September 25th, 2024 at 11:35 am
Posted by pc in Ópen-mic on Mondays

    Monthly Hybrid Poetry Events: Live Streamed

    What: Poetry Films, Five Word Challenge, Guest Poets & Open-Mic
                            *** Contributors take part via zoom and in-person ***

    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


Five Words Poetry Competition*** Ópen *** 12th Five Words Poetry Competition *** Ópen ***

Click here for this week’s words & guidelines >>>>>>

The 2024 judge is Lauren O’Donovan!



Guest Poet Line-up for November 2024 – January 2025
Events are posted every 2 months. Click names for biographical details

**HYBRID EVENTS**

@ 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

Click here for our Live Poetry StageEvents 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”

  1. 1
    pc Said: @11:44 am 

    Open-mic night – 24th April 2017

    What a fantastic night with Helen Ivory and Martin Figura, two powerhouse poets – who you get to enjoy all over again here on mp3. Our warm thanks to both wordsmiths for thrilling the Cork audience with their exciting work. You can listen to Helen’s reading here and to Martin’s right here.

    Big thanks to Michal Weber for his subtle yet firm touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Charles Clarke, Mona McCarthy, Patricia Walsh, Patrick Cotter, Bernadette Gallagher, Mary Nagle, Mags Creedon and Rab Urquhart (with Michal Weber on jawharp).

    Rab Urquhart won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Rabbie!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    04/30/17; 11:44 am
  2. 2
    pc Said: @12:16 pm 

    Open-mic night – 17th April 2017

    Another fabulous night in the Hayloft with superb poetry from Ingrid Casey and Rachel Coventry, down from Dublin and Galway respectively to wow the Cork crowd. You can listen to Rachel’s reading here and to Ingrid’s reading here.

    Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for steering the proceedings with style and efficiency, and to all on the open-mic, Alexis Campbell Bannerman, Marcel Kroener, Bernadette Gallagher, Brian Crotty, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, John Tynan, Eamonn Prendergast, Rab Urquhart, Mary O’Connell, Ciarán MacArtain and Philip Spillane.

    John Tynan won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congratulations John!

    The open-mic mp3 is here


    04/23/17; 12:16 pm
  3. 3
    pc Said: @2:59 pm 

    Open-mic night – 10th April 2017

    A phenomenal evening was had in the Hayloft for Ó Bhéal’s 10th anniversary event on Monday, with readings by Five Words International Competition winner John Baylis Post, shortlisted poets Siobhan Campbell and Ted O’Regan, as well as from contributors to Five Words Vol X. You can listen to John’s reading, as well as to shortlisted poets and contributors to Five Words Vol X, right here.

    You can also listen to the amazing Fifth Floor Band playing three songs, here.

    Thanks to all on the open-mic for reading poems by other poets, as per our anniversary tradition, Alexis Campbell-Bannerman, Benjamin Burns, Mary O’Connell, Dean Brown, Nicola Moffat, Afric McGlinchey. Seamus Harrington, Cédric Bikond, Charles Clarke, Billy Ramsell, Patricia Walsh, Cal Doyle, John W.Sexton, Michael Ray, Thomas Howarth, Bernadette Gallagher, Niall Herriott, Rab Urquhart, Ciarán MacArtain, Samir Oucherfi and Stanley Notte.

    Phil Nannery won Monday’s five word challenge for the second week in a row. Well done Phil!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    04/16/17; 2:59 pm
  4. 4
    pc Said: @5:14 pm 

    Open-mic night – 3rd April 2017

    A moving reading by Louis de Paor and highly rewarding listening experience for all present, in a very full hayloft. A mighty night, the whole way through. You can listen to Louis’ reading here.

    Great to see Billy Ramsell at the helm as emcee, and thanks to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Marcel Kroener, Niamh Ní Lochlainn, Seamus Harrington, Fionn O’Tuama, Zara Martin, Patricia Walsh, Ellie Menton, Eamonn Prendergast, Charles Clarke, Ray Hanrahan, Mona McCarthy, Benjamin Burns, Ciarán MacArtain and Rab Urquhart.

    Phil Nannery won Monday’s five word challenge. Congratulations Phil!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    04/9/17; 5:14 pm
  5. 5
    pc Said: @9:33 am 

    Open-mic night – 27th March 2017

    Our special thanks to Michael J. Whelan for coming down from Dublin to give a brilliant reading on Monday, mainly from his début collection Peacekeeper (Doire Press, 2016). You can listen to Michael’s reading here.

    Thanks to Rab Urquhart for emceeing in fine style, and to all on the open-mic, Ali Bracken, Joe Sweeney, Cris Daly, Rory de Barre, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Maria Negoitn, Paul Robson, Mary Nagle, Ed O’Bourne and Ciarán MacArtain.

    Emer Penny won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Emer!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    04/3/17; 9:33 am
  6. 6
    pc Said: @8:55 pm 

    Open-mic night – 20th March 2017

    Thank you to Michèle Vassal-Ring & Brendan Ring for a very special performance of their beautiful collaboration on Monday, with Michèle’s poems set to Brendan’s original compositions on harp, flute and uileann pipes. You can listen to Michèle & Brendan’s performance here.

    Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his fine work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Michal Weber, Helen Harrison, Marcel Kroener, Mary Nagle, Eoin Crowley, Cédric Bikond, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Bernadette Gallagher and Teresa Honan.

    Mary Nagle won the Five Word Challenge on Monday. Nice job Mary!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    03/26/17; 8:55 pm
  7. 7
    pc Said: @5:09 pm 

    Open-mic night – 13th March 2017

    A Huge Cork thanks to Michelle Cahill, for her outstanding reading on Monday, amid a surprise flood of IADT, DCU & UCC Eng Soc students for Ó Bhéal’s 500th night. You can listen to Michelle’s reading (with first-year screams after every poem), right here.

    Thanks to First Mate Stan Notte for keeping things on even keel amid particularly excited waters, and to all on the open-mic, Alexis Campbell Bannerman, Marcel Kroener, Molly Twomey, Darragh Nolan, Dearmot Cristophers (sic), Benjamin Burns, Rowan Coulter, Eoin Crowley, Patricia Walsh, Ed O’Byrne, Laura Mulcahy, Aaron Lewis, Philip Spillane, Luisa, Arann Blake, Caoimhe Donnelly, Tom Hade, Ciara Gowing, Nicola Cooney, Ali Driscoll, Ciarán MacArtain and Michal Weber (The Choke Collective), Katie McCarthy, Adam Lawler and Jack Hession.

    Paul Casey won the Five Word Challenge … so he did!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    03/19/17; 5:09 pm
  8. 8
    pc Said: @1:06 pm 

    Open-mic night – 6th March 2017

    The audience were thrilled by Claire Crowther’s powerful and captivating reading on Monday. Our warm thanks to Claire for making the long journey to read for us! You can listen to Claire’s reading here.

    Big Up to emcee Michal (Joe Harrp) Weber for doing the absolute bizniz, and to all on the open-mic, Benjamin Burns, Marcel Kroener, Rosaleen Crowley, Joe Sweeney, Mary Nagle, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Michael Ray, Mags Creedon O’Shea, Eugene Crowley, Stanley Notte, Ciarán MacArtain and Rab Urquhart.

    Cédric Bikond won this week’s Five Word Challenge! Félicitations Cédric!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    03/12/17; 1:06 pm
  9. 9
    pc Said: @6:36 pm 

    Open-mic night – 27th February 2017

    Our warm thanks to Amanda Bell for her wonderful reading on Monday, including poems from her forthcoming collection from Doire Press, First the Feathers. You can listen to Amanda’s reading here.

    Thanks also to emcee extraordinaire Ciarán MacArtain, for DJ-ing the whole experience into the twilight zone and back without anyone noticing, and to all on the open-mic, Marcel Kroener, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Joe Sweeney, Bernadette Gallagher, Eugene Crowley, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Rosie O’Mahony, Ali Driscoll, Philip Spillane, Molly Twomey, Mary Nagle and John Mee.

    Mary Nagle won the Five Word Challenge this week. Congrats Mary!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    03/5/17; 6:36 pm
  10. 10
    pc Said: @5:14 pm 

    Open-mic night – 20th February 2017

    Oíche Ar Fheabhas ar FAD sa Hayloft, oíche Dé Luain seo caite, le file Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin agus Seán Mac an tSionnáigh ar an dordghiotáir. You can listen to Séamus’ performance here.

    Our warm thanks also to Julie Field for her firm but gentle hand as emcee, and all on the open-mic, Marcel Kroener, Mick Nunan, Joe Sweeney, Michal Weber, Seamus Harrington, Eugene Crowley, Therese Barry, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Patricia Walsh, Ray Hanrahan, Cédric Bikond, Charles Clarke, Rab Urquhart, Niamh Ní Lochlainn, Philip Spillane and Molly Twomey.

    Thomas Howard won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Thomas!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    02/26/17; 5:14 pm
  11. 11
    pc Said: @6:17 pm 

    Open-mic night – 13th February 2017

    The Hayloft was duly packed on Monday for maestro Gerard Smyth. Our warm thanks to Gerard for an inspired and passionate reading of his poetry, which you can listen to right here.

    Thanks to Emily Davis-Fletcher for her excellent-as-always touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Stanley Notte, Mick Nunan, Dean Browne, Joe Sweeney, Sue Blue, Bernadette Gallagher, Philip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, Luc O’Rourke, Cédric Bikond, Margaret Creedon, Charles Clarke, Molly Twomey, Daw Harding, Mary Nagle, Samir Oucherfi, Edward O’Byrne, Alexis Bannerman, Cú Morrissey and Conor Scanlon.

    Ben Burns won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Ben!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    02/19/17; 6:17 pm
  12. 12
    pc Said: @11:28 am 

    Open-mic night – 6th February 2017

    Another great night in the Hayloft, packed with quality, brand new work from UCC Creative Writing students Laura McKenna, Paul Asta, Mona Lynch, Kate Brock, Jacqui Corcoran and Alyssandra Tobin. And a special thanks to Leanne O’Sullivan for organising and introducing the readers, now for the 4th year. May there be many more! You can listen to all six readers here.

    Thanks also to Mary Nagle for a stellar debut performance as house emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Cédric Bikond, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Eugene Crowley, Niall Hearne, Mick Nunan, Patricia Walsh, Ray Hanrahan, Kenny Morris, Molly Twomey, Mary O’Connell, Stanley Notte, Ciarán MacArtain, Charles Clarke and Mags Creedon.

    Jacqui Corcoran won the five word challenge this week. Congratulations Jacqui!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    02/12/17; 11:28 am
  13. 13
    pc Said: @4:01 pm 

    Open-mic night – 30th January 2017

    Our thanks to Tipperary maestro Michael Coady, for a brilliant reading of his masterful verse. Another full house, another great night. You can listen to Michael’s reading here.

    Thanks to Benjamin Burns for keeping it relaxed and even at the helm, and to all on the open-mic, Úna Ní Cheallaigh, Jacqui Corcoran, Mags Creedon, Emily Davis Fletcher, Bernadette Gallagher, Mary O’Connell, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Mick Nunan, Philip Spillane, Molly Twomey, Alexis Bannerman, Chris Laverty, Mary Nagle, Daw Harding, Niall Herriott, Ciarán MacArtain, Edward O’Byrne and Madelaine.

    Alexis Campbell-Bannerman won this week’s five word challenge. Well done Alexis!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    02/5/17; 4:01 pm
  14. 14
    pc Said: @8:26 pm 

    Open-mic night – 23rd January 2017

    Our thanks to poet Ann Leahy who gave a superb reading of her work on Monday to a very appreciative full house, and you can listen to that right here!

    Thanks to Bernadette McCarthy for her masterful steering of the open-mic, and to all upon it … Brian Crotty, Seamus Harrington, Marcel Kröner, Mary Nagle, Ray Hanrahan, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Philip Spillane, Molly Twomey, Benjamin Burns, Chris Laverty, Mike Linehan, Michael Nunan, Mags Creedon and Christy Parker.

    Mags Creedon O’Shea won this week’s Five Word Challange. Well done Mags!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    01/29/17; 8:26 pm
  15. 15
    pc Said: @5:28 pm 

    Open-mic night – 16th January 2017

    A superb night with poet Mike Garry delivering a spellbinding performance on Monday to a packed Ó Bhéal Hayloft audience. Thanks Mike! You can listen to Mike’s performance here.

    Thanks to Stan Notte for his brilliant-as-ever emceemanship, and to all on the open-mic, Charles Clarke, Bernadette Gallagher, Sue Blue, Simon Aronsohn, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Kenny Morris, Mick Nunan, Patrick Cotter, Rab Urquhart, Claim O’Moom, Ciarán MacArtain, Cú Morrissey and Christy Parker.

    Rab Urquhart won this week’s Five Word challenge. Nice one Rab!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    01/22/17; 5:28 pm
  16. 16
    pc Said: @11:53 am 

    Open-mic night – 9th January 2017

    Our very warm thanks to Amy Barry and Ben Simmons for travelling from afar to give excellent readings for the opening event of the year. With a packed house in tow to enjoy it! You can listen to Amy’s reading here and to Ben’s reading here.

    Huge thanks to Michelle Delea for her stellar work as emcee, amd to all on the open-mic, Brian Crotty, Linda Ibbotson, Eoin Crowley, Ray Hanrahan, Emer Lyons, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Moynihan, Seán Bent, Claire O’Moore, Charles Clarke, Kenny Morris, Philip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, Mick Nunan, Joan Horan, Calm D’Goolys, Ciarán MacArtain, Rab Urquhart, Bernadette Gallagher and Paul Curley.

    Alan Egan won this week’s five word challenge. Well done Alan!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    01/15/17; 11:53 am
  17. 17
    pc Said: @4:21 pm 

    Open-mic night – 12th December 2016

    A phenomenal night and fine turnout at Ó Bhéal for the brilliant Ian Duhig, whose poems were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. What a night! Thanks Ian! You can listen to Ian’s reading here.

    Plus … we have 27 Videos from the night, filmed and edited by Lovisa Cosgrave! You can see Ian reading his poems, followed by the open-mic contributions, right here.

    And a big thanks to all on the open-mic, Bernadette McCarthy, John Mee, John Nyhan, Mary O’Connell, Seamus Harrington, Ray Hanrahan, Jason Fisher, Patricia Walsh, Michal Weber, Charles Clarke, Pat Cotter, Mary Sutton, Rab Urquhart, Cédric Bikond, Michelle Delea, Janie Sparks, Patrick Loughnane, Teresa Honan and Ciarán MacArtain (with Michal).

    Janie Sparks won the five word challenge for the second time, and we wish her all the best back over in the States. Congrats!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    12/13/16; 4:21 pm
  18. 18
    pc Said: @7:30 pm 

    Open-mic night – 5th December 2016

    Our warm thanks to Liam Carson and IMRAM for producing a fantastic tribute to Seán Ó Ríordáin on Monday at Ó Bhéal, to mark 100 years since O’Rordáin’s birth and our final commemorative centenary event funded by the Community Foundation for Ireland. The multimedia experience of Margaret Lonergan’s artwork, in harmony with the dulcet guitar of Enda Reilly and exemplary voices of poets Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh and Liam Ó Mhuirthile made this a night to remember. You can listen to the entire performance here.

    Thanks also to Julie Field for her stellar work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Patricia Walsh, Eugene Crowley, Bernadette Gallagher, Niamh O’Donovan, Janie Sparks, Daw Harding, Ciarán MacArtain and Mags Creedon.

    Niamh O’Donovan won this week’s five word challenge. Well done Niamh!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    12/11/16; 7:30 pm
  19. 19
    pc Said: @7:05 pm 

    Open-mic night – 28th November 2016

    A heartwarming night for the homeless with €228 being raised for Cork Simon, with contributors reading from Looking at the Stars, the new Anthology for homelessness by Kerrie O’Brien and Alice Kinsella. You can listen to the readings here.

    Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his deft and subtle touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Benjamin Burns, JC Sparks, Mary O’Connell, Eugene Robeson, Fergus Damery, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Charles Clarke, Bernadette Gallagher, Ray Hanrahan, Cédric Bikond, Janie Sparks and Niamh O’Donovan.

    Our congrats to Janie Sparks, winner of this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Janie!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    12/4/16; 7:05 pm
  20. 20
    pc Said: @6:47 pm 

    Open-mic night – 21st November 2016

    Our thanks to Adam Wyeth for another superb night in the Hayloft, with Adam reading from his brand new collection, The Art of Dying. You can listen to Adam’s reading here.

    Thanks to Rab Urquhart for steering the proceedings with style and efficiency, and to all on the open-mic, Sue Cosgrave, Mary Nagle, Joe Sweeney, Mary O’Connell, Eóin Ó Crowley, Matthew Sweeney, Mo O’Connor, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Bernadette Gallagher, Charles Clarke, Marie Wood, Daw Harding and Philip Spillane.

    Niamh Prior won this week’s five Word Challenge. Congrats Niamh!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    11/28/16; 6:47 pm
  21. 21
    pc Said: @2:51 pm 

    Open-mic night – 14th November 2016

    Our warm thanks to yet another brilliant Dublin poet, Jean O’Brien for her superb reading on Monday, to a now-not-so-unusually packed Hayloft. You can listen to Jean’s reading here.

    Thanks to Ben Burns for keeping the mic aflame and to all on the open-mic, Phil, David, The Cathal, Stanley Notte, Rosalin Blue, Ben Kingston, Seamus Harrington, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Mary Nagle, Phillip Spillane, Eugene Crowley, Bernadette Gallagher, Ray Hanrahan, Sue Cosgrave and Cédric Bikond.

    Gráinne O’Connor was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Gráinne!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    11/20/16; 2:51 pm
  22. 22
    pc Said: @3:34 pm 

    Open-mic night – 7th November 2016

    What a night to remember! It was as good as it can get, with Paul Muldoon at centre stage, but the poetry challenge and open-mic were equally as phenomenal on Monday. Packed to the rafters with superb poetry all night. Our warm thanks to Paul Muldoon for his superb reading, which you can listen to here.

    Thanks to Billy Ramsell for his spirited and professional touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Roy O’Driscoll, Matthew Moynihan, Sheila FitzPatrick O’Donnell, Dan Brown, Michal (Jaw Harp) Weber, Joe Healy, Philip Spillane, Charles Clarke, Owen Crowley, Mary O’Connell, Stanley Notte, Dan Johnson, Benjamin Burns, Seamus Harrington, Niamh Prior, Mags Creedon, Cédric Bikond, Daw Harding, Patricia Walsh and Calm D’Goolys.

    Thomas Howarth won this week’s five word challenge, amid very tough competition. Congrats Thomas!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    11/11/16; 3:34 pm
  23. 23
    pc Said: @6:32 pm 

    Open-mic night – 31st October 2016

    What a night! for jazz and poetry at the Cork Jazz Festival with stellar performances from Sarah Clancy and the Jazz Messengers, who had the Hayloft bursting at the seams all the way through, from the vibrant five word challenge to a surprising and superbly talented, packed open-mic. You can listen to Sarah’s performance with the Jazz Messengers here, and to The Jazz Messengers here. Videos to follow.

    Thanks to Michal Weber for being the quintessential jazz poetry emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Gerry Murphy, Linda Ibbotson, Taidgh Lynch, Megawen, Mary O’Connell, James Kelly, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Patricia Walsh, Ray Hanrahan, Seamus Harrington, Stanley Notte, Calm D’Goolys, Michael Ray, Afric McGlinchey, Ciarán MacArtain, Colm Scully, Eoin Crowley and Cédric Bikond.

    Rosie O’Regan won the Five Word Challenge. Congrats Rosie!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    11/6/16; 6:32 pm
  24. 24
    pc Said: @11:07 am 

    Open-mic night – 24th October 2016

    Another cracking night in the Hayloft on Monday with our Cork celebration of Salmon Poetry’s 35th year publishing poetry. With warm thanks to Edward O’Dwyer, John W. Sexton and Sandra Ann Winters for their superb readings, which you can listen to here.

    Thanks to Stan Notte for his deft emceemanship, and to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, Charles Clarke, Mary O’Connell, Kevin Griffin, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Waksh, Jo Johnston, Philip Spillane, Mary Nagle, Emer Penny, Mellany Morales, Mags Creedon, Eoin Rua and Michelle Delea.

    James O’Loughlin won this week’s five word challenge. Congratulations James!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    10/30/16; 11:07 am
  25. 25
    pc Said: @11:03 am 

    Open-mic night – 17th October 2016

    Our very warm thanks to Scott Jamison, Manuela Moser and Stephen Connolly for venturing down from Belfast to read their superb poems. You can listen to Scott’s reading here, to Manuela’s reading here and to Stephen’s reading here.

    Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her firm but light touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Benjamin Burns, Caitlin Newby, Mary O’Connell, Emer Penny, Philip Spillane, May Nagle, Marcel Kroener, Patrick Cotter, Ray Hanrahan, Patricia Walsh, Gráinne O’Connor, Charles Clarke, Eoin Rua, Ciarán MacArtain, Dan Johnson, Rab Urquhart and George Harding.

    Thomas Howarth won this week’s five word challenge. Congrats Thomas!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    10/22/16; 11:03 am
  26. 26
    pc Said: @11:05 am 

    Open-mic night – 10th October 2016

    What a fantastic night on Monday, with Imeall in the house filming Ó Bhéal for TG4 (to appear on Thurs 20th at 10.30pm), plus a whopping 24 readers on the open-mic and 16 taking up the five word challenge. Plus four fine readings of 1916 poems for our 6th Centenary event, from Michelle Delea, Charles Clarke, Mags Creedon O’Shea and Simon Aronsohn. And all that centered around superb readings from our guest poets, Biddy Jenkinson, Thomas McCarthy and Rónán Ó Snodaigh. You can listen to Biddy’s reading here and to Tom’s reading here.

    Thanks to Julie Field for steering the proceedings, and to all on the open-mic, Ali Bracken, Rob Carlile, Sarah Delea, Mary O’Connell, Mags Creedon, Jery O’Neill, Eoin Ruadh, Benjamin Burns, Seámus Harrington, James O’Loughlin, Maria McMahon, Patricia Walsh, Anton, Philip Spillane, Kevin Bateman, Dario Cannizzaro, Maria Kelly, Mary Nagle, Ciarán MacArtain, Shane Vaughan, Daw Harding, Simon Aronsohn, Stanley Notte and Alexis Campbell-Bannerman.

    Rab Urquhart won this week’s five word challenge. Congrats Rab!

    The open-mic mp3 is here


    10/14/16; 11:05 am
  27. 27
    pc Said: @11:18 am 

    Open-mic night – 3rd October 2016

    A packed-out Hayloft audience enjoyed a fantastic night of poems with maestro Rafiq Kathwari on Monday. Our warmest thanks to Rafiq for venturing over from New York, just to read at Ó Bhéal! You can listen to Rafiq’s reading here.

    Thanks to Michelle Delea for her superb emcee work, and to all on the open-mic, Stan Notte, Charles Clarke, Ali Bracken, Frank Egan, Philip Spillane, Jerry O’Neill, Patricia Walsh, Benjamin Burns, Mary O’Connell, Alexis Campbell-Bannerman, Ray Hanrahan, Cédric Bikond, Mo O’Connor, Bernadette Gallagher, Ciarán MacArtain and Simon Aronsohn.

    Bernadette McCarthy won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Bernadette!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    10/9/16; 11:18 am
  28. 28
    pc Said: @3:07 pm 

    Open-mic night – 26th September 2016

    Thanks to Dublin poet Kevin Barrington for his superb performance on Monday, to a full and appreciative Hayloft audience. You can listen to Kevin’s reading here.

    Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his entertaining emceemanship, and to all on the open-mic, Borko, Rab Urquhart, Michal Weber, Liam Heaphy, Edward O’Dwyer, Cian Murphy, Jen Link, Dan Johnson, Patricia Walsh, James O’Loughlin, Rhia González, May Nagle, Ra Simon, Mo O’Connor, Ciarán MacArtain, Christy Parker and Mags Creedon O’Shea.

    Simon Aronsohn won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Simon!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    10/1/16; 3:07 pm
  29. 29
    pc Said: @9:18 pm 

    Open-mic night – 19th September 2016

    Our warm thanks to poet Keith Payne for his superb reading on Monday, to a very full and fully-sated Hayloft audience. You can listen to Keith’s reading here.

    Thanks also to Bernadette McCarthy for her impressive début as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, George Korolog, Stephen James Smith, Patrick Naughton, Patrick Cotter, Ray Hanrahan, Alexis Bannerman, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Máirín Rua Ní Aodha, Joseph Flahive, Ciarán MacArtain, Mo O’Connor and Peggy Howard.

    Alexis Bannerman won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congratulations Alexis!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    09/24/16; 9:18 pm
  30. 30
    pc Said: @9:06 pm 

    Open-mic night – 16th September 2016

    Ó Bhéal saw over 120 people visit the Hayloft on Culture Night, our busiest event of the year, for a fantastic performance by Temper-Mental MissElayneous who exceeded all expectations. The audience blew the roof off the house. Thanks Elayne! You can listen to TMM’s performance here and you can see a video of her entire performance here.

    Thanks to all on the open-mic, Colm Scully, Daw Harding, Taidgh Lynch, Rosalin Blue, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Billy Ramsell, Benjamin Burns, Niall Herriott, Cédric Bikond, Rab Urquhart and Mags Creedon.

    Máirín-Rua Ní Aodha won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Comhghairdeachas, a Mháirín!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    09/24/16; 9:06 pm
  31. 31
    pc Said: @12:00 pm 

    Open-mic night – 12th September 2016

    Our very special thanks to sculptor/painter/poet Christine Broe for presenting a fascinating angle on the ekphrastic, through her bog sculptures and paintings, shown physically and also in a stunning visual slideshow to accompany the poems from her new collection, Lifting Light. You can listen to Christine’s reading here.

    Thanks to Benjamin Burns for his fine emcee-manship, and to all on the open-mic, Simon Aronsohn, Jason Ashford, Amy McAllister, Sue Cosgrave, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Alexis Bannerman, Michelle Delea, Ciarán MacArtain and Ben Burns.

    Amy McAllister won this week’s five word challenge. Congratulations Amy!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    09/15/16; 12:00 pm
  32. 32
    pc Said: @1:34 pm 

    Open-mic night – 5th September 2016

    Another fantastic night of poetry in the Hayloft with Elaine Cosgrove and Trevor Conway wowing the audience with their finely crafted poems. A warm Cork thanks to both poets for their superb readings. You can listen to Elaine’s reading here and to Trevor’s reading here.

    Thanks to Rab Urquhart for his deft touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, James O’Leary, Rosalin Blue, Ray Hanrahan, Mary O’Connell, Dan Johnson, Partricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Michelle Delea, Nicola Moffat, Samir Oucherfi and Benjamin Burns.

    Dr. Nicola Moffat won the Five Word Challenge this week. Congrats Nicola!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    09/11/16; 1:34 pm
  33. 33
    pc Said: @10:18 am 

    Open-mic night – 29th August 2016

    Another packed out Hayloft on Monday for Liverpudlian wordsmith Eleanor Rees, who gifted the audience with a fabulous reading from her third collection Blood Child, beginning with her impressive 10-minute title poem. You can listen to Eleanor’s reading here.

    Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for guiding the proceedings with fizz and fun, and to all on the open-mic, Dan Johnson, Bernadette Gallagher, Liam Heaphy, Frances Browner, Brian Crotty, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Cédric Bikond, Mary O’Connell, Philip Spillane, Rab Urquhart and Michal Joeharpp Weber.

    American George won the Five Word Challenge on his début attempt. Congratulations George!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    09/4/16; 10:18 am
  34. 34
    pc Said: @6:35 pm 

    Open-mic night – 22nd August 2016

    A superb night on Monday for our 5th Centenary event with fantastic performances from Rosaleen Crowley, Chris Murray, Yameema Mitha, Fióna Bolger and flautist Joanne Quirke. You can listen to the entire performance here.

    Thanks to Stan Notte for his colourful touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Charles Clarke, Martin McCarthy, Philip Spillane, Jude O’Neill, Maria Kelly, Samir Oucherfi, Sue Cosgrave, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon and Christy Parker.

    Rab Urquhart won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Rabbie!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    08/28/16; 6:35 pm
  35. 35
    pc Said: @3:31 pm 

    Open-mic night – 15th August 2016

    Our heartfelt thanks to Sandra Ann Winters for an inspiring reading on Monday, much enjoyed by all in a full-to-the-brim Hayloft. You can listen to Sandra’s reading here.

    Thanks to Michal Weber for his affable & professional touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Sue Cosgrave, Jude O’Neill, Mary O’Connell, Bernadette Gallagher, Charles Clarke, Eugene Crowley, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Cédric Bikond, Ben Burns, Shane Vaughan, Rab Urquhart, Victor and Christy Parker.

    Shane Vaughan won the Five Word Challenge, in his last week working for Ó Bhéal. Congrats Shane! And best of luck with your new venture!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    08/21/16; 3:31 pm
  36. 36
    pc Said: @10:41 am 

    Open-mic night – 8th August 2016

    A brilliant evening was had by all with Galway-based guest poets Anne Irwin and Stephen Byrne drawing great waves of applause from a very full Hayloft. Our warm thanks to Anne and Stephen! You can listen to Anne’s reading here and to Stephen’s reading here.

    Thanks to Shane Vaughan for great work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Trish Mannion, Sue Cosgrave, Samir Oucherfi, Philip Spillane, Stan Notte, Ray Hanrahan, PAtricia WAlsh, Benjamin Burns, Cathal, Phil, Gráinne Ó Connor, Rab Urquhart and Cédric Bikond.

    Colm Scully won this week’s five word challenge. Well done Colm!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    08/14/16; 10:41 am
  37. 37
    pc Said: @12:10 pm 

    Open-mic night – 1st August 2016

    Our warm thanks to Susan Connolly for her wonderful presention and reading of visual poetry (while projected overhead), which mesmerised the audience! Congratulations to Susan on her groundbreaking visual poetry collection from Shearsman, Bridge of the Ford. You can listen to Susan’s reading here.

    Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her super fine touch as emcee, as well as to all on the open-mic, Alexis Bannerman, Robert Kiely, Rosie O’Regan, Shane Vaughan, Ben Burns, Mike, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Rab Urquhart, Michal Weber and Victor.

    Patricia Walsh won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Patricia!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    08/9/16; 12:10 pm
  38. 38
    pc Said: @3:01 pm 

    Open-mic night – 27th July 2016

    A fantastic evening for the IASIL conference hosted by UCC, our first Wednesday event to date, with a fine display of wordsmithery from seven Cork poets who graced the mic for the guest section of the evening. You can listen to the readings from Benjamin Burns, Rosalin Blue, Charles Clarke, Máirín-Rua Ní Aodha, Hassan Baker, Rab Urquhart and Julie Goo, right here.

    And thanks to all on the open-mic, Dilys Jones, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Donald Givans, Nicola Moffat, Angela Ryan, Samir Oucherfi and Mo O’Connor.

    James O’Leary won the five word challenge on Wednesday, amid stiff competition. Congratulations James!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    08/8/16; 3:01 pm
  39. 39
    pc Said: @2:51 pm 

    Open-mic night – 25th July 2016

    Our warm thanks to Lorna Shaughnessy for her brilliant reading on Monday, reading chiefly from her latest collection from Salmon Poetry, Anchored. You can listen to Lorna’s reading here.

    Thanks to Ben Burns for his deft handling of the mic & ceremonies, and to all on the open-mic, James O’Leary, Shane Vaughan, Charles Clarke, Gráinne O’Connor, Ray Hanrahan, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Thomas Howarth, Maria McMahon and Nicola Moffat.

    Rosie O’Regan won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Rosie!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    08/8/16; 2:51 pm
  40. 40
    pc Said: @12:11 pm 

    Open-mic night – 18th July 2016

    A hauntingly beautiful, uniquely inspiring evening with sound artist Mick O’Shea weaving all manner of dimension into the powerful words of Doireann Ní Ghríofa, in their reflections on the Irish Proclamation, for our 4th commemorative event. You can hear the entire performance here.

    Thanks to Julie Field for her magic touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Eoin Rúa Ó Crua Laoich, Patricia Walsh, Hassan Baker, Cédric Bikond, Rosalin Blue, Marie Kelly, Rab Urquhart and Michal Weber.

    Rab Urquhart won the five word challenge. Sláinte, Rab!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    07/24/16; 12:11 pm
  41. 41
    pc Said: @12:46 pm 

    Open-mic night – 11th July 2016

    Our very warm thanks to Derry’s Paul Butterfield and St.Louis-based Drucilla Wall for their fabulous readings on Monday. You can listen to Paul’s reading here and to Drucilla’s reading here.

    Thanks also to Rab Urquhart for his fine touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Philip Spillane, Charles Clarke, Mary O’Connell, Ray Hanrahan, Patricia Walsh, Máirín-Rua Ní Aodha, Benjamin Burns, Seamus Harrington, Terry irwin and Ciarán MacArtain.

    Gráinne O’Connor won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congratulations Gráinne!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    07/15/16; 12:46 pm
  42. 42
    pc Said: @1:49 pm 

    Open-mic night – 4th July 2016

    Our very warm thanks to Maggie Harris for her superb reading in Monday to a full house and fully satiated Hayloft audience. You can listen to Maggie’s reading here.

    Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her fine emcee touch, and to all on the open-mic, Andrew Carroll, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Ben Kingston, Bernadette Gallagher, Patricia Walsh, Linda Norton, Cédric Bikond, Liam Anderson, Philip Spillane, Benjamin Burns, Rosalin Blue, Rab Urquhart, Stan Notte and Christy Parker.

    Rab Urquhart won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Sláinte, a Roibeard!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    07/10/16; 1:49 pm
  43. 43
    pc Said: @1:57 pm 

    Open-mic night – 27th June 2016

    John Hennessy delivered a superb reading of his poetry on Monday, much to the delight of the Hayloft audience. Our warm thanks to John for taking time out of his busy schedule to read at Ó Bhéal. You can listen to John’s reading here.

    Thanks also to Shane Vaughan for his fine touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, James O’Leary, Philip Spillane, Ray Allen, Mary O’Connell, Terry Dineen, Mags Creedon and Ciarán MacArtain.

    This week’s five word challenge was won by Paul Casey.

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    07/3/16; 1:57 pm
  44. 44
    pc Said: @1:26 pm 

    Open-mic night – 20th June 2016

    Our huge thanks to Dublin’s Anne Tannam for her brilliant and beautiful reading on Monday, to a more intimate than usual yet thrilled Ó Bhéal audience. You can listen to Anne’s reading right here.

    Thanks to all on the open-mic, Shane Vaughan, Finn Costello, Philip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, Fergal Harrington, Niall Herriott, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Liam Heaphy, Stan Notte, Michelle Delea and Michal Weber.

    Cédric Bikond was this week’s Five Word challenge winner. Congrats Cédric!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    06/27/16; 1:26 pm
  45. 45
    pc Said: @5:14 pm 

    Open-mic night – 13th June 2016

    Our very warm thanks to both Stephen Sexton and Julie Morrissy for sharing their superbly crafted work on Monday, with the house filled to the brim. You can listen to Stephen’s reading here and to Julie’s reading here.

    Our thanks also to Michal Weber for his spot on début as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Shane Vaughan, David Brennan, James O’Leary, Benjamin Burns, Eugene Crowley, Seamus Harrington, Philip Spillane, Charles Clarke, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Andrew Carroll, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Alexis Campbell-Bannerman, Daw Harding and Gabriela Caldeira.

    Congrats to Shane Vaughan, for winning the Five Word Challenge (for two weeks in a row!). Nice one Shane!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    06/20/16; 5:14 pm
  46. 46
    pc Said: @11:52 am 

    Open-mic night – 6th June 2016

    Our warm thanks to Kate Dempsey for her superb reading on Monday, to full and delighted Hayloft audience. You can listen to Kate’s reading here.

    Thanks to Ben Burns for his excellent début as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, John Mee, Annette Skade, Andrew Carroll, Shane Vaughan, Cian Murphy, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Philip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, Gabriela Caldeira, Mags Creedon, Kevin Walsh, Ciarán MacArtain, Gerry Murphy, Stan Notte and Michal Weber.

    Shane Vaughan was this week’s Five Word challenge winner. Well done Shane!

    The poetry was so captivating that the tech faeries made off with most of the open-mic mp3. But we’ve managed to salvage part of it, which is here.


    06/12/16; 11:52 am
  47. 47
    pc Said: @1:29 pm 

    Open-mic night – 30th May 2016

    Another superb evening of words and another massive Hayloft audience. Thanks to Daragh Bradish for his excellent reading and also to Steve Luttrell from the Café Review. You can listen to Daragh’s reading here and to Steve’s reading here.

    Thanks to Shane Vaughan for steering the ship with grace and good humour, and to all on the open-mic, Richard, Constantine, Annie Bloch, Brian Crotty, John Treacy, Philip Spillane, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Mary O’Connell, Jenni D, Úna Ní Cheallaigh, Ed Cashman, Sue Blue, Patricia Walsh, Michael Ray, Benjamin Burns, Sue Cosgrave, Mags Creedon, Gabriela Caldera, Kevin Walsh, Mick Noonan, John Dwyer and Michal Jawharp Weber.

    Charlie Saad won this week’s Five Word challenge. Congrats Charlie!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    06/6/16; 1:29 pm
  48. 48
    pc Said: @12:59 pm 

    Open-mic night – 23rd May 2016

    The Hayloft audience were treated to a phenomenal evening on Monday by Eastrogen Rising, focusing on the women of 1916 through commemorative poetry from some of Ireland’s foremost performers of the word – BeRn, Abby Oliveira, Catherine-Ann Cullen, Cormac Lally, Julie Goo and John Cummins. Our heartfelt thanks to all! You can listen to the entire performance here.

    Thanks to Stan Notte for steering the proceedings with much aplomb and humour, and to all on the open-mic, Ciarán MacArtain, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Jake Moylan, Philip Spillane, Brede Larkin, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Sue Blue, Bernadette Gallagher, Mags Creedon, Sam Moylan, Gabriela Caldera, Kevin Walsh, Katie O’Brien and Rab Urquhart.

    Brede Larkin won this week’s five word challenge. Congrats Brede!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    05/29/16; 12:59 pm
  49. 49
    pc Said: @11:51 am 

    Open-mic night – 16th May 2016

    The Hayloft audience were treated to a cracker of a night on Monday with The Squat Pen – Northern Irish poets John McAllister, Ray Givans, Paul Jeffcutt and singer Martha McGonigle. Our warm thanks to all. You can listen to John’s reading here, to Martha’s performance here, to Ray’s reading here and to Paul’s reading here.

    Thanks to Michelle Delea for her superb work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Kevin Walsh, Stan Notte, Gabriela Caldeira, Ray Hanrahan, Eóin Rua, Ryan Parsons, Patrick Loughnane, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Bernadette Gallagher, Becca MacInnes, Richard O’Toole, Philip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, James O’Leary, Ciarán MacArtain and John Mather Patel Ray.

    Richard O’Toole won this week’s Five Word Challenge, on his début attempt. Well done Richard!

    The open-mic mp3 is here


    05/23/16; 11:51 am
  50. 50
    pc Said: @8:47 pm 

    Open-mic night – 9th May 2016

    Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill gave an exemplary reading on Monday, to a fine full house who were treated to a range of poems that Nuala doesn’t usually read. A very special occasion, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. You can listen to Nuala’s reading here.

    Thanks to Julie Field for mastering the ceremony with grace, and to all on the open-mic, Stan Notte, Bernadette McCarthy, Ben Burns, Bernadette Gallagher, Eoin Rua, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Seamus Harrington, Dean Browne, Shane Vaughan, Mags Creedon, Gabriela de Sousa, Kevin Walsh, Cédric Bikond, Ciarán MacArtain and Catrin.

    Seosamhín Nic Eachaidh won this week’s five word challenge. Comhghairdeachas, a Sheosamhín!

    The open-mic mp3 is here.


    05/15/16; 8:47 pm

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