Category Archives: Uncategorized

I have just got word that I have been awarded one of these! Needless to say, I’m utterly delighted. That’s it, no further details for now, but I’m really looking to the experience and the poems that could take flight!

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 … Continue reading →

I celebrated International Dawn Chorus Dawn by leading an early morning field trip around the Lagan towpath, as part of the Queens Open Learning programme. I was delighted with the turn-out, both human and avian. Among the choristers we encountered … Continue reading →

Can’t resist a little Gilbert Whitean tribute on hearing my first one of these of 2019 this morning!

Was in England last weekend, visiting friends for St Patricks, and we found our way to Adlestrop. I love the poem and the way it captures the ineffable; and the magic of its final rhyme. The railway station is long … Continue reading →

My third Guardian Country Diary piece is on this lovely and intriguing spot.

I am delighted and honoured that my poem “After the Fact” is forthcoming in the 50th issue of Crannóg. Due for publication on 1st March in Galway! Many thanks to the editors.      

My Country Diary piece on Oxford Island is in today’s Guardian: Thanks to Pascal Downing at the Discovery Centre for all his insights and helpfulness.  

My first contribution to The Guardian’s Country Diary appeared yesterday: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/06/country-diary-light-bellied-brent-geese-eelgrass-strangford-lough Kez Armstrong, formerly Warden at Castle Espie, and Graham McIlwaine of the Irish Brent Goose Research Group were very helpful to me as I wrote this piece. Thanks to … Continue reading →

I am delighted that my poem ‘Itch’ is included in this new anthology of 250 Irish writers to celebrate 250 years of Dublin bookshop Hodges Figgis. I was honoured to read as part of the launch of the anthology at … Continue reading →