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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!
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Open-mic night – 2nd March 2009
Gréagóir Ó Dúill certainly sated the Ó Bhéal thirst for Filíocht as Gaeilge on Monday with a much needed dose of dánta from his seasoned canon of nine collections. Thanks Greg. You can listen to the reading here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for excellent emcee work and to all on the open-mic, Tom Jordan, Gerald Heffernan, Bríd Buckley, Joe Sweeney, Fiona Riordan, Jennifer Matthews, Francis Spirling, pc, Patricia Walsh, Rosie O’Regan, Paul O’Mahony, Alan Coakley, Stephen O’Riordan and Alan Titley.
The McNamara Slam challenge was won by Kevin Mullgrey. Tuilleadh biseach ort!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/8/09; 8:58 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd February 2009
Eamonn Lynskey danced his seasoned tongue comfortably through a full forty-five house minutes, with a fine blend of sharp and humourous satire. Plenty enough to sate the hungry ears of any poetry enthusiast. Thanks Eamonn. We wish him all the best with his forthcoming second collection. You can listen to Eamonn’s reading here.
Thanks to Bríd Buckley and well done on her successful début as eMCee. Well done to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, Tom Jordan, Colm Scully, Bríd Buckley, Eugene Crowley, Christy Parker, Fiona Riordan, Francis Spurling, Michelle Dalton, Bryan McElroy, Bairbre Flood (who launches her new collection ‘The Flotsam’ at The Spailpin Fanach, this Saturday, 7th March at 7pm), Stephen O’Riordan and Alan Titley.
Eamonn and Peter tied the McNamara Slam this week … Sláinte.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/1/09; 6:46 pm
Open-mic night – 16th February 2009
Martin Daws delivered a captivating performance with his poetry and South African-styled Kalimba to a full house, demonstrating how the musicality inherent in poetry can step up the performance pace and complement the power of the spoken word. You can listen to a few of Martin’s pieces here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for excellent eMCeeing and to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Aaron Lewis, Pat Cotter, Jen Matthews, Niall Herriott, Rosalyn Blue, Christy Parker, Niamh Leonard, Tom Jordan, Marie Coveney, Seamus Harrington, Bríd Buckley, Miriam Casey, Anita Daly, Alan Coakley and Alan Titley.
The poetry challenge was a draw between Aaron Lewis and Aoife Neachtainn … well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/23/09; 10:07 am
Open-mic night – 9th February 2009
The Stinging Fly team made a big impression on Cork poetry lovers, who filled the Loft to the brim to listen to fine readings by Eabhan Ní Shúileabháin and Gwyn Parry. Declan Meade braved an onslaught of questions about the publication, so I hope he’ll be receiving a lot of Rebel entries for 2009. You can listen to a few of Eabhan’s poems here, and to Gwyn’s reading and excellent musical performance here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for compèring with great humour and enthusiasm, and to all on the open-mic, Brian Mooney, Tom Moloney, Niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, Noel O’Reoan, Hayrek Abdula, Bríd Buckley, Stíofán O’Ríordáin, Paul O’Mahony, Joe Sweeney and Alan Titley.
The winner of the McNamara Slam was an anonymous Ó Bhéal newcomer … well done to yourself.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/15/09; 5:10 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd February 2009
A full house braved the sub-zero weather this Monday for Macdara Woods, who delivered an inspirational reading, taken from a few of his many collections. He even braved a song to end his visit which had everyone in stitches. Thanks Macdara. You can listen to his reading here.
Thanks to Alan Coakley for compèring in fine bi-lingual spirit, and to all on the open-mic, Aoife (Good luck down-under), Eugene Crowley, Alan Flockhart, Niall Herriott, Billy Ramsell, Bríd Buckley, Colin Scully, Fiona Riordan, Seamus Harrington, Gerry “Harrington” Murphy, Aaron Lewis, Alan Titley, Rosie O’Regan, Joe Sweeney and pc.
Well done to Bríd for winning the poetry challenge.
You can listen to the open-mic here.
02/8/09; 11:18 pm
Open-mic night – 26th January 2009
Alan Jude Moore isn’t one for giving large introductions to his poems, so we were treated to a large selection of his work from both Black State Cars and lost republics, which is only off the press since October. A fantastic reading all round, thanks Alan. Alan’s reading is here.
Thanks again to compère Jen Matthews and to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Niall Herriott, Bairbre Flood, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Fiona Riordan, Cathal, Paul O’Mahony, pc, Stephen O’Riordan and Alan Titley.
Anton Cullen won the McNamara Slam challenge this week. Sláinte.
The open mic mp3 is here.
02/2/09; 6:37 am
Open-mic night – 19th January 2009
A huge thanks to Grace Wells for her excellent reading on Monday. We wish her all the best with her forthcoming collection. You can listen to Grace’s reading here.
Thanks also to Jennifer Matthews for compèring and to all on the open-mic, Richard Tillinghast, pc, Alan Coakley, Miriam Casey, Niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, Paul O’Mahony and Alan Titley.
Richard Tillinghast won the poetry challenge this week, nice one.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/26/09; 12:07 am
Open-mic night – 12th January 2009
PJ and Lisa-Marie were given a lively Cork appreciation by yet another full, enthusiastic Winter audience. Both of their performances ranged from oblique risqué verse to dramatic Kavanagh-inspired scenarios set in the modern context. Entertaining to the end! Thanks to them both. You can listen to their reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Wes Wallace, Miriam Casey, Bríd Buckley, Daw Harding, Liz, LJ, Bairbre Flood, Alan Coakley and Alan Titley.
The poetry challenge was a tie between Wes and Jen. Well Done.
The Mp3 of the open mic is here.
01/19/09; 1:15 am
Open-mic night – 5th January 2009
A healthy winter audience braved sub-zero Cork to hear Dave Lordan start off the Ó Bhéal year with an excellent reading. Clonakilty-born Lordan hadn’t read in Cork for few years and recited a number of poems from his forthcoming collection. Thanks Dave. You can listen to his reading here.
The open-mic was glad to see a few new faces again … thanks to all who contributed, Bríd Buckley, LJ, Jerry O’Neill, Liz, Miriam Casey, Pat Cotter, Billy Ramsell, Gavin Ryan, Patricia Walsh, Alan Titley, Alan Coakley and Mary O’Leary.
Bríd Buckley won the poetry challenge. Well Done Bríd.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/12/09; 5:22 pm
Open-mic night – 15th December 2008
Well we managed 50 weeks this year after all. Thanks to everyone for the great turnouts and support. 2009 awaits and there’s a great line up of guest poets on the way, many of whom will be offering workshops on the day. Poetry must be back in vogue … and with the recession it can only get better. Filíochta abú!
Thanks to Pat Cotter for wrapping up 08 for us with a fine reading from his new collection and a range of other pieces. You can listen to Pat’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Alan Coakley, Matthew Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Aoife Moylan, Mary Noonan, Fiona Riordan, Nick Barry, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Jennifer Matthews, Seamus Harrington, Gene Barry, Daw Harding, Aaron Lewis and Daniel Benn.
Joe Sweeney took the challenge this week, nudging Bríd off the McNamara throne … I’m sure it won’t be long before she accedes again. Well done Joe.
The Mp3 of the open mic is here.
Nollaig Shona!
12/24/08; 7:54 pm
Open-mic night – 8th December 2008
The bardic narratives of Master Gaeilgeoir and Corkman Alan Titley, entranced the crowd from beginning to end, and had them in stitches through most of it. A fine poet in his own right, Alan prefers to call himself a writer, but I’m sure there’s an old Celtic ollamh in there. So he’s twice an ollamh, to be sure … Thanks Alan. You can listen to the reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Alan Flockhart, Mary O’Connell, Joe Sweeney, Anne O’Malley, Seamus Harrington, Eugene Crowley, Gene Barry, Bríd Buckley, Pat Cotter and Daw Harding.
Bríd won the challenge for the 4th week in a row! Nice one.
You can listen to the open-mic here.
12/15/08; 6:19 pm
Open-mic night – 1st December 2008
The Galwegian poets attracted a healthy turnout for their respective work. A pleasure as always to see Miceál Kearney strut his slam-winning words and finally to host John Walsh. You can hear John’s reading here and Miceál’s here.
The open-micers this week were Joe Sweeney, Wes Wallace, Jennifer Matthews, Stíofan Ó Riordáin, Bríd Buckley, Daw Harding, Nick Barry, Louis Mulcahy, Noreen Troy, Gene Barry and Alan Titley. Thank you all.
Bríd won the poetry challenge again! Well done Bríd.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/8/08; 12:58 am
Open-mic night – 24th November 2008
The Hayloft was justly packed to the brim for Eiléan’s reading, which had many in a dreamworld as she left the stage. An excellent open-mic followed too … you can listen to Eiléan’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Emma Staerck, Matthew Sweeney, Eddie Mulaneen, Aoife Moylan, Michael Loughnan, Wes Wallace, Nick Barry, Joe Sweeney, Noreen Troy, Cliff Wedgbury, Graham Allen, Eugene Crowley, Bríd Buckley, Seamus Harrington, Niall Herriott, Daw Harding, Mary Noonan, Sue Blue and Barty Begley.
The open-mic challenge was a tie between Matthew Sweeney and Bríd Buckley. Go maire sibh araon!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/26/08; 5:41 pm
Just to let O Bheal have my correct name after last night’s Open-Mic. Somebody was taking the clipboard as I was putting my name down and it obviously ended up looking like Loughnaix.
I’m off home to London shortly and won’t be able to get to another session for quite some time. Keep up the great work.
Some time in the Spring I hope to do a performance in Cork of my solo play about William Blake. It’s called A Grain Of Sand In Lambeth and deals with his Trial for Sedition and his conflict with the publisher Robert Cromek.
And as James Barry’s story shows it’s not only poets who can die in poverty; painters and engravers do also. Blake was poet, painter, engraver, philosopher and visionary. He believed his work would only be truly appreciated in Eternity, so the material poverty of his life related only, he believed, to the “faint shadow” of the real world of Vision and Imagination.
Go n-eiri libh uile.
Michael Loughnan.
11/25/08; 12:15 pm
Open-mic night – 17th November 2008
A slightly different change to the format this Monday with six Cork poets reading the work of Coventry poet Tony Owen here, followed by a reading by Jon Morley. Deputy Lord Mayor Jim Corr delivered a very warm speech to begin the evening’s events, which you can listen to here. Jon gave us a selection from his forthcoming collection, Backra Man, and his reading is here.
This Twinning poetry celebration between Coventry and Cork promises to be the first of many, and the beginnning of a valuable literary relationship. Be sure to take a look at the videos here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Daw Harding, Joe Sweeney, Alan Coakley, Eugene O’Connell, Bairbre Flood, Bríd Buckley, Noreen Troy, Billy Ramsell, Tommy Livingstone, Alan Titley and myself, pc.
Bríd won the poetry challenge this week, good job.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/21/08; 4:01 am
Open-mic night – 10th November 2008
Well, yet another all-Cork evening with guests Mary Noonan and John Mee attracted a great turnout, which was also boosted by the remaining crowd from Liz O’Donoghue’s inaugural book launch by the Munster Literature Centre. Congrats Liz. A big thanks to Mary and John. You can listen to Mary’s reading here and to John’s here.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Fiona Riordan, Rosie O Regan, Konrad Fischer, Jerry O’Neill, Graham Allen, Barty Begley, Particia Walsh, Eugene O’Connell, Niall Herriott, Gerry Murphy, Seamus Harrington, Peter Lucey, Daw Harding, Tomás Ó Fiacháin, Joe Sweeney and Hayreh Abdula.
Andrew won the poetry challenge, well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/17/08; 10:23 am
Open-mic night – 3rd November 2008
Diarmaid Ó Dálaigh gave a rivetting performance of stories and poetry on Monday, in the spirit of the bardic-storytelling traditions of South-West Munster. The Ó Dálaighs were the official poets of the McCarthy Clan of West Cork and Kerry back in the day, and their cadent tongues echoed into the 21st Century, through Diarmaid’s own. You can listen to the reading here.
The reading was preceded by ten fine poems from Tony Desmond from Turner’s Cross which you can listen to here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Miriam Casey, Niall Herriott, Joe Sweeney, Fiona Riordan, Hayret Adbula, Bríd Buckley, Cuan Muyllaert and Alan Titley.
Maeve won the Poetry Challenge this week, Congrats!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/10/08; 5:33 pm
miss you guys!
11/8/08; 6:30 am
Open-mic night – 27th October 2008
Jazz and Poetry blend perfectly. A full house swayed to the improv fusions of Keith Armstrong and The Honeyfeet, who met for the first time in the afternoon to rehearse for an hour. Magic. The Manchester musos did not disappoint. The expected trio had become a quintet too, and blew the top off the recording levels. So no mp3 of the main act, but we got it on video, and here they are.
Newcastle poet Guy Hudson opened the evening with a selection of his verse which you can listen to here.
Thanks to all on the open mic, Nick Barry, Odhrán Meldon, Bríd Buckley, Miriam Casey, Anne-Marie Glasheen, Ríanna Ní Chonghaile, Alabaster de Plume, Seamus Harrington, Eugene Crowley, Gene Barry, Fiona Riordan, Rick Warren, Lung Butter (also blew the mp3 but wasn’t videoed unfortunately) and finally Guy Hudson again.
Raphael won the Poetry Challenge with a fine poem and made Ó Bhéal history by becoming the first McNamara Slam Winner with no competition. Did anticipating the Jazz chase away all the creative flow? Well it’s only once a year so we can’t complain. well done Raphael.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/3/08; 1:36 am
Open-mic night – 20th October 2008
A great turnout on Monday for the CLR 2007 winner, Anne-Marie Glasheen’s debut launch, including half of Munster’s publishers. Thanks to Tim Cunningham who openend the evening with a selection from Kyrie which you can listen to here.
Anne-Marie stole the show with her reading from Lines in the Sand, as expected. Thanks Anne-Marie, and the best of luck with the collection. You can listen to the reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Bryan McElroy, Dominic Taylor, Pat Cotter, Joe Sweeney, John Ryan, Michael Curtis, Patricia Walsh, Eugene Crowley, Noel King, Daw Harding, Nick Barry, Fiona Riordan, Tommy Livingstone, Bríd Buckley, Stíofan Ó Riordáin, Kate McGrew, Donal O’Flynn and Alan Titley.
Joe Sweeney took the challenge this week. Bullaí fir!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/26/08; 9:40 pm
Open-mic night – 13th October 2008
A huge thanks to Jen Matthews for eMCeeing while I was off at the Zebra poetry film festival, and to Alan Flockhart for running the 5-Words. Thanks also to Aideen Henry for driving down from Galway to read. You can listen to Aideen’s reading here.
The open-mic was adorned by Paddy Doyle, Joe Sweeney, Mary O’Connell, Niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, Rosie O’Regan, Miriam Casey, Fiona Riordan, Enda Corrigan, Donnacha Mallen, Laura Jane, Bríd Buckley, Desmond Swords, Alan Titley, Gene Barry, Billy Ramsell and Jen Matthews, who gave An Bhéal Corcra a good go with some help from the audience. I’ve left it on the mp3 along with Jen’s seasonal compliments … always appreciated of course!
Stíofan Ó Riordáin won the poetry challenge again this week. Hope you’re keeping all those poems.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/19/08; 3:08 am
Open-mic night – 6th October 2008
Barbara Smith never fails to arouse the crowd’s imagination with her evocative imagery, ranging masterfully from the lyrical to the bardic, and often with a very cute sense of humour. That’s Cork cute btw, which means ‘subtle’ for all you non-rebels, though the mom of 6 (which you wouldn’t believe was true) is well worthy of the more commonly known interpretation too! Thanks Barbara. You can listen to Barbara’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Miriam Casey, Jen Matthews, Gene Barry, Bríd Buckley, James Foley, Seamus Harrington, Kate McGrew, Eugene Crowley, Fiona Riordan, Daw Harding, Billy Ramsell, Mahta, Pat Cotter, Stíofan Ó Riordáin and Alan Titley.
Jen Matthews took the poetry challenge this week, Well done Jen! Jen will be emceeing next Monday too.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/9/08; 1:41 pm
Open-mic night – 29th September 2008.
A big thanks to Gabriel FitzMaurice for driving down from North Kerry to take center stage in the fourth of our bi-lingual poetry evenings. Gabriel read from a cross-section of his own poetry and his translations of other poets’ works to a comfortably packed venue. The Kerry faeries must’ve followed him as we only managed to salvage half of his reading .. which you can listen to here.
Thanks also to the open-mic contributors, Alan Flockhart, Joe Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Miriam Casey, Anita Daly, Eugene Crowley, Muscovite María for sharing her poem in Russian, Pat Cotter, Fiona Riordan, Alan Titley and Daw Harding.
Stíofan Ó Riordáin won the poetry challenge, good job.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/4/08; 5:14 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd September 2008.
There was a spirited turnout to take in the sobering lyrics of Seamus Cashman and Felicity Heathcoate, both of whose informative and delicate treatments of the Palestinian complex commanded long and silent engagement from the audience. A big thanks to both, and to The Seven Towers for delivering such high quality work. You can listen to Seamus’ reading here and to Felicity’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Gene Barry, Joe Sweeney, Daw Harding, Anita Daly, Miriam Casey, Saskia Byrne, Alan Titley, Seamus Harrington, Kate McGrew, Eugene Crowley and Aaron Lewis.
The poetry challenge was won by John Ryan. Good stuff!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/28/08; 12:15 pm
Open-mic night – 15th September 2008.
Leanne O’Sullivan gave us a sneak preview of her forthcoming collection (due out early ’09). As a myth mad maestro meself I was well and truly mythed. Ah the auld bards of Munster roam in many shapes and sizes. Thanks Leanne for a WOW reading. You can listen to Leanne’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Anita Daly, Mary O’Connell, Miriam Casey, niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, Eugene, eilish Lee, Anthony Jackson, Seline McCarney, Stephen O’Riordan, Gene Barry, Davy, Mary Brennan and Tom Jordan.
Bríd Buckley won the poetry challenge. Well Done!
The open mic mp3 is here.
09/22/08; 6:29 pm
Open-mic night – 8th September 2008
Robyn Rowland had the (full) house silenced with a wide variety of delectably lyrical free verse, filled with encouraging yet hard-hitting experiences and a gentle optimism layered with orphic tones. She’s a true master of the word. And all after delivering a two and a half hour workshop which was magical altogether. We hope to have Robyn back to visit later on in 2009. You can listen to Robyn’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, John Ryan, Anita Daly, Bríd Buckley, Michelle Hicks, Mary O’Connell, Jennifer Matthews, Aoife Moylan, Nichole leFevre, Niall Herriott, Louis Mulcahy, Seamus Harrington, Eugene Crowley, Nick Barry, Gene Barry, Dean Coady, Kate McGrew, Davy, Tina Pisco, Daw Harding, Patricia Walsh and Alan Coakley.
Steven won the Poetry Challenge. Good Job!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/14/08; 1:45 pm
Open-mic night – 1st September 2008
We had yet another great turnout on Monday for Knute Skinner, who delighted all with a variety of verse from his 50-year canon of exceptional poesy. Thanks Knute. You can listen to Knute’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jennifer Matthews, Nichole LeFebvre, Matthew Sweeney, Mary O’Sullivan, Bríd Buckley, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Eugene Crowley, Dean Coady, Pat Cotter, Bairbre Flood, Bryan McElroy, Daw Harding, Kate McGrew, Brian Ó Murcada and Alan Titley.
The poetry challenge was won by Michelle, on her first attempt. Well Done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/4/08; 10:33 pm
Open-mic night – 25th August 2008
Monday saw another great late-summer turnout to see Billy Ramsell deliver an inspired recitation from both new material and Complicated Pleasures, and as usual all off the page … thanks Billy. You can listen to the reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, John Mee, Louis Mulcahy, Bríd Buckley, Niall Herriott, Jen Matthews, Sinéad Ryan, Bairbre Flood, Kate McGrew, Mary Noonan, Joe Sweeney, Brian Ó Murchada, Annie Power and Daw Harding.
The poetry challenge was a tie between Jen Matthews and Stephen. Well Done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/28/08; 11:59 pm
Open-mic night – 18th August 2008
A huge thanks to Ross, Oran and the Seven Towers for coming down from Dubs for the evening to deliver their fine readings of both poetry and prose. We had a great turnout, I counted about 50 in the Hayloft at one stage. Ross’s reading is here and Oran’s is here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Aaron Lewis, Brian Ó Murchú, Gillian Madden, Joe Sweeney, Louis Mulcahy, Bríd Buckley, Niall Herriott, Saskia Byrne, Eugene Crowley, Mary O’Sullivan, Stefan Wenger, Patricia Walsh, Sue Blue, Kate McGrew, Miriam Casey, Jaqui Kerr and Greg.
Alan Coakley won the poetry challenge (yet again!). Nice one Alan.
We had a meeting with the king and queen of the faeries this week who assure us that they’ve caught the rogue faeries and are currently subjecting them to Ó Bhéal re-runs directly from the website. Hopefully after that they’ll leave our new recording equipment alone … The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/23/08; 11:49 pm
Open-mic night – 11th August 2008
Thanks to Dairena Ní Chinnéide who gave a fantastic bilingual reading from two of her collections … a real treat for Gaeilge-lovers. Go raibh maith agat, a Dairena. Thanks also to Alan Coakley for emceeing the event.
Still no recording device … hopefully next week.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jerry O’Neill, Jen Matthews, Bríd Buckley, Anita Daly, Niall Herriott, Miriam Casey, Patricia Walsh, John Ryan, Eugene Crowley, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Bairbre Hood, Anthony Jackson and Shawn Ní Cuilibin.
Jen Matthews won the McNamara Slam this week, well done.
08/13/08; 11:34 am
Open-mic night – 4th August 2008
Thanks very much to Paddy Bushe for a great reading from his ‘collected’ works, To Ring in Silence: New and Selected Poems.
The fairies have officially demolished the recording equipment, which has since arrived safely in mp3 heaven … so no sound for a while. We’re on the lookout for fairy-proof technology as we speak … any ideas?
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jerry O’Neill, Niall Herriott, Miriam Casey, Anita Daly, Louis Mulcahy, Sue Blue, Stephen O’Riordan, David Walsh and Antonello.
Louis Mulcahy won the poetry challenge, well done Louis.
08/13/08; 11:23 am
Open-mic night – 28th July 2008
A big thanks to regular Ó Bhéaler Niall Herriott for his reading on Monday which was enjoyed thoroughly by all … and we wish him the best of luck with his latest short-story edition. You can listen to Niall’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Tom Jordan, Miriam Casey, Saskia Byrne, Gene Barry, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Patrick Cotter, Daw Harding and Sean Óg Ó Glacín.
Gene Barry won the Poetry Challenge. Well done Gene.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/3/08; 10:20 pm
Open-mic night – 21st July 2008
Matthew Sweeney delivered a fantastic reading of all brand new verse, as yet unpublished … and we look forward to his new collection. Matthew is filmimg a documentary at the moment too which we’ll be on the lookout for. You can listen to Matthew’s reading here.
Thanks to all who adorned the open mic, Alan Coakley, Brian Ó Murchú, Konrad Fischer, Niall Herriott, Patricia Walsh, Gene Barry, Seamus Harrington, Louis Mulcahy, Seline McCarney, Mary Noonan, Margaret McCarthy, Tony Desmond and Miriam Casey. The evening was captured on video, and we hope to have those up within the next week.
The McNamara Slam winner was Alan Coakley yet again! Nice one Alan.
The open mic mp3 is here.
07/25/08; 11:32 pm
Open-mic night – 14th July 2008
Thanks to Desmond and John for their excellent readings on Monday, and for coming from so far to share their poetry at Ó Bhéal. Two fantastic poets with enough verse under the belt between them to drown everyone the house. Desmond’s reading is here, and John’s is here.
Thanks also to the open-mic contributors, Jerry O’Neill, Daw Harding, Aaron Lewis, Paddy Doyle, Saskia Byrne, Patricia Walsh, John Ryan, Niall Herriott, Tony Desmond, Ellen Riordan and Louis Mulcahy.
Alan Coakley won the poetry challenge, well done Alan, and CONGRATULATIONS on having your new baby girl!!
The open mic mp3 is here.
07/21/08; 12:20 am
Open-mic night – 7th July 2008
Well I’m not sure what to write about Monday actually. Oh yes, the open-mic list was robbed off me and my 40th was brought back a day much to my surprise … so things started to blur way ahead of schedule thanks to the cunning Ó Bhéal house poets. Thanks for all the birthday wishes, gifts and poems from everyone. It was without a doubt the best birthday I’ve ever had. What a crowd of special people all together at once … there must have been well over sixty there and I must’ve had a pint from each of them … Sláinte! All the birthday poems and wishes and my own poem are here.
Thanks a mill to Rónán Ó Snodaigh for coming down to make the night really fantastic. Brilliant music and poetry indeed from The Garden Wars, and best of luck with the collection. And a big thanks to Foras na Gaeilge for making our bilingual evenings possible. One of Rónán’s songs is here.
I have no idea who was up on the open-mic, but thanks for coming and you can listen to yourselves here.
Niall Herriott won the McNamara Slam Challenge. Well done Niall.
07/14/08; 2:13 pm
Open-mic night – 30th June 2008
Well I heard the night was fantastic from MCs Jennifer Matthews and Gene Barry, and was glad to be able to text in a poem for the five words … maybe we’ll start a trend. Thanks for holding the fort guys. Thanks also to Dominic Taylor for coming down to read. Unfortunately there was no sound this week … those tech faeries never give up do they?
Thanks to all on the open mic, Richard Sheehan, Joe Sweeney, Matthew Sweeney, Tom McCarthy, Aaron Lewis, Bríd Buckley, Patricia Walsh, Eugene Crowley, Seamus Harrington, Sue Blue, Seline McCarney, Saskia Byrne, Fintan Lucy and Fionnbarra.
Stephen won the poetry challenge, well done.
07/14/08; 2:01 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd June 2008
I thought the evening was going to be a quiet one with Lou Reed in town, but we had a full house. Celeste and Aoife both silenced the Hayloft with their engaging, enchanting poems. Two emergent poets who we’ll be hearing a lot from in the future. A great night altogether. A big thanks to them both. You can listen to Aoife’s reading here and to Celeste’s here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Wes Wallace, Bríd Buckley, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Matthew Sweeney, Alan Titley, Niall Herriott, Graham Allen, Mahta Mortezavi, Billy Ramsell, Mary Noonan, David Coughlan and Seline McCarney.
Matthew Sweeney won the poetry challenge. Cheers Matthew.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/24/08; 4:01 am
Open-mic night – 16th June 2008
While the night was quieter than usual, Tim Wells entertained all from beginning to end with thirty-five minutes of his magnetic East London cockney poetic. Thanks Tim. We hope to see Tim back in a combined tour in 2009. You can listen to Tim’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Anne-Marie Granfield, John Ryan, Seline McCarney, Bríd Buckley, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Aaron Lewis, Alan Coakley, Christopher Collins, Daw Harding, Seán Óg and Alan Titley.
The poetry challenge was taken hands down by Seline, on the occassion of her last evening as bardtender. Well Done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/21/08; 9:15 pm
I miss you all! To me, the grass seems greener on the other side of the Atlantic.
I hope the sun is beaming over the beamish factory…
meghann
06/14/08; 8:16 pm
Open-mic night – 9th June 2008
The Hague’s city poet gave a powerful reading to an ever increasing audience as the house went from half-full to full-full during Harry’s fine display of both spoken word and off the page delivery. Thanks Harry, and to thanks to Gene who eMCeed in fine trilingual style. You can hear Harry’s performance here.
Thanks to all the open-micers too, Seán Óg Ó Glacín, Patricia Walsh, Bríd Buckley, Gillian Madden, Seamus Harrington, Rosalin Blue, Mahta Mortezaui, Daw Harding, Alan Titley and Seline McCarney.
The Poetry Challenge was a tie between Eileen Kerrigan and Andrew Lane, Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/12/08; 12:35 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd June 2008
The Hayloft saw it’s first bi-lingual reading of the year with Alan Coakley as eMCee, while Colette nic Aodha gave a fine reading from a number of her collections including between curses / bainne géar. Thanks Colette. You can listen to Colette’s reading here.
Thanks also to the open-mic poets, Joe Sweeney, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Bríd Buckley, Gene Barry, Niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, John Keating, Eugene Crowley and Alan Titley.
Bríd Buckley won the poetry challenge, well done Bríd.
The open mic mp3 is here.
06/9/08; 3:49 am
Open-mic night – 26th May 2008
Yet another fantastic evening. A big thanks to Billy Ramsell who eMCeed most excellently, and to guest poets Randall Maggs and Seán Callahan who travelled so far to read their respective poetry. It was a full house again in The Hayloft. Randall’s reading can be heard here and Seán’s here.
Thanks to the open-mic contributors, Joe Sweeney, Jen Matthews, Niall Herriott, Gillian Madden, Mike O’Brien, Patricia Walsh, Bríd Buckley, David Winter, Miriam Casey, Seamus Harrington, Eugene Crowley, Aaron Lewis, Seline McCarney, Seán Óg, Bryan McElroy, Mary O’Connell, Mary Brennan, Daw Harding, Gene Barry, Edward O’Dwyer and Alan Titley.
Seline McCarney won the poetry challenge. Nice one Seline.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/1/08; 11:33 pm
Open-mic night – 19th May 2008
A big thanks to John W for an excellent reading of his powerful words, moving from the deeply emotive to the evocative imaginings and voices of spiritual earth. You can hear John reading here.
Meghann Plunkett showed that she’s more than just a talented poet with her adept eMCeeing, and carried the night skillfully and professionally. We’ll miss you Meghann. Best of everything in NY.
Thanks to al on the open-mic, Ed O’Dwyer, Joe Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Alan Coakley, Patricia Walsh, Séamus Harrington, Aaron Lewis, Gene Barry, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Wes Wallace, Fionnbarra, Eugene Crowley, Daw Harding, Antonello Guerralla – Grazie!, Alan Flockhart, Seline McCarney, Alan Titley and Sean Óg Ó Glacín.
Wes Wallace won the poetry challenge. Well Done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/25/08; 10:34 pm
Open-mic night – 12th May 2008
It was nice to see our resident bard-tender Seline McCarney eMCeeing at Ó Bhéal and we hope to have her up doing the same again … thanks Seline.
Guest poet Eileen Sheehan thrilled the house with her earthy, enchanting and colourful Kerry verse from a second collection Down the Sunlit Hall. Thanks Eileen for a fantastic reading. For those who missed Eileen she’ll be reading at Listowel on Friday 30th May. Eileen’s reading can be heard here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Trish Casey, Tom Jordan, John O’Donovan, Aaron Lewis, Meghann Plunkett, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Miriam Casey, Bríd Buckley, Paddy Doyle, John Ryan, Ed O’Dwyer, Alan Coakley, Billy Ramsell, Daw Harding, Eugene Crowley, Séamus Harrington, Gene Barry and Alan Titley.
The poetry challenge was a draw between Gene Barry and Morna. Well done.
The open mic mp3 is here.
05/18/08; 8:55 pm
Open-mic night – 5th May 2008
Thanks to Jen who eMCeed the bank holiday Monday, and to Fred Johnston who travelled down from Galway to present work from a number of his collections, which was very much enjoyed by all. It was a great turnout for a public holiday with over forty in the house, and hopefully a good omen for future bank holidays. Fred’s reading can be heard here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, Edward o’Dwyer, Alan Flockhart, Cliff Wedgbury, David Winter, Gerry Murphy, Patricia Walsh, Billy Ramsell, Miriam Casey, Séamus Harrington, Gene Barry, Niall Herriott, Meghann Plunkett, Seline McCarney, Pat Cotter, Mary and Bryan McElroy.
Joe Sweeney won the McNamara Slam, well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/12/08; 5:55 pm
Open-mic night – 28th April 2008
Durham guest Ian Horn sent forth a fine delivery of his latest poetry, also mixing some of the new with some of the old, and all well enjoyed … thanks Ian. Gene Barry eMCeed with much aplomb to a full house. You can hear Ian’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Fionnbarra, Trish Casey, Jennifer Matthews, Joe Sweeney, Miriam Casey, Alan Flockhart (finally! – Nice one Alan), Séamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Eugene Crowley, David Winter, Edward O’Dwyer, Seline McCarney, Patrizio Tamillo, Paddy Doyle, pc, Daw Harding and Séan Ó Glacín.
Meghann Plunkett won the poetry challenge, Well Done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/4/08; 6:27 pm
Open-mic night – 21st April 2008
Another fantastic night up in the Hayloft this Monday as Miceál Kearney took the spotlight. Miceál entertained everyone from start to finish and set a high standard for the open-mic, which did not disappoint either, to say the very least. We hope to have Miceál back later in the year for the launch of his first collection.
You can hear Miceál’s reading here.
Thanks to the open-mic poets, Alan Coakley, Jennifer Matthews, Mary O’Connell, Pat Cotter, Jerry O’Neill, Meghann Plunkett, Matthew Sweeney, Aaron Lewis, Seamus Harrington, Derek Shannon, Seline McCarney, Brian O’Murchú, Patricia Walsh, Edward O’Dwyer, Cliff Wedgbury, Mary Noonan, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Daw Harding, Gene Barry, Miriam Casey and Alan Titley. Where were all the poets?
Joe Sweeney won the McNamara Slam Poetry Challenge, well done Joe.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/24/08; 7:26 pm
1st Anniversary Open-mic night – 14th April 2008
Well even if we’d had a guest poet on Monday it seems they would have been wanting for time, with the house being full and everyone there who was published in Five Words reading from it … A great night which went on till much later.
Thanks to all who attended and to all who helped during the past year. There are videos of all the readings here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic too, I won’t list you this week, as your videos are on the same page as the others.
Daw Harding won the Poetry Challenge, a hair’s breadth ahead of Cliff Wedgbury, well done. There’s a video of Monday’s 5-word challenge too.
There are a couple of comments from the evening here.
04/21/08; 2:18 pm
Open-mic night – 7th April 2008
A big thanks to Matthew Geden and Eugene O’Connell for reading at such short notice, two very fine poets who alternated their lyrical compositions with great delicacy and aptitude. Part of their reading can be heard here.
Thnaks also to the open-mic participants, Mary O’Connell, Jennifer Matthews, Annie Power, Miriam Casey, Séamus Harrington, Edward O’Dwyer, Anthony Jackson, Seline McCarney and Daw Harding.
The Poetry Challenge was won by Aoife Casby, nice one.
The open-mc mp3 is here.
04/12/08; 12:33 am
Open-mic night – 31st March 2008
As expected, a lively crowd turned out to hear one of Ireland’s most accomplished and masterful poets, Derek Mahon, and were surprised to hear a whole new series of poesy from Derek’s as-yet-unpublished next collection, which is largely an eco-exploration, including a tribute to Bjork. Derek delighted the house with his latest unheard poems. We certainly hope to be seeing more of him. You can hear Derek’s reading here.
Thanks to all the open-mic participants, Joe Sweeney, Cliff Wedgbury, Mary O’Connell, Alan Coakley, Meghann Plunkett, Seline McCarney, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Rosie O’Regan, Billy Ramsell, Jennifer Matthews, Pat Cotter, John Keating, Anthony Jackson, Daw Harding, Orla Brownlee and Tom Jordan.
The poetry challenge was won by Meghann Plunkett. Good stuff!
You can hear the open mic mp3 here.
04/3/08; 4:17 pm