Unfinished Book of Poetry 2024 (High Resolution 25.8MB)
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2024 – 1pm, 24th April 2024
Cork City Library on Grand Parade, during the World Book Festival.
The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors).
The book was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, or her deputy. A limited number of free copies are still available to the public at the city library.
Twelve young poets from the book will also have their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks project during the summer, with poem installations being launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park, Ballincollig Regional Park, Marina Park, Gerry O’Sullivan Park and Blarney Sanctuary Walkway on the 15th June 2024. This will be part of the 2024 Cruinniú na nÓg festival. Audio recordings of the twelve poets reading these poems will also be accessible via QR code. A Poetry Jukebox poster featuring these QR codes will also be on display in the city libraries and other venues around the city.
here on the Ó Bhéal website (with audio).
Foreword
The 20th edition of this groundbreaking anthology marks a special waypoint in the rich journey that is The Unfinished Book of Poetry. A bumper 280 pages replete with courageous, extraordinary, often highly imaginative compositions attests to the unique value this project holds for young writers in Cork city. It has also been published as an eBook, which is easily searchable online.
The 2024 edition features poems from 64 young writers engaged in transition year, representing five Cork city schools. Since the outset, over thirty schools have taken part in the project, the début edition having been published back in 2005, the year Cork was the European Capital of Culture.
The finished poems are all well-polished, due not only to the zeal, vision and commitment of these young creatives, but also to the diligent tutorship of the five professional assisting writers. Each step of their creative guidance is critical for the course, informing the students on what is possible in poetry while their well-published, award-winning tutors get to coax out the talents of a budding demographic, one which they themselves would love to have been part of in decades gone by. Who knows, it may not be long before student alumni from The Unfinished Book of Poetry series have become poetry tutors themselves.
Huge Congratulations to all of the young writers, from:
• Christ King Girls’ Secondary School with poet Afric McGlinchey in Tory Top Library and at the school;
• St. Angela’s College led by poet David McLoghlin at Cork City Library;
• St. Vincent’s Secondary School with poet Tina Pisco at the school;
• Gaelcholáiste Choilm chúram Colm Ó Ceallacháin, i Leabharlann Bhaile an Chollaigh; agus
• Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh led by poet John W. Sexton in Bishopstown Library and at the school.
With special thanks to all the Cork city library staff.
Enjoy!
Project Curator, April 2024
The Unfinished Book of Poetry project had its genesis in Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture and has subsequently taken on a life of its own. Since 2005, over thirty established writers have provided workshops for Transition Year students from over twenty Cork schools, in a project which as of 2021 has seen almost 700 young writers find their way into print. Ó Bhéal has been curating the project since 2012.
Each year 4-5 Cork City libraries host student writers from 4-5 local schools, who then undergo workshops led by locally based, established writers over nine sessions. The workshops take place between November and March and the book is then edited and launched (usually) during Teen Day at the World Book Festival each April.
Assisting Writers to date (2005-2024) include:
Adam Wyeth, Afric McGlinchey, Alannah Hopkin, Bernadette Leach, Bernadette McIntyre, Billy Ramsell, Colm Ó Ceallachain, Dairena Ní Chinnéide, David McLoghlin, Dean Browne, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Eileen Sheehan, Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Gerry Murphy, Ian Wild , James Cummins, John W Sexton, Kathy D’Arcy, Kevin Doyle , Lani O’Hanlon, Leanne O’Sullivan, Liz O’Donoghue , Martin Kelleher, Matthew Geden , Matthew Sweeney, Niamh Prior, Paul Casey, Roisín Kelly, Sarah Hayden, Simon Ó Faoláin, Tina Pisco and Vincent McDonnell.
Participating schools and groups to date (2005-2024) include:
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire Ag, Colaiste Daibheid, Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown Community School, Ashton School, Coláiste Chríost Rí, Douglas Community School, Cork Educate Together Secondary School, North Presentation Secondary, St Patrick’s College, Terence Mac Swiney Community College, Presentation Girls’ Secondary School, Mayfield Community School, North Monastery Secondary School, Christ King Girls Secondary School, St Vincent’s Secondary School, Coláiste Eamann Rís (Deerpark C.B.S.), Bishopstown Teen Writers’ Group, Regina Mundi, Cork Life Centre, St. Aidan’s Community College, Cork Life Centre, St. Francis Capuchin College, Coláiste Choilm, Glanmire Community College, Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Ballincollig Community School, Presentation Brothers College, Gaelcholáiste Choilm, St. Angela’s College and St Aloysius.
Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023 (High Resolution 20MB)
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023 – 1pm, 19th April 2023
Cork City Library on Grand Parade, during the World Book Festival.
The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors).
The book was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Deirdre Forde, or her deputy. A limited number of free copies are available to the public at the city library.
Twelve young poets from the book will also have their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks project during the summer, with poem installations being launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park, Ballincollig Regional Park, Marina Park, Gerry O’Sullivan Park and Blarney Sanctuary Walkway on the 10th June 2023. This will be part of the 2023 Cruinniú na nÓg festival. Audio recordings of the twelve poets reading these poems will also be accessible via QR code. A Poetry Jukebox poster featuring these QR codes will also be on display in the city libraries and other venues around the city.
(with audio) at this link.
Foreword
The seasons turn and time goes by and yet somethings are almost a given, a high point in the year. So it is with The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023, now this extraordinary anthology is the 19th edition in the series, and once more is also published as an eBook. The world post Covid has settled back into a new normality and yet the interest in this creative ongoing project has never waned and grows and continues to blossom.
The Unfinished Book features new poems from young writers across the city. This year’s edition showcases 45 young voices, representing five schools. The breadth of the work in this anthology showcases a vibrant contribution throughout with a wide variety of subject and style. The finished product is, as ever, thanks to the careful and attentive work of the five assisting writers. Each component of this process is important but without them this project would not have the impact it continues to enjoy. They have the happy effect of bringing out the talent of the students, and giving them the skills and confidence to express themselves in these, their collected works.
Thanks, and Congratulations to all of the young writers involved and their assisting writers:
• Regina Mundi College with poet Niamh Prior in Douglas Library;
• Ballincollig Community School led by poet Matthew Geden at the school;
• Coláiste Dabhéid chúram Colm Ó Ceallacháin, i Leabharlann na Cathrach;
• St Patrick’s College with poet Lani O’Hanlon in Mayfield Library; and
• Presentation Brothers College with Paul Casey at the school.
As many of you know this was an innovative project in 2005, when the first Unfinished Book of Poetry was published. It has led to something unique that has a resonance with the younger writers. As it continues to prosper I warmly welcome this latest volume and I hope you enjoy it.
Special thanks to the assisting Authors and especially Paul Casey of Ó Bhéal for editing and curating the work.
Cork City Librarian
Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022 (High Resolution 18MB)
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022 – 12pm, 4th May 2022
In-Person at Cork City Library on Grand Parade.
The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors).
The book was launched by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Derry Canty. A small amount of free copies are still available at the library.
Six young poets from the book also saw their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks project during the summer, with readings and poem installations launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park and Ballincollig Regional Park, on the 11th June 2022 (12pm). This was part of the 2022 Cruinniú na nÓg festival. Audio recordings of the six poets reading these poems were accessible via QR code.
(with audio) at this link.
Foreword
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022 is the 18th edition in the series, and the third edition to be published as an eBook. This publication is an exciting departure for Cork City Libraries, even though it is happening now because of the Covid-19 emergency. It’s the first time in three years that we have been able to hold workshops in person as well as hold a physical launch in the city library. With restrictions coming to an end, there posed a variety of challenges for venue space, with some schools opting for school space, others for their local library and some keeping to the digital confines of Zoom. It’s a testament to the interest in this wonderful ongoing project that the show did go on and continues to blossom.
The Unfinished Book features new poems from young writers across the city. This year’s edition showcases 46 young voices, representing five schools. The breadth of the work in this anthology showcases a strong standard throughout with a wide variety of subject and style. The finished product is thanks to the careful and attentive work of the five assisting writers without whom this project would not have the impact it continues to enjoy and to the talent of the students.
Congratulations to all of the young writers involved: na daltaί as Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG chúram Colm Ó Ceallacháin, i Leabharlann na Linne Duibhe; the pupils from Mayfield Community School led by Paul Casey via Zoom; the pupils from St Aloysius School with Dean Browne in The City Library; the pupils from Coláiste Chríost Rí led by Paul Casey at the school; and the pupils from Bishopstown Community School with John W. Sexton in Bishopstown Library and at the school.
An innovative project in 2005, when the first Unfinished Book of Poetry was published, has led to something unique that has a resonance with the younger writers. It continues to grow, and I welcome this latest volume and hope you enjoy it. Special thanks to the assisting Authors and especially Paul Casey of Ó Bhéal for editing and curating the work and bringing it all together.
Cork City Librarian
Unfinished Book of Poetry 2021 (High Resolution 20MB)
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2021 – 12th June 2021
Due to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s launch was part of the 2021 Cruinniú na nÓg festival and held via Zoom.
The launch took place on Saturday 12th of June and was attended by student writers, participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers. The book was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork.
Foreword
The first Unfinished Book of Poetry was published in 2005 as part of the programme celebrating Cork as European City of Culture. This year we celebrate the 17th edition. The series has adapted and changed over the years with last year seeing The Unfinished Book published as an eBook for the first time. As the Covid-19 pandemic continued, the process of putting the book together in 2021 demanded further change. All workshops were held over Zoom this year which was very challenging for all involved making this a very special edition of the book.
The Unfinished Book again features new poems from young writers across the city. This year’s edition showcases voices representing four schools. The work these writers have produced comprises a wonderful anthology, illustrating an impressive variety of subject and style. The finished product is testament to the versatility of the assisting writers and the talent of the students from Coláiste an Phiarsaigh faoi chúram Colm Ó Ceallacháin, St. Francis Capuchin College with Niamh Prior, St. Aidan’s School with Lani O’Hanlon and Coláiste Éamonn Rís with Paul Casey.
I extend a very special thanks to Paul Casey of Ó Bhéal for the editing and curation of this book, as well as guiding the students of Coláiste Éamonn Rís. His resilience, spirit, and ability to face all challenges in a creative way has ensured the continuation of the anthology during this pandemic and has also ensured our continued enjoyment of original works from exciting young voices.
Cork City Librarian
Unfinished Book of Poetry 2020 (High Resolution 38MB)
Foreword
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2020 is the 16th edition in the series, but the first edition to be published as an eBook. This is an exciting departure for Cork City Libraries, even though it is happening now because of the Covid-19 emergency.
Another departure for this year’s Unfinished Book is that in includes, for the first time, pupils, schools, and libraries from areas new to the city: Ballincollig and Glanmire.
Although this is a different format, the Unfinished Book again features new poems from young writers across the city. This year’s edition showcases 50 young voices, representing five schools. The work these writers have produced comprises a wonderful anthology, illustrating an impressive variety of subject, style and a very strong standard throughout. The finished product is testament to the great work of the five assisting writers.
Thanks and congratulations to all of the young writers:
- na daltaί as Gaelcholáiste Choilm faoi chúram Bernadette Nic an tSaoir, i Leabharlann Bhaile an Chollaigh;
- the pupils from Presentation Secondary School led by Matthew Geden, in Tory Top Library;
- the pupils from St. Vincent’s Secondary School with Afric McGlinchey, in Blackpool Library;
- the pupils from Glanmire Community College led by Paul Casey, in Glanmire Library; and
- the pupils from Ashton Comprehensive School with Roisín Kelly in the City Library, Grand Parade.
I am delighted to acknowledge the work of Paul Casey of Ó Bhéal in the editing and curation of the project. I also acknowledge the work of all the Libraries staff – in the City centre, Ballincollig, Blackpool, Tory Top, and Glanmire, coordinated by Eibhlín and the Children & Young People’s services team at the City Library.
Enjoy – digitally and every other way!
Cork City Librarian
Foreword
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2019 is the 15th edition in the series, once again featuring new poems from young writers across the city. 43 young voices represented five schools which were identified as ‘Sanctuary’ schools, in the context of Cork city’s current bid for City of Sanctuary status. The work these writers have produced shows an impressive variety of subject, style and a very strong standard throughout, as supported by the five assisting writers.
Thanks and congratulations to all of the young writers: as Gaelcholáiste Mhuire faoi chúram Bernadette Nic an tSaoir, i Leabharlann na Linne Duibhe; from Coláiste Chríost Rí with Tina Pisco, in Tory Top Library; from Christ King Girls’ Secondary School led by Niamh Prior, in the Douglas Library; from North Monastery Secondary School led by Dean Browne, in Blackpool Library, and; from Cork Educate Together Secondary School with Paul Casey in Cork City Library.
We are grateful to receive once again the generous support of the Farmgate Café in the English Market, which has enabled us to include a fifth library, school, and writer. Thanks to Rebecca, Kay, and everyone at the Farmgate.
I am delighted to acknowledge the work of Maeve Dineen, Community Arts Co-ordinator, Paul Casey of Ó Bhéal for editing and curation of the project, all the Libraries staff in Cork City, Douglas, Tory Top, and Blackpool, coordinated by Eibhlín and the Children & Young People’s services team at the City Library.
Cork City Librarian
Foreword
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2018 is the 14th edition of this unfinished series, and once again features new poems by young writers from across the city. The 42 young writers from five schools display a wonderful standard throughout, supported by the five enthusiastic assisting writers, some of whom are now regulars in that role.
Thanks and congrats to all of the young writers: as Coláiste Daibhéid faoi chúram Bernadette Nic an tSaoir i Leabharlann an Cathrach; from Terence MacSwiney Community College with Lani O’Hanlon in Hollyhill Library; from St Patrick’s College led by Paul Casey in the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield; from Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh led by Liz O’Donoghue in Bishopstown Library, and; from North Presentation Secondary School with Matthew Geden in Blackpool Library.
We are delighted to once again receive the support of the Farmgate Café in the English Market. The Farmgate has long supported writing and creative expression of all kinds in the city – witness the wall of poems in their welcoming restaurant. Their support in 2018 has enabled us to include a fifth library, school, and writer. Thanks to Rebecca, Kay, and everyone at the
Farmgate.
I am delighted to acknowledge the work of Maeve Dineen, Community Arts Co-ordinator, Paul Casey of Ó Bhéal, all the Libraries staff in Hollyhill, Mayfield, Bishopstown, and Blackpool, coordinated by Eibhlín and the Children & Young People’s services team at the City Library.
Cork City Librarian
Foreword
The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2017 is the 13th edition of this annual anthology, a series which has become a collector’s item over the years. The poems range widely both in subject and form. What is perhaps most striking is the sheer intensity and abundance of creativity, often with remarkable maturity and courage being displayed, by what are, one has to remember, still young writers.
This year 52 young writers are involved, from four Cork city schools as well as, for the first time, the wonderful Cork Life Centre.
The writing workshops, and the creation of these poems, were led at:
Bishopstown library, Bishopstown Community School by Afric McGlinchey,
at Blackpool library, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG by Dairena Ní Chinnéide,
at Cork City library, Cork Life Centre by Gerry Murphy,
at Douglas library, Douglas Community School by Kathy D’Arcy,
and at Tory Top library, Presentation Secondary School by Paul Casey.
It is my great pleasure to once again thank Maeve Dineen, Community Arts Co-ordinator at Cork City Council Arts Office, and all the Cork Libraries staff at Blackpool, Bishopstown, Douglas, and Tory Top Libraries, all coordinated by the Children & Young People’s team at the City Library, Grand Parade. A special thanks also to our partners The Farmgate Café and Ó Bhéal.
Cork City Librarian
on Wednesday 20th April, 2016 at 12pm.
Cork Central Library, Grand Parade.
2016 welcomes the 12th (centenary) edition of the Unfinished Book of Poetry, featuring verse written by students from five Cork secondary schools. Ó Bhéal has curated the Unfinished Book since its 9th edition in 2013. Since 2005, this now vital and vibrantly successful youth arts initiative has been funded and driven by the Cork City Council Arts Office and Cork City Libraries. In 2016, The Farmgate Café became an official sponsor, allowing the project to return to working with five schools instead of four.
Aside from the prolific crafting of fresh uninhibited writing to the polishing of a poem through attending an extended series of workshops with contemporary poets, the students also gain insights into the broader spectrum of what is possible in poetry and within themselves, often breaking down the invisible barriers encountered when writing. The project is also focussed on enabling young people to find their voice through their creative writing and to read their work aloud, whenever possible. This year’s Unfinished Book celebrates the artful words of forty-four students from five Cork City Schools. The assisting poets and schools are Leanne O’Sullivan working with Mayfield Community School, Bernadette McIntyre at Coláiste Daibhéad, John W Sexton at Christ the King Girls’ Secondary School, Eileen Sheehan at Terence MacSwiney Community College and Matthew Sweeney working with Coláiste Chríost Rí. The respective libraries were Mayfield Library, Cork City Central Library, Douglas Library, Hollyhill Library and Tory Top Library.
During Cork 2005, the European Capital of Culture year, library staff conceived the idea to produce a book of writing by young people that would continue on beyond that year’s celebrations. The project became ‘The Unfinished Book’ and involves each year co-ordinating a series of nine creative writing workshops, for each of four/five schools (usually at transition year level). The workshops are held in city libraries local to each school, facilitated by professional writers and poets based in and around Cork. The students’ work is then collected by Ó Bhéal, edited and published in this volume, then launched by the Lord Mayor on Teen Day during the World Book Festival. The workshops have also fostered creative, personal and educational development, while supporting participants in gaining new insights into the art of poetry writing and its potentials – at this vital stage of learning. The resulting works are often outstanding, even breathtaking, year after year. The students see their works published in professional print and also have the opportunity to read their contributions at the launch, which many or most do.
The Unfinished Book 2015
This year the participating poets and schools were, I Leabharlann na Linne Duibhe, d’oibrigh Simon Ó Faoláin le daltaí as Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, Sarah Hayden with students from Ashton School in the City Library, Gabriel Fitzmaurice and young students from Bishopstown Community School, and Alannah Hopkin’s group from Presentation Girls Secondary met in the Tory Top Library.
Foreword 2015
After our tenth birthday last year, we are now into the second decade of the Unfinished Book series. Who would have imagined that a project which has its genesis in Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture would take on a life of its own. Since 2005 nearly two dozen writers have provided workshops for Transition Year students from almost twenty Cork schools, in a project which has seen over 400 young writers find their way into print. This year, nine workshops were held in each of four Cork City libraries over the course of four months, by some of the finest of Cork and Munster’s established writers.
I Leabharlann na Linne Duibhe, d’oibrigh Simon Ó Faoláin le daltaí as Gaelcholáiste Mhuire. Sarah Hayden held her workshops with students from Ashton School in the City Library while Gabriel Fitzmaurice worked with the young students from Bishopstown Community School and Alannah Hopkin’s group from Presentation Girls Secondary met in the Tory Top Library. Paul Casey from Ó Bhéal was once again editor and overall curator.
It is a continuing pleasure for us in Cork City Libraries to be involved, to host the workshops, to witness these young writers flourish at this crucial stage of their imaginative development, and to share in the fostering and success of the project with the Community Arts section of the City Council Arts Office, and with Ó Bhéal. 2016 will see the return of a fifth school participating in the Unfinished Book, thanks to Kay Harte and additional sponsorship from the Farmgate.
Thanks once again to Maeve Dineen, Community Arts Co-ordinator and Acting Arts Officer, our partner for the 11th time, to all the Libraries staff in Blackpool, Tory Top, Bishopstown and to the Children & Young People’s services at the City Library, to the professional writers, and most of all to each of this year’s talented participants.
Liam Ronayne,
Cork City Librarian.
The Unfinished Book 2014
This year the participating poets and schools were, Ian Wild with St.Vincent’s Secondary, Tina Pisco working with Douglas Community School, James Cummins at St Patrick’s College, and Doireann Ní Ghríofa with Coláiste Daibhéad.
The Unfinished Book 2013
This year the participating poets and schools were Dairena Ní Chinnéide in Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, Afric McGlinchey in Presentation Girls’ School, Matthew Geden working with Bishopstown Community School and Kathy D’Arcy at Deerpark CBS.
The Unfinished Book 2012
This year the participating poets and schools were Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown and poet John W Sexton, St. Patricks College and poet Eileen Sheehan, Colaiste Daibheid and poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice, the North Monastery Secondary School and poets Liz O’Donoghue and Gerry Murphy and Christ King Girls Secondary School and poet Leanne O’Sullivan. Please view the Unfinished Book of Poetry 2012 here.
The Unfinished Book 2011
This year the participating poets and schools were Eileen Sheehan, Leanne O’Sullivan, Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Liz O’Donoghue, and John W Sexton.
The Unfinished Book 2010
This year the participating poets and schools were Adam Wyeth, John W Sexton, Billy Ramsell and Eileen Sheehan.
The Unfinished Book 2009
This year the participating poets and schools were John W Sexton, Billy Ramsell, Eileen Sheehan, Leanne O’Sullivan and Gerry Murphy.
The Unfinished Book 2008
This year the participating poets and schools were Gerry Murphy, Adam Wyeth, John W Sexton, Billy Ramsell and Ian Wild.
The Unfinished Book 2007
This year the participating poets and schools were Kevin Doyle, Alannah Hopkins, Vincent McDonnell, and Gerry Murphy.
The Unfinished Book 2006
This year the participating poets and schools were Kevin Doyle, Martin Kelleher, Vincent McDonnell, and Gerry Murphy.
The Unfinished Book 2005
This year the participating poets and schools were Bernadette Leach, Kevin Doyle, Ian Wild, Alannah Hopkins, and Martin Kelleher.
