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
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!
Shauna Gilligan Writer 