Poetry Ireland Introductions 2014 Redux: Angela T. Carr

The Poetry Ireland Introductions Series – a showcase for emerging poets working towards a first collection and with a track record of publication in journals and magazines – is open for submissions until 31 Jan.

Introductions mentors new writing talent in Ireland, providing the opportunity to workshop poetry with an established, published poet and perform work to a live audience at a showcase, hosted by Poetry Ireland; the showcase is recorded and published on the Poetry Ireland web-site.

As an alumni of last year’s series, 2014 was pretty busy for me on the writing front, and I’ve been asking my fellow emerging poets to share their experience of taking part in the Introductions series. I thought I’d round up today with my own feedback: what it was like to take part in Poetry Ireland Introductions, how I benefited and where I am now with my writing.

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Poetry Ireland Introductions Series Highlights

Hard to believe but it’s now a month since I read at the Dublin Writers’ Festival, as part of the Poetry Ireland Introductions series.

I’ve always understood, in the act of writing, the poet must leave space for the reader; it is in the meeting of words and mind that a work stands or falls. The same is true of performing poetry. Though fleeting and ephemeral, the success of a poetry reading lies somewhere in the balance of poem, poet and audience; each play their part.

Poetry Ireland Introductions Series: 19 & 21 May 2014

 

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ayoma Bowe and everyone at Poetry Ireland, The Irish Writers’ Centre and Dublin Writers’ Festival for all their hard work in making this year’s Introductions Series readings such a success. Both Monday and Wednesday’s readings had a great atmosphere and an even better audience – the energy in the room on both nights was very special and a joy to partake in.

Thanks also go out to poets Alan Jude Moore and Theo Dorgan, who put us through our paces at the Introductions Masterclass – helping us to workshop our poems and advising on the reading and presentation of our work.

But most of all, a hearty salute to my fellow Introductions poets – Erin Fornoff, Larry Stapleton, Paul McMahon, Stephen Heffernan, Breda Wall Ryan, Kevin Conroy, Colm Scully & Rachel Coventry, for your support, your encouragement and your wonderful poems.

PS. Kevin – I was so nervous before my turn to read, I didn’t get a photo of you strutting your stuff. D’oh! If you have one from the night, please send it to me and I’ll add it to the rogue’s gallery! a.

Poetry Ireland Introductions at Dublin Writers’ Festival

I’ll be reading at the Poetry Ireland Introductions, part of the Dublin Writers’ Festival on Weds 21 May, hosted by the Irish Writers’ Centre, Dublin. It will be a great night and I look forward to seeing you there!

Since its establishment in 1989 by poet Theo Dorgan, Poetry Ireland’s Introductions Series has offered exciting opportunities for talented, emerging poets to showcase their work. Many well-known poets have come through this series including Enda Wyley, Kerry Hardie, Alan Jude Moore, Pat Boran and Caoilinn Hughes.

This year, the Poetry Ireland Introductions Series will team up with the Irish Writers’ Centre and Dublin Writers Festival for two cabaret-style evenings in the ambient surroundings of the Irish Writers’ Centre to reveal nine new promising voices.

Monday 19 May:

Poetry by Erin Fornoff, Larry Stapleton, Paul McMahon, Stiofán Ó hIfearnáin & Breda Wall Ryan.

Weds 21 May:

Poetry by Kevin Conroy, Angela T Carr, Colm Scully & Rachel Coventry.

This year’s programme will also include specially selected musical accompaniment from new and emerging musicians, singers and songwriters.

Tickets available at the door. €8 / €5 (concession: full-time students and over sixty-fives)

Presented by Poetry Ireland in association with The Irish Writers’ Centre and Dublin Writers Festival.