard-yellow dress against a green Rosemary bush.

This year, however, stillness and inwardness came to join me. No running around the Curragh. No zipping from workshop to workshop. No blessing of crosses or warm discussions. I didn’t even make it to Kildare or to Solas Bhríde. The opening of Josephine Hardiman’s exhibition of The Book of Kildare on Thursday 30th January was the only Brigid-related event I managed to attend – it was heart-warming and if you haven’t seen the exhibition make it your business to get to Naas Library and Cultural Centre. I donated my tickets to events I could not attend and trust that whoever used them came away warmed and buoyed by the activities.

Sometimes energy needs to be still, to settle. As hard as it is, we have to go with this, what our bodies demand, and what our surrounds ask of us.

I am incredibly grateful to all the creatives who have worked with me over the years on Brigid research, storytelling, and exploration. In particular Margo McNulty and Niamh Boyce who co-authored, and co-edited the below books, and to all the contributors of Fire. Both books were published by Arlen House and supported with Kildare County Council / Brigid 1500 Grants respectively.

Here is a 1 minute, 37 seconds reading from my 2021 publication with artist Margo McNulty, Mantles (Arlen House). I read page 27. Press the “play” button the lower left-hand-side to hear the reading.

Photograph of FIRE and MANTLES books. FIRE features original art by Noël O’Callaghan, image of a woman and a snake, and MANTLES features original art by Margo McNulty, image of hills and plains.

Whatever you’re doing to celebrate Brigid/St Brigid/Brigit – and there are plenty of free community events on in Kildare and around the country – enjoy and keep her lit!