Delighted to have received Cyphers 87 in the post today. I had to miss the launch at the Strokestown International Poetry Festival because it coincided with International Dawn Chorus Day (a lot of internationals in that sentence!). Such a shame! I would have enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate my poem Haecceity, which was included in this issue by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin (Ireland Professor of Poetry), who steadfastly continues to edit this inspiring magazine. It’s great also to be in the company of the likes of Rachael Hegarty, Eilish Martin & James Finnegan. Thanks also to the assistant and consulting editors, and  to Áinin Ní Bhroin.

A quick update also on Sunday’s Showcase in the Downpatrick Arts Centre. It was a wonderful afternoon, ably and warmly hosted by Olive Broderick. I was comforted and inspired by the Centre’s cat and wolf portraits! After John, Ray and myself read, and Martha sang (what a voice!), there followed a wonderful array of local talent, including some marvellous spoken word poets. Good to meet Colin Dardis and Geraldine O’Kane of Poetry NI also.  The whole experience was really enjoyable and affirming, a genuine celebration of the importance of the written word, and especially of poetry. Poems on a Sunday Afternoon resumes in the autumn.