SHOP FRONTS in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, have been illustrated by the words and images of Michael Hartnett in preparation for one of the State’s biggest literary festivals.
The Co Limerick-born poet, who wrote in English and Irish, died in Dublin in 1999.
The literary trail has been developed by Limerick County Arts Office ahead of the 11th annual Éigse Michael Hartnett, which takes place in the town from April 22nd to 24th.
The festival is regarded as one of Ireland’s largest annual gatherings of contemporary poets.
It will be launched at Newcastle West Library on Thursday, April 22nd, when Abbot Mark Patrick Hederman OSB presents Irish Poets, learn your trade: Poetry as speaking truth.
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jorie Graham, making her first appearance at an Irish festival, will read on the Friday night with award-winning poet Eileen Sheehan. The opening event on Saturday is the Hartnett Memorial Lecture, which will be given by Irish Timescolumnist Fintan O'Toole.
The inaugural Éigse Michael Hartnett was held in 2000. Past participants include Pat McCabe, Carol Ann Duffy, Paul Durcan, Thomas Lynch, John Waters, Leanne O’Sullivan, Alice Taylor and the late Nuala O Faolain. Previous festivals have attracted literary and arts enthusiasts from all over North America and Europe.
Details of the Éigse Michael Hartnett programme are available from Limerick County Arts Office on 061-493498/496300 or www.eigsemichaelhartnett.ie.