Vital Signs to explore the relationship between poetry and illness

A READING event will explore “the relationship between poetry, health, illness, and healing” at the University of Limerick.

In association with the MA in Creative Writing at UL, Vital Signs, Poems of Illness and Healing – A Reading Event will feature readings from Vital Signs’ editor, Martin Dyar and poets Victoria Kennefick, Karen J McDonnell and Eoin Devereux.

Moderated by co-director of the Centre for The Study of Popular Music and Popular Culture in UL, Professor Eoin Devereux, the event will take place on Thursday, February 2 at the University Concert Hall.

The free event will also include guest readings from authors Donal Ryan, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, as well as President of the University of Limerick, Kerstin Mey.

“Judiciously selected,” Vital Signs, is a selection of poems about the human experience of illness and healing. With a foreword from President Michael D Higgins, the collection features over a hundred pieces – including poems written by Limerick poets Eoin Devereux and William Keohane. From both classic and contemporary writers, the collection also offers memorable accounts on subjects such as public health, eating disorders and the coronavirus pandemic.

Looking forward to the event, Professor Devereux commented: "Since its publication in November, Poetry Ireland's Vital Signs Anthology has made a major impact on lovers of poetry.  We are really privileged to have the editor, poet Martin Dyar read on the day and to speak about the relationship between poetry, health, illness and healing."

Honoured to be included in the Anthology, he added: "My poem The Bullfield focuses on the experiences of some of the men who worked as labourers for St. Joseph's Hospital in Limerick."

The event will take place on February 2, starting from 2pm in the Atrium Area of UCH. Tickets are free, but booking is advisable via eventbrite.ie