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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 – 4th May 2015
Our warm thanks to Áine Uí Fhoghlú for her fabulous reading on Monday, without translation, the music of the language keeping the reading as enjoyable for gaelgeoirs and non-Irish language speakers alike. You can listen to Áine’s reading here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her top-notch work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Julie Field, Tom Campbell, Paul Casey, Patricia Walsh, Eoghan Ó Crualaoich and Cédric Bikond.
Paul Casey won this week’s five word challenge. Woohoo!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/10/15; 12:41 pm
Open-mic night – 27th April 2015
Thanks to Gabriel Fitzmaurice for coming down from North Co. Kerry on Monday, and for his fabulous reading, thoroughly enjoyed by all in the buzzing Hayloft audience. You can listen to Gabriel’s reading right here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for his professional touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Davey Barnwall, Jude O’Neill, Tina Pisco (with Anja Bakker on Harp), Mary O’Connell, Shane Vaughan, Gerrard Spears, Colm Scully, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Anja Bakker, Philip Spillane, Daw Harding, Ray Hanrahan, David Acker, Niamh O’Donovan, Michal Weber (with Anja Bakker on Harp), Ciarán MacArtain and Michelle Delea.
Tina Pisco won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Tina!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/4/15; 11:16 am
Open-mic night – 20th April 2015
Our warm thanks to John Pinschmidt for a most enjoyable reading of his poetry, mainly from his new collection from Revival Press, Maiden Voyage. An excellent evening and lively later open-mic. You can listen to John’s reading here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his superb job as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Tom Hanly, Shane Vaughan, John Carew, Seamus Harrington, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Eoin Murray, Niamh O’Donovan, Cédric Bikond, Philip Spillane, Stan Notte and Michal Weber.
Lizzie Foley was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Lizzie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/27/15; 1:56 pm
Open-mic night – 13th April 2015
A fantastic night of poetry for Ó Bhéals 8th anniversary, with readings from the shortlisted poets, competition winner Derek Sellen and the five word challenge entries. You can listen to Derek’s reading here, to some of the shortlisted poets here and to the five word challenge entries here.
Thanks again to Michael Ray for his beautifully designed glass trophy, to Billy Ramsell for his fine-as-ever touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic reading other poets’ poems, Jude O’Neill, Cal Doyle, Mary O’Connell, Simon Aronsohn, Dean Browne, Bernadette McCarthy, Seamus Harrington, Afric McGlinchey, Colm Scully, Rab Urquhart, Michael Ray, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Conor McManus, Michelle Delea, Anthony Scott, Ciarán MacArtain, Michal Weber (Joe Harpp), Lizzie Foley, Adannaya Igwe, The Cathal and John W. Sexton.
Thomas Moore won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Thomas!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/19/15; 3:11 pm
Open-mic night – 6th April 2015
Another excellent night in the Hayloft with Wexford poet Jim Maguire, who read mainly from his début collection from Poetry Salzburg, Music Field. Thanks to Jim for a fantastic reading, which you can listen to here.
Thanks also to Rosie O’Regan for compering in fine style, and to all on the open-mic, Michael O’Callaghan, Jude O’Neill, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Philip Spillane, Mags Creedon, Maria Gillen, Anton Floyd, Ben Kingston, Rab Urquhart, Joe Harpp, Cédric Bikond and Joe McNulty.
Rob Carlile won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Rob!
The open mic mp3 is here.
04/12/15; 1:37 pm
Open-mic night – 30th March 2015
Our warm thanks to Noel Duffy for his brilliant reading on Monday, delighting a very packed Hayloft. Noel read from his first two collections as well as from his forthcoming, Summer Rain, from Ward Wood Publishing. You can listen to Noel’s reading here.
Thanks to Shane Vaughan for an excellent job on his début as emcee for Ó Bhéal, and to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, Áine Florence, Deirdre O’Brien, Joe Sweeney, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Eoin Murray, Seamus Harrington, Rob Carlile, Cédric Bikond, Helen Harrison, Anton Floyd, Lavisa Cosgrave, Nadine, Mags Creedon, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Jude O’Neill, Ciarán MacArtain, Zen Tshabangu and Joe McNulty.
Congratulations go to this week’s Five Word Winner, Cédric Bikond. Well done Cédric!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/6/15; 4:50 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd March 2015
Our warmest thanks to Brighton’s Bernadette Cremin for flying out to give a stellar performance taken from her new show altered egos. Keep a look out for her new and selected due soon from Salmon. You can listen to Bernadette’s performance here.
Thanks also to Simon Aronsohn for a fine job on his début as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Bernadette McCarthy, Mary O’Connell, Shane Vaughan, Deirdre O’Brien, Seán Bent, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Billy Ramsell, Michelle Delea, Lizzie Foley, Mags Creedon, Jerry O’Neill, Eugene Crowley, Cédric Bikond, Ciarán MacArtain, David B, Stanley Notte, David Acker and Michal Weber (Joe Harpp).
And well done to Seán Bent, this weeks Five Word Challenge winner. Nice one Seán!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/29/15; 5:58 pm
Open-mic night – 16th March 2015
Our warm thanks to Richard Halperin for his exemplary reading on Monday, to a packed-to-the-brim Hayloft. A brilliant night for Paddy’s eve with an extra hour for the open-mic. You can listen to Richard’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her excellent work as emcee for a bumper 28 poets, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Shane Vaughan, Bernadette McCarthy, Rosie O’Regan, Julie Goo, Matthew Moynihan, Seamus Harrington, Joe Sweeney, Charles Clarke, Michael Ray, Melissa Collins, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Anton Floyd, Seán Bent, David Jordan, Joe Healy, Niall Herriott, Cathal Holden, Robert Galvin, Michal Weber, Rab Urquhart, Ciarán MacArtain, Simon Arohnson, Eoin Murray, Paul Casey and Christy Parker.
Cathal Holden won the Five Word Challenge this week. Nice one Cathal!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/23/15; 6:16 pm
Open-mic night – 9th March 2015
Galway’s Alan McMonagle gave a rivetting performance on Monday, taken from a cross-selection of his captivating work (including a short story), and to a particularly enthused audience. An excellent night all round, thanks Alan. You can listen to Alan’s reading here.
Thanks also to Emily Davis-Fletcher for her fine work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Alan Andrew, Charles Clarke, Matthew Moynihan, Mary O’Connell, Seán Bent, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Shane Vaughan, Bernadette McCarthy, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Artem and Felumaz, Siobhán Tanner, Ciarán McArtain and Michal Weber.
Mags Creedon won this week’s Five Words Challenge. Great job Mags!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/15/15; 3:55 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd March 2015
Aifric MacAodha read a captivating selection of her new work on Monday, to a very lively audience and with Irish being spoken all round the room. Our warm thanks to Afric for taking the time out from her busy schedule to come to Cork. You can listen to Aifric’s reading here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her excellent work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Robert Galvin, Maggie Breen, Charles Clarke, Eugene Crowley, Paul Casey, Patricia Walsh, Conor McManus, Orlagh de Bhaldraithe, Fintan Lucy, Artem and Felumaz, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain and Julie Goo.
Bernadette McCarthy won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Comhghairdeas a Bhearnaidín!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/8/15; 11:47 am
Open-mic night – 23rd February 2015
A very special thanks to Melissa Diem for reading a fine selection of her new work on Monday, to yet another full house. Melissa read poems from her much anticipated collection This Is What Happened – due very soon from Poetry Bus Press. You can listen to Melissa’s reading here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for steering the proceedings with much aplomb and gusto, and to all on the open-mic, Robert Galvin, Jude O’Neill, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Joe Sweeney, Pete Missing, Artem Trofimenko, Philip Spillane, Cédric Bikond, Frankie Griffin, Ciarán MacArtain, Michal Weber (Joe Harrp), Paul Casey and Christy Parker.
Siobhán Tanner won this week’s Five Word Challenge – on her Ó Bhéal début. Congratulations Siobhán!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/1/15; 10:16 am
Open-mic night – 16th February 2015
Our warm thanks to Martin Dyar for coming down from Galway to give a top-class reading on Monday, and to a huge crowd, despite the saturation from last week’s stellar Cork Spring Poetry Festival. You can listen to Martin’s reading here.
Thanks also to Rosie O’Regan for keeping the proceedings in good time, and to all on the open-mic, John McNally, Colm Scully, Donal, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Simon Arohnson, Mary O’Connell, Seán Bent, Anton, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Matthew Moynihan, Cédric Bikond, Orlagh, Tadge, Stanley Notte and Michal Weber (Joe Harpp).
Newcomer Trevor won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Trevor!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/22/15; 11:30 am
Open-mic night – 9th February 2015
Another jammed Hayloft evening with over 60 in the house to listen to Erin Fornoff and Caleb Brennan share their fabulous poetry. Thanks Erin and Caleb! An excellent night was had by all. You can listen to Erin’s reading here and to to Caleb’s reading here.
Thanks to John McNally for a fine job as compère, and to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Robert Galvin, Shane Vaughan, Janice Windle, Seamus Harrington, Dónall Dempsey, Joe Sweeney, Teri Murray, Patricia Walsh, Pete Missing, Stan Notte, Philip Spillane, Deirdre O’Brien, Michelle Delea, Mags Creedon, Sue Blue, Brian Crotty, Ciarán MacArtain, Charles Clarke and Ben Kingston.
Paul Casey won the Five word challenge. Nice one Paul :o)
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/16/15; 12:18 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd February 2015
Our warm thanks to Leanne O’Sullivan for introducing the MA and PhD creative writing students from UCC on Monday. We couldn’t get any fuller and an excellent evening was had by all. With thanks to guests Ciara McCarthy, Adrian Wistreich, Niamh Prior, Claire Creely and Kathy D’Arcy for their superb readings. You can listen to Ciara’s reading here, to Adrian’s reading here, to Niamh’s reading here, to Claire’s reading here and to Kathy’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for compeering with much aplomb and gusto, and to all on the open-mic, Robert Galvin, Linda Ibbotson, Deirdre O’Brien, Seamus Harrington, Mags Creedon, Frankie Griffin, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Moynihan, Seán Bent, Ciarán MacArtain, Alma Kelly, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond and Michal Weber.
Seán Bent was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Seán!
The open-mic is here.
02/8/15; 11:19 am
Open-mic night – 26th January 2015
Our warm thanks to Arthur Broomfield for his excellent reading on Monday, very much enjoyed by a full Hayloft audience. You can listen to Arthur’s reading here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for a stellar job as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Robert Galvin, Shane Vaughan, Alma Kali, Niall Herriott, Charles Clarke, Tom O’Connor, Frankie Griffin, Stan Notte, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Fergus Costello, Rab Urquart and Michal Weber, Sandra McShane, John McNally, Alexis Bannerman and Thomas Spencer.
Niall Herriott won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Niall!
The open-mic is here.
02/1/15; 11:58 am
Open-mic night – 19th January 2015
Many thanks to Art Ó Maolfabhail for a fabulous session of bilingual verse and song, much enjoyed by a very full Hayloft bar. You can listen to Art’s reading here.
Thanks also to Billy Ramsell for his fine touch as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Arthur Pawsey, Matthew Moynihan, Elaine, Hassan Baker, Simon Arohnson, Charles Clarke, Máirín-Rua Ní Aodha, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Frankie Griffin, Alma Kelly, Cédric Bikond, Norma, Robert Galvin, Stanley Notte and Michael Weber with the jaw harp.
Rosie O’Regan was this week’s five word challenge winner. Nice one Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/25/15; 9:57 pm
Open-mic night – 12th January 2015
A superb turnout for the first Ó Bhéal of the year and a fabulous reading by Helen Burke, who stayed a few days with her partner to enjoy Cork city and interview some local poets. Many thanks to Helen for coming all the way from York through the season’s tempest and travel delays. You can listen to Helen’s reading here.
Thanks also to Emily Davis-Fletcher for navigating the evening’s proceedings with warm vigour, and to all on the open-mic, Stanley Notte, Alexis Bannerman, Matthew Moynihan, Rosalin Blue, Aengus Daly, Eugene Crowley, Mary O’Connell, Frankie Griffin, Patricia Walsh, Rab Urquhart, Lucia Pasquale, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Grant March and Michal Weber.
Congratulations go to Tina Pisco for winning the Five Word Challange. Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/18/15; 1:45 pm
Open-mic night – 15th December 2014
A fantastic end of year event with the fabulous Liz Lochhead captivating a packed-to-the-rafters Hayloft audience, with a 45 minute reading of her delightful poetry. Our warm thanks to Liz for flying out from Glasgow. You can listen to her reading here and videos will be available soon.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic, Donna Coogan, Aengus Daly, Shane Vaughan, Donal Moloney, Paddy Doyle, Matthew Sweeney, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Ciarán MacArtain, Mary O’Connell, Lucia Pasquale, Mags Creedon, Conor Clancy, Patricia Walsh, Simon Arohnson, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Cédric Bikond, Alma Kali, Stanley Notte, Orlagh, Cal Doyle, Rab Urquhart and Christy Parker.
The Five Word Challenge was a tie between John McNally and Rab Urquhart. Well done lads!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/24/14; 12:17 pm
Open-mic night – 8th December 2014
Our warm thanks to Bonny Cassidy for delighting the Ó Bhéal audience on Monday, during her Australian Poetry Tour of Ireland visit. A fabulous reading, which you can listen to right here.
Thanks also to Rab Urquhart for his great work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Frank O’Reilly, Mary O’Connell, Mike Hilt, Mags Creedon, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Aengus Daly, Patricia Walsh, Seán Ó Roideacháin, Ciarán MacArtain, Simon Arohnson, Dean Browne and Michal Weber.
Rosie O’Regan won Monday’s five word challenge. Congrats Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/14/14; 11:48 am
Open-mic night – 1st December 2014
Many thanks to Martín Veiga for his excellent Galician poetry and superb translations. Martín read to a fine crowd and was enjoyed by all. You can listen to Martín’s reading here.
Thanks also to John McNally for a great job done as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Frank O’Reilly, Simon Arohnson, Charles Clarke, Mary O’Connell, Matthew Sweeney, Maria McMahon, Patricia Walsh, Aaron Lewis, Ciarán MacArtain and John McNally.
Deirdre O’Brien was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Deirdre!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/7/14; 3:03 pm
Open-mic night – 24th November 2014
Many thanks to Pat Galvin for coming over from Waterford on Monday to read his fine poems to a very full house. You can listen to Pat’s reading here.
Thanks also to Rosie O’Regan for her fine touch as compére and to all on the open-mic, Zena al Nazev, Anna Victoria Lynch, Mary O’Connell, Seamus Harrington, Juza, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Moynihan, Stan Notte, Rab Urquhart, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Tadge, Zata Kitowski, Simon Arohnson, Cathal and Michal.
Bernadette McCarthy won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congratulations Bernadette!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/30/14; 6:45 pm
Open-mic night – 17th November 2014
Our warm thanks go to Jane Clarke for driving down from Wicklow to give a fabulous reading on Monday, from her forthcoming collection due from Bloodaxe, to a full and fully-transfixed Hayloft. You can listen to Jane’s reading here.
Thanks also to Cathal Holden for his excellent emcee-style and professionalism, and to all on the open-mic, Colm Scully, Alan O’Caochlaigh, Rosie O’Regan, Mary O’Connell, Stanley Notte, Charles Clarke, Joe Sweeney, Juza, Billy Ramsell, Jamie Urquhart, Tadge O’Mullane, Shane Vaughan, John McNally, Lucy Lyons, Ciarán MacArtain, Dara, Cédric Bikond, Deirdre O’Brien, Mags Creedon, Matthew Moynihan and finally Rab Urquhart with Michal on the Jaw Harp.
Michael Ray won the Five Word Challenge. Well done Michael!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/24/14; 1:50 pm
Open-mic night – 10th November 2014
Many thanks to Mary Turley-McGrath for her fine reading on Monday, and all the way down from Letterkenny too. The house was as packed as can be, and a fabulous night was had by all. You can listen to Mary’s reading here.
Thanks also to Sue Cosgrave for her excellent emceeing and time-keeping, and to all on the open-mic, Richard Clare, Jared Nadin, Mary O’Connell, Shane Vaughan, Seamus Harrington, Stan Notte, Mick Noonan, Aaron Lewis, Colm Scully, Cian Kinsella, Mags Creedon, Matthew Moynihan, Cédric Bikond, Daw Harding, Juza, Alan Coakley, Liam Heaphy and Michal.
And congratulations go to Matthew Moynihan for winning this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/15/14; 10:32 pm
Open-mic night – 27th October 2014
Many thanks to Angela T Carr for venturing down from Dublin, and for her fabulous reading on Monday, just ahead of the launch of her forthcoming collection from Bradshaw Books. You can listen to Angela’s reading here.
Thanks also to Ciarán MacArtain for emceeing in fine style, and to all on the open-mic, Noel King, Kevin Griffin, Mick Jones, Louis Mulcahy, Simon Arohnson, Charles Clarke, Rosie O’Regan, Patricia Walsh, Colm Scully, Michal Weber, Ciarán MacArtain and Paul Casey.
Louis Mulcahy won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Comhghairdeas!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/2/14; 12:33 pm
Open-mic night – 20th October 2014
Many thanks to Patrick Cotter, Mo O’Connor, Pat Barrett and Niall Dennehy for a fabulous Jazz-Poetry evening. Videos will appear towards the end of the year. Meanwhile, Patrick’s performance, with overture by the Mo O’Connor Trio can be heard right here, with more from the trio here.
Thanks also to Billy Ramsell for his jazzy emceemanship, and to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, Patricia Walsh, Frankie Griffin, Seamus Harrington, Lucia Pasquale, John McNally, Catherine Jung, Mary O’Connell, Billy Ramsell, Ciarán MacArtain, Afric McGlinchey, Michael Ray, Charles Clarke, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Diarmuid Hunt, Helen Kavanagh Ronan, Mo O’Connor and Rab Urquhart.
Cédric Bikond won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Cédric!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/26/14; 12:21 pm
Open-mic night – 13th October 2014
Thanks to Jean Kavanagh and Dan Moran on their respective visits from Oslo and New York, for their fine readings on Monday. Both shared a variety of their work and were much enjoyed by a full house. You can listen to Jean’s reading here and to Dan’s reading here.
Thanks also to Emily Davis-Fletcher for emceeing with her well-humoured flair and to all on the open-mic, Patrick Cotter, Caleb Brennan, Edward O’Dwyer, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Jared Nadin, Shane Vaughan, Ellen, Ciarán MacArtain, Dara Foley, Mick Noonan, Liam Heaphy, Rosie O’Regan and Christy Parker.
Rosie O’Regan won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/19/14; 12:36 pm
Open-mic night – 6th October 2014
Our warm thanks to the extraordinary Susan Musgrave from Haida Gwaii, Canada, who shared a phenomenal reading of her work in the Hayloft on Monday, taken mainly from her Selected Poems and her most recent collection Origami Dove, an absolute must! Due to the impending arrival of our new faerie-proof mp3 player, you’ll need to listen to Susan’s reading in mono here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Shane Vaughan, Jared Nadin, Helen Harrison, Patricia Walsh, Frankie Griffin, Afric McGlinchey, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Dara Foley, Matthew Moynihan, Michael Noonan and Michael O’Callaghan.
Jared Nadin was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Jared!
The mp3 of the open-mic was gobbled down by hungry Autumn faeries. The new mp3 player (still on the way) promises to be faerie-proof.
10/12/14; 1:05 pm
Open-mic night – 29th September 2014
Our heartfelt thanks to Kobus Moolman for a stellar reading on his visit from South Africa, reading mainly from his two most recent collections, Light and After and Left Over. Kobus delivered four top class readings in all during his trip, which appropriately came to an end at the excellent Dromineer Festival in Tipperary. Thanks Kobus! The mp3 faeries were at it again, so Kobus’ reading will have to remain in the lucky memory banks of the audience. There’s a new mp3 recorder on the way soon … promise!
Thanks also to all on the open-mic where the bar was particularly high, Rab Urquhart, Bernadette McCarthy, Adam Wyeth, Billy Ramsell, Cian Austin Jesus Kinsella, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Moynihan, Mags Creedon, Mary O’Connell, Dara Foley, Frankie Griffin, Michael Ray, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Seán Bent, Josh Harley, Lucia Pasquale and Ciarán MacArtain.
Seán Bent was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Congratulations Seán!
We did manage to save the open-mic mp3, which is here.
10/12/14; 12:51 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd September 2014
Thanks to Edward O’Dwyer for his very fine reading on Monday, taken from his beautifully crafted début collection recently out from Salmon. Ed was Ó Bhéal’s first guest poet in 2007, and has come a long way since back then! (Oh, and he was good then too.) You can listen to Edward’s reading right here.
Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for his work as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Jared Nadin, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Matthew Moynihan, Shane Vaughan, Caleb Brennan, Seamus Harrington, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Christy Parker ans Rab Urquhart.
Congrats to Caleb Brennan! The Five Word Challenge winner, on his first visit to Ó Bhéal.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/28/14; 6:03 pm
Open-mic night – 15th September 2014
Thanks to John Foulcher and Teresa Bell for two top quality readings on Monday, as part of their tour of Ireland. The full-house audience enjoyed them both tremendously. You can listen to John’s reading here and to most of Teresa’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her deft touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Richard Clare, Donal, Edward O’Dwyer, Billy Ramsell, Stanley Notte, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Mags Creedon, Niall, Ciarán MacArtain, Cédric Bikond, Leon and Alan Coakley.
Stanley Notte won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Good job Stan!
September Faeries were seen speeding down Pana with the open-mic mp3. The last we’ll see of that then.
09/21/14; 3:41 pm
Open-mic night – 8th September 2014
Our very warm thanks to Alyson Hallet for visiting us from Cornwall, and for her fabulous reading. A much deserved full house to appreciate Alyson’s beautiful verse, which you can listen to here.
Thanks also to Julie Field for her fine touch as compère, and to all on the open-mic, Eimear Conboye, Alexis Bannerman, Billy Ramsell, Deirdre O’Brien, James Harpur, Seán Bent, Patricia Walsh, Afric McGlinchey, Ciarán MacArtain, Michael Ray, John McNally, Colm Scully, Mags Creedon, Seán Kelly, Cathal Holden and Christy Parker.
Cathal Holden was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Cathal!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/14/14; 8:24 am
Open-mic night – 18th August 2014
Our hearty thanks to Dónall Dempsey for his rivetting performance on Monday, to a very full Hayloft audience left both enthralled and inspired. You can listen to Dónall’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her fine touch as timekeeper and compère, and to all on the open-mic, Teresa Fitzgerald, Peter McGinnity, Charles Clarke, Linda Ibbotson, Aengus Daly, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Deirdre O’Brien, Mags Creedon, Hassan Baker, Jim Crickard, Stanley Notte, Richard Clare, Maria Gillen, Sharon O’Neill, Thomas Carr and Christy Parker.
Sharon O’Neill was this week’s five word challenge winner. Congratulations Sharon!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/24/14; 10:14 am
Open-mic night – 11th August 2014
Suzanne Roberts and June Sylvester Saraceno both wow-ed the crowd last Monday in the Hayloft, after taking time out from their busy summer-school schedule to treat us to an excellent reading of their fine verse. Thanks Suzanne and June! You can listen to June’s reading here and to Suzanne’s reading here.
Thanks also to Billy Ramsell for steering the evening in fine style, and to all on the open-mic, Jim Crickard, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Niall Herriott, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Aaron Lewis, Maria Gillen, Rab Urquhart, Paul Casey, Simon Aronsohn, Stanley Notte and Christy Parker.
Jim Crickard won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Jim!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/17/14; 8:29 am
Open-mic night – 7th July 2014
The 2014 twin cities exchange got off to a flying start with two poets representing Coventry wow-ing the Hayloft audience, Adam Steiner and Saleha Begum. Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Kenneth O’Flynn was also in attendance and welcomed the poets with a fine address praising the success of the exchange and the importance of the poetry link. The summer faeries made off with the podcast yet again, so we’ll have to rely on memory to recall this top-quality event.
The open-mic was also top class with fine contributions from James O’Leary, John Tangney, Pat Murphy, Joe Sweeney, Rosie O’Regan, Edward O’Dwyer, Donal Moloney, Eugene Crowley, Simon Aronsohn, John McNally, Patricia Walsh, Ciarán MacArtain, Richard Clare, The Cathal and Mags Creedon. Thanks one and all!
John McNally won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done John!
07/14/14; 6:41 am
Open-mic night – 16th June 2014
Our thanks this week go to Moyra Donaldson for taking the long three-part journey down from Bangor, Co. Down to give a fabulous reading on Monday. A very exciting poet much appreciated by a very full Hayloft bar. You can listen to Moyra’s reading here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for his sharp work as emcee and to all on the open-mic, John McNally, Donal Moloney, Mary O’Connell, Cathal Holden, Stanley Notte, Joe Sweeney, Richard Hawtree, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Paschal McDonnell, Niall Herriott, Jamie Ross and Cédric Bikond.
Michael O’Callaghan won the Five Word Challenge. Well done Mick!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/22/14; 5:47 pm
Open-mic night – 9th June 2014
Thanks to Nicki Griffin for venturing down from east Clare to give a very fine reading of her work, taken mostly from her collection Unbelonging (Salmon). The Hayloft was packed to the rafters, and ’twas a mighty night! You can listen to Nicki’s reading here.
Thanks also to Emily Davis-Fletcher for her excellent work as compere, and to all on the bursting-with-fabulousness open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Fergus Costello, Paddy Doyle, Seamus Harrington, Edward O’Dwyer, Moze Jacobs, Richie Keane, Deirdre O’Brien, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Matthew Moynihan, Simon Aronsohn, Kathy D’Arcy, Richard Hawtree, Daw Harding, Stanley Notte, Niamh and finally Charles Clarke.
Edward O’Dwyer won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Ed!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/10/14; 10:35 am
Open-mic night – 2nd June 2014
Míle buíochas do Marcus Mac Conghail as a chuid feidhmíocht den scoth ar an Luan. Even though Marcus had no translations with him, his descriptions in English made his Irish poems and songs even more enjoyable to all in the very full Hayloft. You can listen to Marcus’ reading here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for compereing in his usual, enigmatic style, and to all on the open-mic, Dean Browne, Charles Clarke, Eugene Crowley, Patricia Walsh, Simon Aronsohn, Niall Herriott, Paschal McDonnell, Jim Crickard, Cédric Bikond, Rab Urquhart and Freddy Regan.
John W. won the Five Word Challenge for the second week in a row! Great job John!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/8/14; 11:13 am
Open-mic night – 26th May 2014
Our warmest thanks go to Cumbrian poet Kim Moore for treating us to an excellent reading of her work on Monday. The audience was greatly impressed and a very full Hayloft and equally full night of poetry made it a night to remember. You can listen to Kim’s reading here.
Thanks to John McNally for his fine touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Arthur Broomfield, Aidan & Maria, Mary O’Connell, Cal Doyle, John W.Sexton, Rob Childers, Conor McManus, Patricia Walsh, Stanley Notte, Jamie, Paschal McDonnell, Charles Clarke, Cedric Bikond, Rich, Mags Creedon, Christy Parker and Rab Urquhart.
John W.Sexton won this week’s McNamara Slam. Great job John!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/1/14; 9:57 am
Open-mic night – 19th May 2014
Many thanks to Susan Lindsay for coming down from Galway on Monday to give a fine reading in the Hayloft. A full house were in attendance and Susan’s work was much enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Susan’s reading here.
Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for his professional touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Donal Moloney, Stanley Notte, Mary O’Connell, Richie Keane, Rab Urquhart, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Jamie, Michael O’Callaghan, Padraig Collins, Mags Creedon and Conor McManus.
Richard Keane was this week’s Five Word challenge winner. Nice one Richie!
The open mic mp3 is here.
05/25/14; 5:42 pm
Open-mic night – 12th May 2014
Catherine Phil McCarthy gave a wonderful reading on Monday, leaving the audience with that strange after-sense of having been taken on a transformative journey. Thanks Catherine! You can listen the entire reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her deft and humoured compere work, and to all on the open-mic, Charles Clarke, Donal Moloney, Conor McManus, John McNally, Deirdre O’Brien, Mags Creedon, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Mary O’Connell, Richard Keane, Rab Urquhart, Filip Deptula, John Tortorello and Stanley Notte.
Rab won this week’s McNamara Slam. Nice one Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/18/14; 8:58 pm
Open-mic night – 5th May 2014
Our warm thanks go to Gerður Kristný for travelling ten hours each way from Reykjavík just to read in the Hayloft, and also to the Iceland Literature Fund for making it possible. A packed house witnessed an absolutely magical evening – filled with the best of Nordic myth, saga and humour. You can listen to Gerður’s reading here.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic, Marie O’Reilly, James O’Leary, Simon Aronsohn, Eugene Crowley, Sue Blue, Mags Creedon, Sue Cosgrave, Rab Urquhart, Deirdre O’Brien, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, John W. Sexton, Hugh Bradley, Charles Clarke, Michael Ray, Cal Doyle and Lady Grew.
Congratulations go to Oscar Delgado, winner of this week’s Five Word Challenge on his début. Great job Oscar!
The open mic mp3 is here.
05/11/14; 3:38 pm
Open-mic night – 28th April 2014
A brilliant night with Graham Allen on Monday, reading mainly from his new collection, The One that Got Away. The Hayloft was as full as can be. You can listen to Graham’s reading here.
Thanks to Cathal Holden for steering the evening in style, and to all on the open-mic, John McNally, Donal Moloney, Deirdre O’Brien, Noel King, Kevin Griffin, Mags Creedon, Patricia Walsh, Joe Sweeney, Seamus Harrington, Charles Clarke, Ed Cashman, Cedric Bikond and Simon Aronsohn.
Stanley Notte won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Good job Stanley!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/1/14; 11:22 am
Open-mic night – 21st April 2014
Our warm thanks to Niamh Ní Lochlainn for her very moving performance on Monday, reading her poetry to music all the way through. You can listen to Niamh’s reading here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her professional touch as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Deirdre O’Brien, Charles Clarke, Rab Urquhart, Mags Creedon, Simon Aronsohn, Stanley Notte, Conor McManus, Paul Casey, Simon Deasy, Cedric Bikond and Joe Sweeney.
Our congratulations go to Simon Aronsohn, this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Go Simon!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/27/14; 9:50 am
Open-mic night – 14th April 2014
A veritable marathon of delight for our 7th anniversary celebrations with competition winner Don Nixon in from Shrophire to read his winning poem and a short selection of his verse. You can listen to Don’s reading here.
Shortlisted entrants Tom Dredge and Eithne Reynolds ventured separately down from the big smoke to read their entries along with shortlisted poets Colm Scully and Afric McGlinchey, whose poem was one of two highly commended entries. Co-judge Cal Doyle read Janet Lees’ poem, the other highly commended entry. You can listen to the shortlisted poets reading here.
The Five Word Challenge poems published in the new anthology (chosen from over the past year) were then read out by their respective authors, Ken Russell, Simon Aronsohn, Garret Fleming, Hazel Newton, Rab Urquhart, Ceatí Ní Bheildiúin, Rosie O’Regan, Joe Sweeney, Niall Herriott, Afric McGlinchey, John W. Sexton, John McNally, Michael Ray, Mags Creedon and Michael O’Callaghan. You can listen to the Five Word Challenge entries here.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic for other people’s poetry, John McNally, Stanley Notte, Mary O’Connell, Grant March, Seamus Harrington, Charles Clarke, Deirdre O’Brien, Stephen O’Riordan, Patricia Walsh, Colm Scully, Tina Pisco, Dean Browne, Cathal O’Donovan, John W. Sexton, Afric McGlinchey, Michael Ray, Rosie O’Regan, Simon Aronsohn and Rab Urquhart.
Samir Ousherfi was tonight’s Five Word Challenge winner. Congratulations Samir!
The open mic mp3 is here.
04/21/14; 2:47 pm
Open-mic night – 7th April 2014
Thanks to Margaret Galvin for coming down from Wexford to give a fabulous reading on Monday, to no less than a full house. You can listen to Margaret’s reading here.
Thanks to Eimear Conboye for her fine touch as compère, and to all on the open-mic, Stanley Notte, Deirdre O’Brien, Grant March, Billy Ramsell, Charles Clarke, Mags Creedon, Patricia Walsh, Cathal, John McNally, Cathal Holden and Cedric Bikond.
Congratulations to Cathal Holden! Winner of this week’s five Word challenge.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/8/14; 9:18 pm
Open-mic night – 31st March 2014
Thanks to John Ennis for his fascinating reading on Monday, mostly from his recent collection, Postponing Ásbyrgi (poems in response to Sìgur Rós). You can listen to John’s reading here.
Thanks to John McNally for keeping things steady at the helm, and to all on the open-mic, Fergus Costello, Simon Arohnson, Mary O’Connor, Mags Creedon, Seamus Harrington, Cahal, Colm Scully, Patricia Walsh, Deirdre O’Brien, Rab Urquhart and Sue Cosgrave.
Rab Urquhart won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/6/14; 7:29 pm
Open-mic night – 24th March 2014
Many thanks to Dublin poet Jessica Traynor for a fantastic reading on Monday to a packed Hayloft (and not a pin dropped). Look out for Jessica’s debut collection from Dedalus, due this coming Autumn. You can listen to Jessica’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her fine emceeing, and to all on the open-mic, Mick O’Callaghan, Mary O’Connell, Deirdre O’Brien, Seamus Harrington, Mags Creedon, Patricia Walsh, Michael Ray, John McNally, Jim Crickard, Ben Kingston, Cedric Bikond, Rab Urquhart, Frankie Griffin, Stanley Notte and Elizabeth Rose-Murray.
Michael Ray was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Congrats Michael!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/30/14; 11:44 am
Open-mic night – 17th March 2014
Many thanks to Christy O’Donnell for coming down from Limerick to share his fine verse on a cold Paddy’s Night. His thoughtfully-crafted, both serious and humorous poems filled the Hayloft with the perfect atmosphere for this national day of the shamrock. You can listen to Christy’s reading here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for steering the evening, and to all on the open-mic, Filip Deptura, Simon Arohnson, Joe Sweeney, Mary O’Connell, Mags Creedon, Charles Clarke, Michael O’Callaghan, Cedric Bikond, Patricia Herron Ó Siodhacháin and Patricia Walsh
Simon Arohnson was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Simon!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/23/14; 4:10 pm
Open-mic night – 10th March 2014
Buíochas le Colette Gallagher as a cuid léamh den scoth ar an Luan. Thanks to Colette for coming all the way from the Donegal gaeltacht, and for her fabulous reading. You can listen to Colette’s reading here.
Thanks also to Julie Field for a fine job as compère and to all on the open-mic, Grant March, Cedric Bikond, Simon Arohnson, Deirdre, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Rab Urquhart, Paul Casey, Miceál O’Rourke and Aidan.
Ken Russell won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/16/14; 12:03 pm
Open-mic night – 3rd March 2014
Thanks to Brendan McCormack for a captivating reading on Monday, much enjoyed by all in a full Hayloft. You can listen to Brendan’s reading here.
Thanks to Emily Davis-Fletcher for her excellent work as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, James O’Leary, Donal Moloney, Cathal Holden, Niall Herriott, Mags Creedon, Charles Clarke and Tara Laubach.
Mags Creedon won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Mags!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/9/14; 4:14 pm