Category Archives: Uncategorized

Does the question even have to be asked? Avoca blanket anyone??

A trip down memory lane for my latest Country Diary today. I have a number of people to thank. First and foremost is John Maguire of Clonee, who went above and beyond in terms of helping me get access to … Continue reading →

I was in Fermanagh yesterday evening, in the townland of Rotten Mountain. I went there for the eve of St Brigid’s Day (Imbolc), to céilí with some old friends, neighbours and acquaintances at Danny and Fidelma’s house. I’ve been there … Continue reading →

Just wanted to give a shout-out for this cross-pollinating poetry event, which I’m really looking forward to on: Friday 23 February 2024 Time 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast. Nothing like a bit of Nick … Continue reading →

My poem Requiem had the honour of being selected for publication by the late Eavan Boland during her editorship of Poetry Ireland Review. It was published in the last volume of Poetry Ireland Review (129) of 2019. It was subsequently … Continue reading →

#ACNISupported #NationalLottery I was so busy before Christmas that I didn’t get the chance to announce some happy news. I was successful in my application for a “Support for the Individual Artist” award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. … Continue reading →

My latest Country Diary for The Guardian is about stories embodied by three churches, in one of my favourite parts of the world. And about birds, of course. Trawbreaga Bay, Co Donegal

The dollaghan is a variety of brown trout, unique to Lough Neagh, and “islanded” there since the last Ice Age. This is my latest Country Diary, in which they are the key that unlocks a mysterious world, constantly under threat, … Continue reading →

Monday saw me at Sixmilewater River near Antrim Forum to follow for the short walk to its mouth at Lough Neagh. I was very conscious of Sunday’s wake at Ballyronan for the Lough, which, unfortunately, I was unable to attend. … Continue reading →

I was dazzled to learn that ospreys are breeding in Fermanagh. The first in Ireland in 200 years. It threw me back a mere half century to my childhood, when as a member of the RSPB, albeit the Young Ornithologists … Continue reading →