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Monthly Hybrid Poetry Events: Live Streamed What: Poetry Films, Five Word Challenge, Guest Poets & Open-Mic When: 2nd Monday, Monthly @ 8.30pm (+ Poetry Films from 7pm) Where: Hayloft Bar (Long Valley Bar), Winthrop St, Cork (& online). Guest Poet & Open-Mic mp3s: Monday Event Archive Wordshops: Creative Writing at Ó Bhéal and Beyond … Ó Bhéal – a poem by Anamaría Crowe Serrano |
*** Ópen *** 12th Five Words Poetry Competition *** Ópen ***
Events are posted every 2 months. Click names for biographical details
@ Nano Nagle Place 12th Winter Warmer festival – 22nd-24th November
Ó Bhéal’s End of Year Event Martina Evans – 9th December
First Fortnight Festival Jeanann Verlee & Lauren McNamara – 13th January
Events are held in the Hayloft Bar, upstairs at the Long Valley, Winthrop st,as well as on Zoom and streamed via obheal.ie/live (more details via the links above)
Poetry Films start from 7.00pm (45mins – Not Streamed). Five Word challenge starts at 8.30pm.
Guest poets begin at around 9.20/9.30pm, Open-Mic session from 10.30pm.
The 12th Ó Bhéal Poetry-Film Comp shortlist
… will be screened on Sunday 24th Nov at the
12th Winter Warmer Poetry Festival.
A special Irish Selection will be screened on Sat 23rd Nov.All Screenings are free to view ONLINE. Best of luck to all the filmmakers!
698 Responses to “Poetry Readings & Open-Mic Nights”
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Open-mic night – 14th October 2024
A full Ó Bhéal house enjoyed a fantastic night on Monday with guest poets Ciara Ní É and Máire Ní Bhriain. You can listen to Ciara’s reading here and to Máire’s reading here.
Many thanks to Julie Field for a grand job as Bean an Tí, and to all on the open-mic, Antonio di Mare, Michelle Delea, Constantin, Jeff Cottrill, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Patricia Walsh, Roxanne (Ségolène), Alexandra Toth, Rosalin Blue, Massimo, Lauren O’Donovan, Ciarán MacArtain, Ciaran Shanahan, Seamus Harrington and Rab Urquhart.
Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin won Monday’s Five Word challenge. Comhghairdeas, a Ghormfhlaith!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/7/24; 1:19 pm
Open-mic night – 20th September 2024
We we were treated to another mindblowing Culture Night with Palestinian poet Farah Chamma and reigning All-Ireland Poetry Slam Champion, Anna D. You can listen to Farah’s performance here and to Anna’s performance here.
Thanks to Jim Crickard for his brilliant work at the helm and to our open-mic contributors, Jim, Imasha, Antonio di Mare, Rosalin Blue, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Alexandra Toth, Stiofán and Ziyi Zou.
April Rooney won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations April!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/9/24; 2:23 pm
Open-mic night – 9th September 2024
What an incredible evening! Thanks to two very powerful readings from our guest poets Paul McMahon and Massimo Lavelle. You can listen to Paul’s reading here and to Massimo’s reading here.
Many thanks to Philip Spillane for his excellent work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, David B, Antonio di Mare, Catherine Ronan, Roxanne (Ségolène), Mona Lynch, Jason J.Fisher, Rab Urquhart, Cathal Holden, May Jeanette, Lauren O’Donovan, Pam Campbell, Alexandra Toth, Rosalin Blue, Ben Thompson, Cédric Bikond, Aleesha Wiegandt, Ciarán MacArtain, Susanna Trifiletti, Chris, Patricia Walsh, Mo O’Connor, Carl B, Margaret O’Regan and Philip Spillane.
Jennifer Horgan won Monday’s Five Word challenge. Well done Jen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/14/24; 1:14 pm
Open-mic night – 12th August 2024
We were treated to a fantastic evening on Monday with our guest poets from Coventry, Ann Atkins and Amy Rugg. You can listen to Ann’s reading here and to Amy’s reading here.
Thanks to Stan Notte for his lively emceemanship and to our open-mic contributors, Constantin, Linda Ibbotson, Catherine Ronan, Margaret O’Regan, Jeff Cottrill, Mona Lynch, Rab Urquhart, Patricia Walsh, Colm Scully, Wendy Barzetovic, Michelle Delea, Roxanne (Ségolène), Benjamin Burns, Sue Blue, Alexandra Toth, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Ben Thompson, Eimear Glynn, Cathal Holden, Massimo and Ciarán MacArtain.
Raina J. León won this week’s Five Word challenge. Well done Raina!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/4/24; 4:41 pm
Open-mic night – 8th July 2024
We enjoyed an absolutely superb evening of poetry on Monday, with two exquisite readings from guest poets Victoria Adukwei Bulley and Joseph Horgan. You can listen to Victoria’s reading here and to Joseph’s reading here.
Huge thanks to the inimitable Cathal Holden for his fine emceemanship, and to all on the open-mic, Antonio di Mare, Roger Gregg, Pam Campbell, Adrienne Brock, Michelle Delea, Patricia Walsh, Jeff Cottrill, Mona Lynch, Catherine Ronan, Ben Thompson, Maggie Hall, Sue Blue, Alexandra Toth, Massimo, Benjamin Burns and Philip Spillane.
Adrienne Brock won Monday’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Adrienne!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/24/24; 4:28 pm
Open-mic night – 10th June 2024
What a fantastic night of poetry for our Cork Harbour Festival event on Monday, with a jam-packed, quality turnout for guest poets Luisa Castro, Keith Payne and Katrina Naomi. A massive thank you to the featured poets and the CHF for another brilliant Ó Bhéal. You can listen to Luisa and Keith reading here and to Katrina’s reading here.
Big thanks to poet Ben Burns for his deft touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Massimo, Em Egan Reeve, Jim Crickard, Otto Goodwin, Pam Campbell, Patrick Cotter, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Joe Howell, Ben Thompson, Jeff Cottrill, Mona Lynch, Sue Blue, David Lane, Catherine Ronan, Cedric Bikond & Antonio di Mare, Adrienne, Kemi George Simpson, David McLoghlin, Fionn Roynane, Carl B, Seamus Harrington, Emily Davis Fletcher, Ciarán MacArtain, Deirdre Hines and Donagh MacArtain.
Mona Lynch won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Mona!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/3/24; 3:17 pm
Open-mic night – 13th May 2024
Bhí oíche filíochta thear barr againn sa Hayloft thuas staighre an Ghleann Fada! A fantastic night on Monday with Irish language poets poets Joanne McCarthy and Eoin Mc Evoy. You can listen to Joanne’s reading here and to Eoin’s reading here.
Warm thanks to Bean an Tí Julie Field for her superb work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Mona Lynch, Holly Darragh-Hickey, Roxanne (Ségolène), Catherine Ronan, Robyn Kelly, Antonio Di Mare, Louis, Em Egan Reeve, Jeff Cottrill, Jim Crickard, Niall Hearne, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Sue Blue, Mary Bernard, Cédric Bikond, Louise Twomey, Ciarán MacArtain, Massimo, Louis Mulcahy, Nea Katainen, Daniel Madden, May Jeannette Fast, Carl B, Noel King and Alexandra Toth.
Patricia Walsh won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Patricia!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/5/24; 1:53 pm
Open-mic night – 8th April 2024
Ó Bhéal enjoyed a memorable 17th Anniversary event with the winners of the 11th Five Words Poetry Competition! An impressive turnout both in the room and on zoom, alongside stellar readings from our competition winners, shortlistees and contributors to Five Words Vol XVII. Thank you to all who took part or attended. You can listen to all Five Words Vol XVII contributors’ readings here and you can watch a video of the event here.
Thanks to Shaunna Lee Lynch for her magical work as compere, and to our 25 open-mic contributors (who read poems not their own), Pam Campbell, Elizabeth Gibson, Sue Blue, Lauren O’Donovan, Benjamin Burns, Margaret O’Regan, Jeff Cottrill, Philip Spillane, Catherine Ronan, Patricia Walsh, Daw Harding, Matt Mooney, Cathal Holden, Cédric Bikond, Dean Browne, Seamus Harrington, Billy Ramsell, Mona Lynch, Karan Casey, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Alexandra Toth, Rosie O’Regan, Colm Scully, Ray and Ciarán MacArtain.
Elizabeth Gibson won this week’s Five Word challenge on her first attempt. Congrats Elizabeth!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/30/24; 5:24 pm
Open-mic night – 11th March 2024
Another fabulous night in the Haylift with our guest poets Tania Haberland and Michael McKimm. You can listen to Tania’s reading here and to Michael’s reading here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea for her deft touch at the helm, and to our open-mic contributors, Aisling Fraser, Kate Manning, Catherine Ronan, Mona Lynch, Roxanne (Ségolène), Carl Brazier, Massimo, André, Sue Blue, Jamie Lawton, Patricia Walsh, Cédric Bikond, Cathal Holden, Philip Spillane, Brendan Duffin, Ciarán MacArtain and Sophie O’Callaghan.
Jennifer Horgan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Jen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/6/24; 4:53 pm
Open-mic night – 12th February 2024
An absolutely stellar night with a packed house, superb readings and an enormous open-mic, thank you to Peadar Moynihan (our patron) for allowing us to go way over time. Our special thanks to the guest poets from UCC’s creative writing programme, Ben Donellan, Conor Daly, Mary Dunne, Sam Wingfield, Sean Noonan, Robyn Kelly and Noel Reiling. You can listen to all seven poets reading, along with introductions by course leader & poet Dr. Liz Quirke, here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his ultra-cool emceemanship, and to our open-mic contributors, Antonio di Mare, Kemi George-Simpson, Pam Campbell, Roxanne (Ségolène), Erin Conally, Patrick Cotter, John Tynan, Lauren O’Donovan, Rosalin Blue, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Mona Lynch, Cathal O’Reilly, Jeff Cottrill, Philip Spillane, Janna, Patricia Walsh, Michelle Delea, Cédric Bikond, Anton Floyd, Chris, Seamus Harrington, JJF, Fionn Rogan, May Jeanette, Peter Manos, Becca Frankel, Alexandra Toth, Massimo, Ciarán MacArtain, Josef Coy, Mags Creedon, Cathal Holden and Rosie O’Regan.
Lauren O’Donovan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Nice one Lauren!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/28/24; 4:57 pm
Open-mic night – 8th January 2024
Our January First Fortnight event was an epic start to the year, with powerful readings from Daragh Fleming and Sarah Barnsley. You can listen to Daragh’s reading here and to Sarah’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Blue for her excellent work as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Margaret O’Regan, Antonio Di Mare, Catherine Ronan, Cara Kursh, Rab Urquhart, Peter Manos, Cédric Bikond, Patricia Walsh, John Tynan, Massimo, Brendan Duffin, Louis Mulcahy, Philip Spillane, Mags Creedon, Aleesha Wiegandt, Benjamin Burns, Ciarán MacArtain, Pam Campbell, Richard Cullen, Matthew Becker, Martino, Seamus Harrington, Ben Alozie, Warren, Mo O’Connor, Alexandra Toth, John Horan, Bryan Franco and Batt O’Connor.
Niall Hearne won this month’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Niall!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/8/24; 6:05 pm
Open-mic night – 11th December 2023
An absolutely top class reading from Scottish poet Don Paterson made for the perfect ending to another successful year. We are very grateful to Don for zooming in and for the insightful Q&A which followed his reading. You can listen to Don’s reading here.
Thanks to Jim Crickard for his excellent work as compère, and to all on the open-mic, Rab Urquhart, Mags Creedon, Pam Campbell, Catherine Ronan, Benjamin Burns, Patricia Walsh, Jeff Cottrill, Martin Delea, Dean Browne, Matt Mooney, Karan Casey, Seamus Harrington, Antonio Di Mare, Alexandra Toth, James O’Driscoll, Cédric Bikond Nkoma, Sue Blue, Massimo, Jason J Fisher, Philip Spillane and Rosie O’Regan.
Philip Spillane won the Five Word challenge (for the 2nd time in a row!). Congratulations Phil!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/4/24; 4:22 pm
Open-mic night – 13th November 2023
A fantastic night in the Hayloft, being treated to superb readings by Grace H. Zhou and David Nash. You can listen to Grace’s reading here and to David’s reading here.
Thanks to Benjamin Burns for his fine touch as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Olha-Lelya Matso, Ro, Catherine Ronan, Patricia Walsh, Jeff Cottrill, Eimear Gaoith, Daw Harding, Sushi, Roxanne (Ségolène), Mona Lynch, Cédric Bikond, Sue Blue, Philip Spillane, Aoise Tutty Jackson, Mark O’Leary, Adam O’Sullivan, Cathal Holden, Mags Creedon, Chris Sanon, May Jeanette, Constantin, Dom Showronska, John Tynan, Alexandra Toth, Rosie O’Regan and Antonio Di Mare.
Philip Spillane won the Five Word challenge. Congrats Phil!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/6/23; 10:25 am
Open-mic night – 9th October 2023
The Ó Bhéal audience enjoyed a stunning evening with eco-poets Leah Naomi Green and Jane Robinson. You can listen to Leah’s reading here and to Jane’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her excellent work as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Olha-Lelya Matso, Margaret O’Regan, Sue Blue, Catherine Ronan, Alison O’Shea, Antonio di Mare, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Jeff Cottrill, Cathal O’Brien Regan, Benjamin Burns, Massimo, Karan Casey, Cathal Holden, Cédric Bikond, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Mags Creedon, Emily Davis Fletcher and Rosie O’Regan.
Róisín Leggett Bohan won the Five Word challenge. Congrats Róisín!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/7/23; 12:33 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd September 2023
We enjoyed another superb Culture Night with Kenyan poet Qui Qarre and All-Ireland Poetry Slam Champion Leon Dunne. You can listen to Qui’s performance here and to Leon’s performance here.
Thanks to Shaunna Lee Lynch for her fine work at the helm and to our open-mic contributors, Sushi, Roksi, Bryan Generalissimo, Cathal Holden, Ciarán MacArtain, Massimo, Patricia Walsh, Michelle Delea, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Alexandra Toth, Aiden, Ben Burns, Richard Pierce, Philip Spillane, Jason J Fisher, Keith Payne, Shaunna Lee Lynch, Angelique Everett and John Horan.
“Audience Participation” (an improvised collective) were our Five Word challenge winners!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/7/23; 1:10 pm
Open-mic night – 11th September 2023
Bhí oíche iontach filíochta eile againn thuas staighre sa Ghleann Fada! A fantastic night on Monday with Gaeilgeoir poets Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin and Ben MacCaoilte. You can listen to Ceaití’s reading here and to Ben’s reading here.
Warm thanks to Michelle Delea for her superb work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Cédric Bikond, Jason J Fisher, John Horan, Martin Delea, John Neville, Margaret O’Regan, Pam Campbell, Mags Creedon O’Shea, Mona Lynch, Antonio Di Mare, Roxanne (Ségolène), Patricia Walsh, May Jeanette, Massimo, Jake Griffin, Philip Spillane, Maria Wood, Mo O’Connor, Matt Mooney, Alexandra Toth, Rebecca, Brendan Duffin and Sue Blue.
Mona Lynch won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Mona!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/14/23; 6:18 pm
Open-mic night – 14th August 2023
Another fantastic evening on Monday with our guest poets from Coventry, John Watson and Devjani Bodepudi. You can listen to John’s reading here and to Devjani’s reading here. Cork Lord Mayor Cllr. Kieran McCarthy introduced the event, and you can listen to his introduction here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his finesse and light-humoured touch as emcee and to our open-mic contributors, Stan Notte, Pamela Campbell, Jason J Fisher, Catherine Ronan, S’phongo, Roxanne (Ségolène), Patricia Walsh, Margaret O’Regan, Billy Ramsell, Massimo, Brendan Duffin, Michelle Delea, Colm Scully, Raef Boylan, Sue Blue, Cédric Bikond, Fergus Costello & Aleksandra Gornox, Seán Dunne, Philip Spillane, Mona Lynch, May Jeanette Fast, Dee Allen, Rebecca, Stephan Kavanagh, Cathal Holden, Irene Romeiro and Bubba Shakespeare.
Catherine Ronan was this week’s Five Word challenge winner. Well done Catherine!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/6/23; 7:09 pm
Open-mic night – 10th July 2023
We enjoyed a fantastic evening on Monday with poets Gail McConnell and Gerry Boland. You can listen to Gail’s reading here and to Gerry’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Blue for her professionalism and good humour as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Mel O’Dea, Timothy Casey, Julie Goo, Antonio di Mare, Cédric Bikond, Cathal Holden, Patricia Walsh, Dee Allen, Roxanne (Ségolène), Constantin, Seamus Harrington, Kemi George Simpson, Jack Ó Glasáin, Saoirse Ó Glasáin, Philip Spillane, Rosie O’Regan, Mo O’Connor, Michelle Delea and Massimo.
Philip Spillane won the Five Word challenge. Congrats Philip!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/10/23; 2:11 pm
Open-mic night – 12th June 2023
We enjoyed a superb night of poetry for our Cork Harbour Festival event on Monday, with a great turnout for poets Sarah Hymas and John O’Donnell. A huge thank you to both poets for thrilling the audience. You can listen to Sarah’s reading here and to John’s reading here.
Big up to poet Cathal Holden for his fine touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Rosie O’Regan, Margaret O’Regan, Mark O’Leary, Catherine Ronan, S’Phongo, David McLoghlin, Adrienne Brock, Constantin, Darren, Jason J Fisher, Cédric Bikond, Sue Blue, Massimo, Saoirse O’Glasáin, Jack O’Glasáin, Fergus Costello, Seamus Harrington, Hilary Quinn, Philip Spillane, Aleksandra Gorna, Kyle English, Ciarán MacArtain, Alexandra Toth, Antonio Di Mare, Mona Lynch, Patricia Walsh, Benjamin Burns and Jim Crickard.
Jim Crickard won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Jim!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/4/23; 9:44 am
Open-mic night – 8th May 2023
Bhí an ócáid oíche Dé Luain iontach ar fad! A brilliant night on Monday with Gaeilgeoirí poets Darragh Ó Caoimh and Dairena Ní Chinnéide. You can listen to Darragh’s reading here and to Dairena’s reading here.
Huge thanks to emcee and Bean-an-Tígh Julie Field, and to all on the open-mic, Catherine Ronan, Jason J Fisher, Colm Scully, Massimo, Patricia Walsh, Jim Crickard, Michelle Delea, Mags Creedon, Jack O’Glasáin, Philip Spillane, Brendan Duffin, Pam Campbell, Sue Blue, S’phongo, Fionn, Antonio Di Mare, Karan Casey, Rauirí McGlintock, Matt Mooney, Paula Ares and Amaella.
Seán Ó Treasaigh won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Seán!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/7/23; 9:12 am
Open-mic night – 10th April 2023
What a superb night celebrating Ó Bhéal’s 16th Anniversary and the winners of the 10th Five Words Poetry Competition! A very fine turnout both in the room and zoom, with superb readings from our competition winners, shortlistees and contributors to Five Words Vol XVI. Thank you to all who took part or attended. You can listen to all Five Words Vol XVI contributors’ readings here and you can watch a video of the event here.
Thanks to Jim Crickard for his professional touch as emcee, and to our 24 open-mic contributors (who read poems not their own), Alexandra Psaropoulou, Catherine Ronan, Pam Campbell, Jason J Fisher, Antonio Di Mare, Roxanne (Ségolène), John Ryan, Philip Spillane, Ryan Morgan, Matt Mooney, Ciarán MacArtain, Seamus Harrington, Margaret O’Regan, Ben Burns, Rosie O’Regan, Alexandra Toth, Dean Browne, Brian, Sue Blue, Cédric Bikond, Roseanne Watt, Billy Ramsell, Jim Crickard and Mags Creedon.
Karan Casey won this week’s Five Word challenge on her first attempt. Congratulations Karan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/7/23; 11:00 am
Open-mic night – 13th March 2023
We had another fantastic night on Monday, in an absolutely packed Hayloft bar with poets Jodie Hollander and Adam Wyeth. We’re very grateful to both poets for their excellent readings. You can listen to Jodie’s reading here and to Adam’s reading here.
It’s great to have Ben Burns back in Cork, who did a stellar job as emcee, deftly curating a bumper 100-minute open-mic, featuring 30 poets, Kemi George-Simpson, May Jeanette, Bryan Franco, Catherine Ronan, Mags Creedon, S’phongo, Paul Dylan, Rebecca, Judenald, Daniel Sholl, Roxanne (Ségolène), Sue Blue, Massimo, Donach MacArtain, Jim Crickard, Patricia Walsh, David McLoughlin, Cédric Bikond, Alexandra Toth, Molly, Chris Sanon, Seamus Harrington, Conor McManus, Pam Campbell, Antonio di Mare, Lauren O’Donovan, Matt Mooney, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Ciarán MacArtain and Ryan Morgan.
Róisín Leggett Bohan won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Róisín!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/5/23; 12:28 pm
Open-mic night – 13th February 2023
Another brilliant evening with excellent audiences in the room and online. Our warm thanks to all seven guest poets from UCC’s creative writing programme, who all read quality poems to a lively and receptive audience, Hannah Myers, Rob Worrall, Gabbi Dufrene, John McLeod, Alice Barry, Kemi George Simpson and Fiona Tracey. You can listen to all seven poets reading, along with introductions by course leader & poet Liz Quirke, here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea for her stellar work at the helm, and to our open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Pam Campbell, Shaunna Lee Lynch, Ryan Morgan, David McGloughlin, Roxanne (Ségolène), Stanley Notte, May Jeanette, Patricia Walsh, Fionn Rogan, Cédric Bikond, Alexandra Toth, Antonio di Mare, Lauren O’Donovan, Billy Ramsell, Sue Blue, Fergus Costello, Rebecca, Róisín Leggett Bohan and Jim Crickard.
Jim Crickard won this week’s Five Word challenge. Nice one Jim!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/2/23; 3:56 pm
Open-mic night – 9th January 2023
A brilliant start to the year in the Hayloft for our First Fortnight event with poets Luke Morgan and Molly Twomey. You can listen to Molly’s reading here and to Luke’s reading here.
Warm thanks to Stan Notte for his superb stewardship, and to all on the open-mic, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Róisín Crowley, Kemi George Simpson, Paul Dylan, Daniel Scholl, Pam Campbell, Jason J. Fisher, Abigail K, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Cathal Holden, Massimo, Colm Scully, Sue Blue, Roxanne (Sego), Cédric Bikond (the Claustrophage), Jim Crickard, Ryan Morgan, Shaunna Lee Lynch, Stephen James Smith, Alexandra Toth, Jake M.M. Griffin, Mairéad, Antonio di Mare and Michelle Delea.
Cédric Bikond won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Cédric!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/7/23; 2:22 pm
Open-mic night – 12th December 2022
What a uniquely special occasion was Michael Longley’s exquisite reading for our 2022 end of year event. We are very grateful to Michael for weathering the technical storms to be with us via zoom from Belfast. You can listen to Michael’s reading here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for his fine touch as compère, and to all on the open-mic, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Ségolène (Roxanne), Catherine Ronan, Diarmuid, Jason J Fisher, Massimo, Joe Howell, Marguerite Quinlan, Jim Crickard, Lauren O’Donovan, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Isaac Cohen, Greg Delanty, Antonio Di Mare, Ryan Morgan, Cal, Patricia Walsh, Cédric Bikond Nkoma, S’phongo, Paul Dylan, Micheál Fitzgerald, Jude O’Neill, Sarel Thorsson, Shaunna Lee Lynch and Rosie O’Regan.
Catherine Ronan won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Catherine!
01/4/23; 5:11 pm
Open-mic night – 14th November 2022
Another superb night in the Hayloft with poets Jane Ayres and Maurice Scully on Monday. You can listen to Jane’s reading here and to Maurice’s reading here.
Big thanks to Shaunna Lee lynch for her brilliant captaincy and welcome return as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Catherine Ronan, Ryan Morgan, Daniel Scholl, Eibhlís Beirne, Felix O’Mahoney, S’phongo, Sue Blue, Michelle Delea, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Jim Crickard, Cathal Holden, Margaret O’Regan, Philip Spillane, Maria Wood, Mo O’Connor, Fíona, Phil Lynch and Shaunna Lee Lynch
Ryan Morgan won the Five Word challenge. Congratulations Ryan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/6/22; 7:09 pm
Open-mic night – 10th October 2022
What a fantastic event on Monday, the return of the mighty Munster Poetry Slam for the first time since 2019. 15 wordsmiths battled it out over two rounds to determine the top three performers, who will represent Munster at this year’s All-Ireland Slam final. Congratulations to the winners, in third place Ciarán MacArtain, in second place Lauren McNamara and to the new Munster Poetry Slam champion, Jim Crickard! And well done to all the other competitors, Jason J Fisher, Richard Pierce, Sue Blue, Mel White, Jamie Lawton, Cathal Holden, Niall Hearne, Chasmic, Cara Kursh, Philip Spillane and Ryan Morgan.
You can listen to Round 1 here and to Round 2 here.
Our warm thanks to Derry poet Abby Oliveria, our special guest poet who entertained the audience to no end while the judges plied their important work.
You can listen to Abby’s 1st set here and to her 2nd set here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea, Bean an Tí, for her superb touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Ségolène, Genna Bigger, Philip Spillane, Ben Burns, Ryan Morgan, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Matt Mooney, Jeff Cottrill, Eleanor O’Brien, Lauren O’Donovan, Niall Hearne, Massimo Lavelle, Pam Campbell, Antonio Di Mare, Connor Frawley, Daniel Scholl, Rosie O’Regan, Shaunna Lee Lynch, Cara Kursh, Brendan Duffin, Mo O’Connor, Stan Notte and Sarel.
Jeff Cottrill won the Five Word challenge. Congrats Jeff!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/3/22; 10:04 am
Open-mic night – 23rd September 2022
We enjoyed a fantastic Culture Night with Ukrainian poet Dmytro Lazutkin and Cork poet Stanley Notte, who launched his début collection Found. You can listen to Dmytro’s reading here and to Stan’s reading here.
Thanks to Jim Crickard for his professional touch at the helm and to our open-mic contributors, Colm Scully, Jason J Fisher, Antonio Di Mare, Patricia Walsh, S’Phongo, Shaunna Lee Lynch, Michael Olson, Bryan Franco, Julie Goo, Mags Creedon, Rosie O’Regan, Fergus Costello, Ciarán MacArtain, Brendan Duffin and Jim Crickard.
Shaunna Lee Lynch was our Five Word challenge winner. Nice one Shaunna!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/6/22; 10:42 am
Open-mic night – 12th September 2022
A hugely enjoyable bilingual evening with Isobel Ní Riain reading her translations of Paul Celan followed by the inimitable Áine Uí Fhoghlú. You can listen to Isobel’s reading here and to Áine’s reading here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her fine touch as emcee and to our open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Catherine Ronan, Constantin Calgaru, Jason J Fisher, S’Phongo, Colm Scully, Jim Crickard, Patricia Walsh, Pam Campbell, Sue Blue, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Antonio Di Mare, Fionnuala O’Connell, Raphael Olympio, Ciarán MacArtain and Amy Barry.
Fionnuala O’Connell won the Five Word challenge winner on her inaugural attempt. Congratulations Fionnuala!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/14/22; 9:07 am
Open-mic night – 8th August 2022
We had a brilliant evening with Coventry poets Sujana Crawford and John Bernard on Monday. You can listen to Sujana’s reading here and to John’s reading here. Cllr. Dan Boyle was deputised by the Lord Mayor for the event, and you can listen to Dan’s introduction here.
Thanks to Stan Notte for his sparkly-upbeat presentation as emcee and to our open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Doc Janning, Jason Fisher, Eibhlís Beirne, Cathal O’Brien Regan, Ray Hanrahan, Michelle Delea, Fintan Dineen, Daniel Scholl, Patricia Walsh, Bryan Generalissimo, Margaret O’Regan, Ségolène (Sego), Philip Spillane, Massimo Elijah, Cédric Bikond, Fionn Brogan, Daniel O’Sullivan, S’Phongo, Máire Stephens, Aaron O’Neill, Sue Blue, Mona Lynch, Jim Crickard, Jamie Lawton and John A.Neville.
Máire Stephens was this week’s Five Word challenge winner. Well done Máire!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/5/22; 12:16 pm
Open-mic night – 11th July 2022
We’re very grateful to Rosamund Taylor and Richie McCaffery for their superb readings on Monday evening, enjoyed thoroughly by all in the room and on zoom. You can listen to Rosamund’s reading here and to Richie’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosalin Blue for her lively captaining of the barge, and to our open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Cathal O’Brien, Mary O’Connell, Daniel, Cédric Bikond, Philip Spillane, Daniel O’Sullivan, Fionn, Patricia Walsh, Susanna Trifiletti, Katie Myers, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Ciarán MacArtain, Kieran Raftery, Antonio Di Mare and Massimo Elijah.
Abigail Kortering won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Abigail!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/26/22; 12:52 pm
Open-mic night – 13th June 2022
Our heartfelt thanks to poets Amanda Bell and Susan Rich for their brilliant readings on Monday, distinctly complementing our Cork Harbour Festival event. You can listen to Amanda’s reading here and to Susan’s reading here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for steering the ship with deftness, humour and aplomb, and to our open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Jeff Cottrill, Catherine Ronan, Kenneth Hickey, Constantin, Mary O’Connell, John Horan, Pam Campbell, Patricia Walsh, Benjamin Burns, Margaret O’Regan, Daniel Scholl, Jake Griffin, Conor Frawley, Seamus Harrington, Antonio Di Mare, Jordan McCarthy, Brian Franco Generalissimo, Ada Miles (Brötchen Brennt), Sue Blue, Jim Crickard, Jason Fisher and Ciarán MacArtain.
Jim Crickard won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Jim!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/6/22; 11:16 am
Open-mic night – 9th May 2022
Ócáid iontach ar fad ag Ó Bhéal oíche Dé Luain. We had a fantastic night on Monday with superb guest poets Diarmuid Johnson and Róisín Sheehy. Diarmuid read via zoom from Breton and Roisín read in-person, to a lively and well sated audience. You can listen to Diarmuid’s reading here and to Róisín’s reading here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her fine touch as emcee, and to our 35 brilliant open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Mo O’Connor, Margaret O’Regan, Constantine, Niall, Luke Horgan, Olive Corcoran, Maria, Daniel, Eddie, Bryan Franco, Connor McManus, Nou, Patricia Walsh, Pádraig, Michelle Delea, Jeff Cottrill, Holly, Antonio, Jake, Ann, Pam Campbell, Mary O’Connell, Jim Crickard, Mags Creedon, Sue Blue, Catherine Ronan, Ciarán MacArtain, Jason Fisher, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Massimo Elijah, Matt Mooney, Cathal Holden, Mona Lynch and Éabha.
Catherine Ronan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Catherine!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/8/22; 9:35 am
Open-mic night – 11th April 2022
Ó Bhéal’s 15th Anniversary was an event to remember! A brilliant turnout both in the room and on zoom, with fantastic readings from our competition winners, shortlistees and contributors to Five Words Vol XV. Thank you to all who took part or attended. You can listen to all Five Words Vol XV contributors’ readings here and you can watch a video of the event here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her deft touch as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors (who read poems not their own), Daw Harding, Margaret O’Regan, Jim Crickard, Pádraig O’Connell, Stephen O’Brien, Jake Griffin, Patricia Walsh, Cal, Booie, Antonio, Ciarán MacArtain, Cathal Holden, Sue Blue, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Mags Creedon, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Massimo Elijah, Pam Campbell, Catherine Ronan, Jeff Cotrill, Billy Ramsell and Rosie O’Regan.
Rosemary Norman won this week’s Five Word challenge, amidst very stiff competition from 22 writers. Congratulations Rosemary!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/27/22; 3:51 pm
Open-mic night – 14th March 2022
Readings from DS Maolalai and Jacqueline Saphra were both memorable highlights in an evening jammed with quality from start to finish. Our warm thanks to all who took part especially to Diarmuid and Jacqueline. You can listen to Diarmuid’s reading here and to Jacqueline’s reading here.
Thanks to Cathal Holden for his excellent touch as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Jeff Cottrill, Catherine Ronan, Patricia Walsh, Jason Fisher, Rob Doherty, Jim Crickard, Massimo Elijah, Cal McGuire, Margaret O’Regan, Susanna Trifilletti, Catherine Badin, Boode, Antonio, Pam Campbell, Niall, Cédric Bikond, Cara Kursh, Matt Mooney, Ciarán MacArtain, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Mags Creedon and Rosalin Blue.
Catherine Babin won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Catherine!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/29/22; 11:59 am
Open-mic night – 14th February 2022
We had a brilliant evening back on home ground in the Hayloft Bar, after restrictions were finally defenestrated. We had excellent audiences in both the room and on zoom. Our warm thanks to all six guest poets from UCC’s creative writing programme who read superb work, Naoise McGuinness, Luke Jeffers, Lucy Holme, Kieran Fionn Murphy, Emily Anna King and Raven Goode. You can listen to all six poets reading here..
Thanks to Jim Crickard for his first class work as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Stanley Notte, Alexandra Psaropoulou, Catherine Ronan, Mary O’Connell, Catherine Badin, Margaret O’Regan, Niall Hearne, Pam Campbell, Charles Clarke, Colm Scully, Amy, Brendan Mulcahy, Rosalin Blue, Cédric Bikond, Philip Spillane, Massimo, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Cormac Lally, Rab Urquhart, Matt Mooney, Ciarán MacArtain, Cathal Holden and Jim Crickard..
Catherine Ronan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Well done Cath!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/8/22; 6:05 pm
Open-mic night – 10th January 2022
We enjoyed a superb start to the year with our First Fortnight event, despite a temporary retreat to online-only readings, with a very healthy turnout and excellent variety of readers. Our thanks to guests Mark Granier and Massimo Elijah whose fine readings were appreciated by all. You can listen to Mark’s reading here and to Massimo’s performance here.
Thanks to Stan Notte for keeping a steady helm, and to our open-mic contributors, Philip Spillane, Lauren O’Donovan, Pam Campbell, Jeff Cottrill, Catherine Banin, Martha Ewence, Callum McGuire, Sue Blue, Cédric Bikond, Catherine Ronan, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Mona Lynch, Isaac Cohen, Margaret O’Regan, Mary O’Connell, Kemi George Simpson and Mags Creedon.
Lauren O’Donovan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Lauren!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/13/22; 11:30 am
Open-mic night – 13th December 2021
Our end of year event in the Hayloft was a fantastic occasion with featured poets Conor McManus and Leontia Flynn, making our 3rd hybrid event one to cherish. You can watch the event on vimeo at https://vimeo.com/643993251. You can also listen to Conor’s reading here and to Leontia’s reading here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea for her excellent work as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Catherine Ronan, Brendan Mulcahy, Stanley Notte, Mary O’Connell, Cathal Holden, Philip Spillane, Jim Crickard, Pamela Campbell, Lauren O’Donovan, Massimo Elijah, Bilal Mu’Azzam, Rosalin Blue, Patricia Walsh, Ciarán MacArtain, Martha Ewence, Cal McGuire, Mags Creedon, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Margaret O’Regan, Daw Harding, Seamus Harrington, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Rosie O’Regan and Susannah Trifiletti.
Catherine Ronan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Catherine!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/4/22; 2:21 pm
Open-mic night – 8th November 2021
Our very warm thanks to Joseph Sweeney’s siblings and friends for attending his tribute event at Ó Bhéal. Thanks also to the 15 readers who shared Joe’s work, Ciarán MacArtain, Sheila O’Flynn, Ed O’Dwyer, Julie Field, Colm Scully, Conor McManus, Margaret Creedon O’Shea, Benjamin Burns, Billy Ramsell, Michelle Delea, Seamus Harrington, Rab Urquhart, Rosie O’Regan, George Harding and Philip Horan. You can watch these again via our vimeo platform at https://vimeo.com/631927500. You can also catch up via podcast here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for a fine job as emcee, and to our open-mic contributors, Emmanuelle, Stan Notte, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Lauren O’Donovan, Róisín Leggett Bohan, Michelle Delea, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Rishti MacPiarais, Billal, Matt Mooney, Sue Blue, Pam Campbell, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu and Ben Burns.
Ray Hanrahan and Róisín Leggett Bohan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Ray and Róisín!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/5/21; 12:09 pm
Open-mic night – 11th October 2021
Our special thanks to poets Neil McCarthy and Dean Browne for their superb readings at out first hybrid event on Monday. You can watch them again via our vimeo platform at https://vimeo.com/607765669. You can also catch up with podcasts of Neil’s reading here and Dean’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for navigating the somewhat technically challenging evening with ease, and to our open-mic contributors, Margaret O’Regan, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Catherine Ronan, Jim Crickard, Roisín Legget Bohan, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Lauren O’Donovan, Ciarán MacArtain, Philip Spillane, Michelle Delea, Julie Field, Mags Creedon, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Conor McManus, Massimo Lavelle, Pam Campbell, Catherine Badin, Sue Blue, Ruth and Matt Mooney..
Massimo Lavelle won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Massimo!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/7/21; 7:55 pm
Open-mic night – 17th September 2021
Our very warm thanks to special guests Elizabeth McGeown and Jenny Lindsay for their fantastic performances for Culture Night. You can watch them both again via our vimeo platform at https://vimeo.com/604823126. You can also listen to podcasts of Elizabeth’s reading here and to Jenny’s reading here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea for curating the evening in style and to our open-mic contributors, Jim Crickard, Pam Campbell, David Eagar and Colm Scully.
Jim Crickard and Michael Ray were joint winners of this week’s Five Word challenge. Well done Jim and Michael!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/21/21; 1:16 pm
Open-mic night – 13th September 2021
Our special thanks to guests Colette Nic Aodha and Colm Breathnach for their top class readings on Monday. Bhí beirt filí thar barr ar fad!! Buíochas mór le Foras na Geilge as urraíocht a thabhairt don ócáid seo. You can listen to Colette’s reading here and to Colm’s reading here.
Thanks also to everyone who participated and to open-mic contributors, Catherine Ronan, Richard Pierce, Jim Crickard, Pam Campbell, Bryan Franco, Brendan Mulcahy, Cathal Holden, Alan Titley, Mags Creedon, Rosalin Blue, Margaret O’Regan and Massimo Lavelle.
Cathal Holden won this week’s Five Word challenge. Nice one Cathal!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/15/21; 6:56 pm
Open-mic night – 9th August 2021
We were treated to a buffet of talent on Monday with the first launch of Twin Skies, an anthology celebrating 14 years of poetry exchanges between Cork and Coventry. The contributors who read were Ali Bracken, Andrea Mbarushimana, Aysar Ghassan, Benjamin Burns, Conor McManus, Janet Smith, Jim Crickard, Julie Field, Kathy D’Arcy, Martin Brown, Ciarán MacArtain, Raef Boylan and Shaunna Lee Lynch. The book was formally launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Colm Kelleher. You can listen to the combined reading here.
Thanks also to everyone on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Matt Mooney, Janet Smith, Jeff Cottrill, Ray Hanrahan, Catherine Ronan, Melisa Mauriño, Martin Brown, Kemi George Simpson, Massimo Lavelle, Sue Blue, Cédric Bikond, Doc Janning and Margaret O’Regan.
Jim Crickard won this week’s Five Word challenge. Well done Jim!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/9/21; 12:37 pm
Open-mic night – 12th July 2021
Our warm thanks to Bebe Ashley and Tom Moore for their superb readings on Monday, an absolute treat to hear these poets read from their debut collections. You can listen to Bebe’s reading here and to Tom’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosalin Blue for her fine work as emcee and to everyone on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Matt Mooney, Jeff Cottrill, Colm Scully, Massimo Lavelle, Ada Miles, Catherine Ronan, Niamh Dillon, Cédric Bikond and Sue Blue.
Colm Scully won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Colm!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/4/21; 2:43 pm
Open-mic night – 14th June 2021
Our special thanks to Theo Dorgan and Lang Leav for their exceptional readings on Monday, both poets were enjoyed thoroughly by all present, as were their poems about the sea specially read for our Cork Harbour Festival edition. You can listen to Theo’s reading here and to Lang’s reading here.
Thanks to Ben Burns for his deft helmsmanship and to everyone who participated, including open-mic contributors Mary O’Connell, Doc Janning, Peter Arvon Manos, Pam Campbell, Colm Scully, Matt Mooney, Massimo Lavelle, Kemi George Simpson, Michelle Delea, Philip Spillane, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Catherine Rónan, Sue Blue, Ruth and Cédric Bikond.
Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Augustina!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/30/21; 12:33 pm
Open-mic night – 10th May 2021
Our very warm thanks to guests Dubhán Ó Longáin and Julie Field for their superb readings from their début collections on Monday, beirt filí go híontach ar fad!! You can listen to Dubhán’s reading here and to Julie’s reading here.
Thanks also to everyone who participated and to open-mic contributors, Bryan Franco, Mary O’Connell, Paul Tallant, Matt Mooney, Pam Campbell, Massimo Lavelle, Paul Rabinowitz, Cathal Holden, Ada Miles, Doc Janning, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Sue Blue, Emily Davis Fletcher, Catherine Rónan, Margaret O’Regan, Benjamin Burns, Kemi George Simpson and Mags Creedon.
Philip Spillane won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Philip!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/7/21; 2:03 pm
Open-mic night – 12th April 2021
We enjoyed an absolutely superb Anniversary Event on Monday with winners and shortlisted poets from the 14th Ó Bhéal Five Words Poetry Competition, along with words from judge Grace Wells, contributors from her special selection of pandemic poems, from the five word challenge anthology contributors and the open-mic for only other poets’ poetry. Congratulations to all and especially to competition winner Sinéad McClure. The anthology can be viewed online free of charge at this link.
You can listen to Laura, Jill and Sinéad reading (including words from Judge Grace Wells) here.
You can listen to the other shortlisted poets reading here.
You can listen to the specially selected Pandemic Poems here.
You can listen to the Five Word Challenge Anthology Contributors here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her fine touch as emcee, to all who participated and to the open-mic contributors, Catherine Ronan, Lauren O’Donovan, Paul Rabinowitz, Margaret O’Regan, Karen Warinsky, Ada Miles, Sue Blue, Máire Stephens, Colm Scully, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Shaunna Lee Lynch, Pam Campbell, Cathal Holden, Tamara Miles, Cornelia Gräbner, Ciarán MacArtain, Mags Creedon, Massimo Lavelle and Rosie O’Regan.
Sarah Murphy and Laura Theis were joint winners of this week’s Five Word challenge. Well done Sarah and Laura!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/10/21; 1:55 pm
Open-mic night – 8th March 2021
Our warm thanks to guests Sandra Yanonne and Laurence McKeown for their powerful and heartfelt readings on Monday, two brilliant poets! You can listen to Sandra’s reading here and to Laurence’s reading here.
Thanks to Shaunna Lee Lynch for her magic touch as emcee, to all who participated and to the open-mic contributors, Melisa Mauriño, Colm Scully, Damien Donnolly, Pam Campbell, Anne McDonald, Margaret O’Regan, Michelle Delea, Augustina Adéọlá Jekennu, Ada Miles, Karen Warinsky, Dan Johnson, Ciarán MacArtain, Catherine Ronan, Sue Blue, Susanna Trifiletti, Paul Tallant, Paul Rabinowitz, Cathal Holden and Mags Creedon.
Mags Creedon won this week’s Five Word challenge. Fair plé Mags!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/24/21; 6:15 pm