Acclaimed Irish writer to launch Laois writers group new book
Words Unlaoised will be launched in Portlaoise Library by John MacKenna
An acclaimed Irish writer is coming to Laois to launch a new collection of stories and poems by the Laois Writers Group, in celebration of the group's 30th birthday.
Words Unlaoised, an anthology will be launched on Wednesday evening, November 6 by acclaimed Kildare writer John MacKenna. The event is part of the upcoming Laois Leaves literary festival.
The writers who come from all over Laois include Frank Parker, Mary Carmody, Sheelagh Coyle, Noreen Moore, Ann Marie Foley, Declan Molloy, Hazel Luskin, Mary O’Dea and Brianna O’Sullivan.
Now in its 30th year, the group holds regular meetings to provides a supportive and fertile environment for writers of prose and poetry. They decided to mark the 30th anniversary by compiling the book.
The group say they are "bound together by a love of the written word and a desire to share with each other."
"Members write poetry, short stories, memoir, novels and everything in between. They write stories of today and yesterday, of happy times and sad times. Members come from all corners of Ireland. Some have spent time in foreign lands – experienced other cultures, but and all now reside in, or close to Co Laois.
Each writer brings a unique perspective that will bring these words to life for the reader and hopefully a smile or two...."
Among many tales, readers of Words Unlaoised will encounter the woman who cycles to her sister's home with all the local gossip and harbours a dark secret.
"Read about a devoted daughter who tells of her mother's friend and their youthful exploits as the friend faces the end of her life. Hear tales of working as a young man in 1970s Dublin. Admire the courage of a young woman on a pilgrimage to Station Island in Lough Derg.
"Prepare to be moved by the short life of a beloved child. Share in the adventures of the daughter of a Ballacolla blacksmith. Relive a silage harvest or the dreamscape created by snow. Chuckle at a child's experience of lockdown Stand beside an English soldier/planter reviewing his life as he prepares for the battle of Glenmalure," the group say.
Mountmellick folk singer Emer Dunne will perform at the launch with some well known and loved songs.
This year the Laois Leaves festival runs from November 6 to 9 in venues across the county. Contributors include RTÉ's Rick O'Shea, author Donal Ryan and Pulitzer prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon.
John MacKenna has written 17 books and is a winner of the Hennessy, Irish Times and Cecil Day Lewis awards. Most recently he co-wrote a theatrical show based on the songs of his friend, the late Leonard Cohen.
The launch will take place in Portlaoise Library at 6.30pm as part of the 2024 Laois Leaves literary Festival.
The book will be on sale at the launch for a discount price of €10 and is available in local book shops for €12. Refreshments are sponsored by Owen Joyce, occupational therapist. All are welcome to this free event.