Posts
A Kiss, Good News for Home Burials,
and Irish Mammy in Your Pocket
A Kiss is a collection of haibun, haiku, and senryu, a literary form originating in Japan. The work is by a man of many parts Gerry McDonnell. The title piece A Kiss is a moving piece of writing and the 56 pages of this volume take the reader through Dublin city, the marginalised, and nature. The author captures every emotion known to the human race and also features literary figures from the past, including Wilfred Owen, D. H. Lawrence, James Clarence Mangan and Patrick Kavanagh.
|
|
Gerry was born in Dublin and still lives there. He attended
Trinity College, where he edited ICARUS, the college literary magazine.
He also attended Dublin City University. He has had four collections of
poetry. He has also written for stage, radio, and television. His play
in Making It Home, a two-hander father and son relationship, was first
performed at the Crypt Theatre at Dublin Castle in 2001. A radio
adaptation of this play was broadcast on RTE Radio 1 in 2008 starring
the acclaimed Irish actor David Kelly as the father and Mark Lambert as
the son. His wonderful play Song of Solomon is a theatrical revelation.
The Kiss covers a lot of ground. Poet, novelist, and critic Fred
Johnston sums it up when he says, “ McDonnell has utilised Dublin as an
intimate canvas.”
George Meredith wrote, “Kissing don’t last” But when you read The Kiss it will stay with you.
Don’t miss The Kiss. Details from Alba Publishing; info@albapublishing.com
* * * * *
Barack and Michelle Obama serve are executive producers on the
Netflix thriller, which has been partly filmed at my native heath..
|
|
Bodkin, the working title of the first scripted TV series from
the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground ( An appropriate name
since Lacken is 700 Above Ordinance Datum.!), is a darkly comedic
thriller. Tommy Richardson’s shop was converted into “Fagan’s bar” for
one scene. Bodkin is a darkly comedic thriller which features a motley
crew of podcasters who set out to investigate the mysterious
disappearance of three strangers in an idyllic, l Irish town.
* * * * *
Martin Neary, Mullenmadogue, Swinford applied to Mayo County
Council for permission to be buried on his own land He was refused on
the grounds that he “Did not prove to the satisfaction of MCC that the
proposal would not pose a risk to groundwater.” The council also, “. .
. must consider the precedent that such a proposal would set throughout
the County.” Mr. Neary’s comment to that was, “They reckoned I would
poison the water. I’m only about 10 stone. I don’t think I would cause
much pollution.” The council’s decision was overturned by An Bord
Pleanála and Martin was given permission to be buried on his own land, “
. . . “in accordance with the said plans and particulars based on the
reasons and particulars . . .” An Bord Pleanána inspector Lorraine
Dockery said, “Martin's wish to be buried on his land did not raise any
issues of principle.”
|
|
Martin, an atheist, says, “ All my arrangements for the hereafter
have been finalised.” His “grave” is ready, complete with coping and a
tombstone, and when his time comes he will be laid to rest beside his
beloved sheepdog, Van Gogh, who is already interred. He says, “It will
be nice to be buried close to a cherished friend.” And, “I thought it
would be better to have my wake before I die.” He has bequeathed his
37-acre holding for community and recreational purposes.
|
|
And now, I’m asking Irish songwriters at home and abroad to please, please write a ballad about this wonderful man.
Aftering is the only radio show and podcast in Ireland
exploring mortality. Every week, Valerie Vetter talks to a wide range of
special guests exploring the past, present & future of dealing with
death. Previous progammes have included looking at the history of
keening and traditional Irish funeral practices to learning about the
complexities of 21st century digital afterlives plus shows on palliative
rehabilitation, green burial practices, termination, being a death
doula, importance of coroner’s court reform, and coping with grief and
loss. The Aftering radio show is on 103.2 Dublin City FM Mondays at 2 pm
and can also be listened to live online via DublinCityFM.ie and
podcasts available on Soundcloud.com/aftering_podcasts.
World–renowned for her unique look at life there is no one quite
like the Irish Mammy. She has a quotable comment for every situation.
If there’s a hurricane she is likely to say,” There’s great drying out.”
An offspring climbing or indulging in some other hazardous activity
is likely to be told,” If you break your two legs don’t come running to
me.”
The weather, the economy, clothing, or any bit of local (or not so local gossip) the Irish Mammy will have a memorable comment.
The quintessential Irish Mammy has something to say on every
subject. This handy collection of Mammyisms will ensure you are never
without an Irish Mammy’s words of wisdom. Kunak McGann and Sarah
Cassidy, have compiled a worthy collection of ” mammyisms” in this
small compact 160-page hardback. Buy it. You won’t be short of a laugh
when you have the Irish mammy literally in your pocket. Irish Mammy in
your Pocket is published by O’Brien Press.
See you in October.
No comments:
Post a Comment