Providing inspiration through poetry and prose in Cootehill

First book published for local writers group.

Cootehill Writers Group has just published its first poetry book which is sponsored by Link Credit Union and on sale locally for €8.

Entitled Cootehill Poetry & Prose, the book covers numerous themes including retirement and nature, and is inspired by the musings of local people as they go about their daily lives.

Contributions have been made, not just by members of the writers group, but by numerous local people in and around Cootehill and its environs.

Kevin O’Reilly is one of the 11 members of Cootehill Writers Group. He says it “brings like minded people and lovers of words together on a regular basis at the town’s library”.

“These evenings are rich in lyrical style, and often witty but never dull,” he continues before adding the group’s origins go back to September 2021 when Cootehill was designated a ‘Poetry Town’ by Poetry Ireland. The initiative was then provided with a facilitator in the form of well-known Co Longford poet, Noel Monahan.

Meanwhile, public readings of the group’s work take place at the library during the spring and autumn months.

Poet Anna King’s presence recently was one of the highlights of the year for the group. Occasionally other guests are invited including award-winning poet and writer Trish Bennett who spent a few nights entertaining members as did Antrim man, Willie Drennen, storyteller and humorist; and Eimear O’Connor, sister of Joseph and the late Sineád.

Cootehill Poetry & Prose is published by Lynch Print and is available to buy at Hannigans and Kazoo Kids, Cootehill.

“As long as the muse of inspiration whisper occasionally to the ear their inks will never run dry,” concludes Kevin.