Tag: Reading

Book launch, Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing News

Pamela de Brí launch of AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE

Photograph of open book AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE showing text about Clare Island and a painting of Clare Island on the facing page.

I was delighted to be invited to and to be in a position to attend the launch of Pamela de Brí‘s stunning publication AR AN IMEALL/ON THE EDGE at Naas Cultural Centre and Library last week. The publication explores “the story of Ireland’s offshore islands encapsulating their history, culture and their overall essence. It has been in gestation for almost six years” (de Brí’s website), and features, as can be seen above, photographs of de Brí’s paintings (over 60!) accompanied by stories, history and cultural notes about each island.

Launched by Lucina Russell (formal Arts Officer, Kildare County Council) who gave a moving personal speech about some of Pamela’s artistic journey and the important role visual art plays in recording places and connections. Food served – oysters and a myriad of food which reflected the themes of AR AN IMEALL – was provided by The Salt Project (Caomhán de Brí).

Photograph of fresh oysters with backdrop of catering company The Salt Project

Poetry and music – in English and as Gaeilge – were also a feature of the evening with de Brí’s daughter (below) setting a beautiful tone for the celebrations.

Photograph of Pamela de Brí’s daughter reading a poem standing at a lectern at Naas Cultural Centre and Library. Pamela de Brí can be seen on the left facing the lectern.

AR AN IMEALL features an introduction by historian, Diarmaid Ferriter and essays by different contributors: art critic Cristín Leach, UCC climatologist Dr. Kieran Hickey, Breanndán Ó Beaglaíoch, ceoltóir agus Máire Ní Fhinneadha, scríbhneoirs. It is a stunning production with a gorgeous linen cover.

Many congratulations to Pamela on the publication and launch of her book. Visit Naas Cultural Centre and Library to see some of Pamela’s paintings on exhibition. Purchase AR AN IMEALL on Pamela’s website.

Photograph of blue cover of the book with the title “AR AN IMEALL” printed in silver. Book is on a yellow background.

Contemplation, On Reading, Writers Read, Writing Life

Additional – personal and necessary – reading

While I occasionally post about some of my reading habits, there are, naturally, many books, articles and so on that I read without mentioning them in blogposts. I’ve noticed how many of these are personal writings that feel necessary reading right now.

Here are a few I’ve read this summer that use beautiful writing to explore personal experiences with societal/political/cultural structures which, though devastating at times, reflect something universal, shine a light, and speak truth to power.

Picture of “A Death in Malta” by Paul Caruana Galizia (Photo taken in Malta)
Picture of “Blunt Trauma” by Ivy Bannister
Picture of “Bequeath” by Melora Wolff

Collaboration, Exhibitions, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing Workshops

John Hewitt International Summer School 2026: Words and Heart

It was wonderful to be able to do two firsts this year: attend some of the John Hewitt International Summer School and visit beautiful Armagh.

View of Armagh from the Armagh City Hotel showing trees and on a hill in the distance city spires including those of the Cathedral.

I attended various readings which were, without exception, moderated beautifully, and provided moving explorations of our human experience. Sarah Gilmartin interviewed Éilís Ní Dhuibhne; Paul Maddern introduced readings by Moyra Donaldson and Connie Voisine, Jessica Traynor and Abeer Ameer; Wendy Erskine interviewed Jan Carson. Everyone was generous with their words and time.

The Freedom to Write Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann event on Wednesday 29th featured an incredible presentation from International Human Rights Lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC followed by an in-depth interview with Irish PEN’s Lia Mills. The audience was invited to write postcards of support for imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli – represented on stage by an empty chair – who has been imprisoned in Georgia since January 2025. How powerful are words and heart when we come together.

Photograph of two black-and-white images from Brigid O’Brien’s exhibition “Home” showing people at home, talking and smiling and in the second image in their garden

I also attended a beautiful exhibition “Home” by Brigid O’Brien – a taste above. And lastly, how could anyone visit a literary festival without coming home with a book haul of signed books? In the photograph below, just some of the books:

  • Connie Voisine “And God Created Women”
  • Wendy Erskine “The Benefactors”
  • Abeer Ameer “Inhale/Exile”
  • Moyra Donaldson “the thirteenth moon”
  • Susannah Dickey “Into the wreck”
  • Sinéad Morrissey “Among Communists”
  • Jan Carson “Few and Far Between”

Congratulations to Niamh McNally and all the John Hewitt International Summer School for a brilliant and friendly festival. I look forward to returning, and hopefully attending the whole Summer School. Brava!