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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
… was screened on Sunday 24th Nov at the
12th Winter Warmer Poetry Festival.
A special Irish Selection was also screened on Sat 23rd Nov.All screenings are free to view on our FESTIVAL STAGE.
(Playlists have excluded certain films on request.)
Congratulations to Anya Ryzhkova this year’s competition winner,
for her incredible poetry film 09.01.berkovich!
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Open-mic night – 2nd May 2016
We had a fantastic night on Monday with the fabulous Alvy Carragher, whose poems were thoroughly enjoyed by a packed Hayloft. Thanks Alvy! You can listen to Alvy’s reading here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his fine work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, Gerry Murphy, Shane Vaughan, James O’Leary, Philip Spillane, Bernadette McCarthy, Bernadette Gallagher, Ray Hanrahan, Mary O’Connell, Ben Burns, Matthew Moynihan, Mags Creedon, Brian Cunningham, Gabriela de Sousa, Zelen and Jo Collins.
Ben Burns won the Five Word Challenge for the second week in a row. Congrats Ben!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/8/16; 1:34 pm
Open-mic night – 25th April 2016
Our warm thanks to London poet Ruth O’Callaghan for her fabulous reading on Monday, much enjoyed by a lively Hayloft audience. You can listen to Ruth’s reading here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for steering the night with ease and jollity, and to all on the open-mic, Diarmuid Fitzgerald, Teresa Fitzgerald, Patrick Cotter, Eoin Rua, Patricia Walsh, Shane Vaughan, Gabriela de Sousa, Ben Burns, Cédric Bikond, Philip Spillane, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain and Christy Parker.
Ben Burns won the five word challenge. Nice one Ben!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/1/16; 12:38 pm
Open-mic night – 18th April 2016
Our thanks to Ron Carey and Tom Moloney for their superb poems on Monday, both reading from their new collections published by Revival Press. You can listen to Ron’s reading here and to Tom’s right here.
Thanks to Seán Bent for his deft touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Matthew Moynihan, Joe Healy, Charles Clarke, Ray Hanrahan, Patricia Walsh, Cathal Holden, Ashley O’Neal, Daw Harding, Benjamin Burns, Philip Spillane, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain and T.J.Nolan.
Cathal Holden won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Cathal!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/25/16; 12:25 pm
Open-mic night – 11th April 2016
A mighty night to mark Ó Bhéal’s 9th Anniversary, saw overall winner John W. Sexton read alongside shortlisted poets from the Five Words International Poetry Competition, who flew in from South Carolina and Canterbury. You can listen to John’s’s reading here, to Tamara’s here, to Mary Ann’s here and to Derek’s here.
Thanks to all who read on this mammoth open-mic for only other poets’ poetry, Sue Cosgrave, Jude O’Neill, Richard Pierce, Patricia Walsh, Colm Scully, Phillip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, Seamus Harrington, Ben Burns, Bernadette Gallagher, Sue Blue, Gabriela de Sousa, Cédric Bikond, Daw Harding, Patrick Cotter, Michael Ray, Afric McGlinchey, Rab Urquhart, Stanley Notte, Ciarán MacArtain, Billy Ramsell and Michal Weber.
Stan Notte won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Stan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/17/16; 6:07 pm
Open-mic night – 4th April 2016
Our warm thanks to Mary Kennelly for her fabulous reading on Monday, enjoyed by a well-packed Hayloft full of poets. You can listen to Mary’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her class work as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Gabriela de Sousa, David Brennan, Bernadette McCarthy, Sue Blue, Eóin Rua Ó Cruadhlaoich, Gráinne O’Connor, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Ray Hanrahan, Benjamin Burns, Jenni De Bie, Paschal McDonnell, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Michelle Delea, Christy Parker, Ciarán and Donnachadh MacArtain.
Rosalin Blue won the Five Word Challenge this week. Congrats Sue!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/17/16; 5:56 pm
Open-mic night – 28th March 2016
Ó Bhéal’s second 1916 commemorative event turned out to be a stellar night of poetry and song thanks to superb performances from Gabriel Rosenstock, Enda Reilly and Cathal Quinn followed by an excellent open-mic session. You can listen to the Blood on the Rose performance here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her magic touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Brendan Donoghue, Shane Vaughan, Philip Spilane, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, John, Cédric Bikond, Paschal McDonnell, Ciarán MacArtain and Michal Weber.
Maureen Rua won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Maureen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/17/16; 5:40 pm
Open-mic night – 21st March 2016
Another excellent night in the Hayloft with thanks to our talented guest, Baltimore poet James Arthur who is currently Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Creative Writing at Queen’s University Belfast. You can listen to James’ reading here.
Thanks to Stan Notte for his stylish and masterful curatorship of ceremonies, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Ray Hanrahan, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Sue Blue, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Jaw Harp, Afric McGlinchey, Paschall, Jo Collins and Ciarán MacArtain.
Rab Urquhart was this week’s worthy five word challenge winner. Nice one Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/27/16; 10:55 am
Open-mic night – 14th March 2016
Our warm thanks to Connie Voisine who gave an exquisite reading of her poetry on Monday. Audience members were visibly moved and thrilled to discover her work for the first time. You can listen to Connie’s reading here.
Thanks to Shane Vaughan for keeping the night on an even keel, and to all on the open-mic, Michal Weber, Grant March, Sandra McShane, Rosalin Blue, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Patrick Cotter, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Jack Hutchinson, Ciarán MacArtain, Rab Urquhart and Rhia.
Mags Creedon won the Five Word Challenge with an extra creamy, beamish poem. Well done Mags!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/20/16; 10:41 am
Open-mic night – 7th March 2016
Our warm thanks to Paul Ó Colmáin for a superb performance of his poetry and songs on Monday, a supercharged night which continued long afterwards into Arthur Mayne’s. You can listen to Paul’s performance here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea for her fine work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Patricia Walsh, Colm Scully, Philip Spillane, Rosalin Blue, Ben Burns, Ray Hanrahan, Donagh MacArtain, Mags Creedon, Liam Heaphy, Michael O’Callaghan, Rosie O’Regan, Ciarán MacArtain, Rab Urquhart and Gabriela de Souza.
Ray Hanrahan won this week’s Five Word challenge. Good job Ray!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/13/16; 5:02 pm
Open-mic night – 29th February 2016
Our thanks to Anne Marie Kennedy and Sean Ruane for their evocative and rivetting performances on Monday, to the delight of a lively Hayloft crowd. You can listen to Anne Marie’s reading here and to Sean’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her fine work as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Michal Weber, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell. Philip Spillane, Charles Clarke, Bernadette McCarhy, Anne Marie Kennedy, Bernadette Gallagher, Ben Burns, Ciarán MacArtain and Gabriela de Souza.
Patrick Loughnane won this week’s Five Word challenge. Well done Patrick!
The open-mic mp3 is here
03/7/16; 11:26 am
Open-mic night – 22nd February 2016
Our hearty thanks to John MacKenna for his terrific reading on Monday, to a very full and appreciative Hayloft audience. You can listen to John’s reading here.
Thanks also to Ciarán MacArtain for his excellent work as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Gerry Buckley, David Jackson, Mary O’Connell, Shane Vaughan, Seamus Harrington, Jude O’Neill, Patricia Walsh, Ray Hanrahan, Rosalin Blue, Niall Herriott, James O’Leary, Gabriela de Souza, Michal Weber, Brian Cunningham, Philip Spillane, Seán Flynn and Ben Kingston.
Stan Notte won the Five Word Challenge for the second week in a row. Well done Stan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/28/16; 12:51 pm
Open-mic night – 15th February 2016
Our thanks to Maeve O’Sullivan for a stellar reading on Monday, to a slightly smaller crowd than usual, being saturated from last week’s Cork International Poetry Festival. Maeve’s work was warmly received and set the bar high for an equally vibrant open-mic. You can listen to Maeve’s reading here.
Thanks also to Rab Urquhart for his masterly touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Ger Dorgan, Ben Burns, Richard Hawtree, Shane Vaughan, Philip Spillane, Mary O’Connell, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Rosie O’Regan, Charles Clarke, Pat Cotter, Elisa Hollingsworth, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Paul Casey and Stanley Notte.
Stanley Notte won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Fair Plé Stan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/22/16; 1:35 pm
Open-mic night – 8th February 2016
Our warm thanks to Madelaine MacNamara who delighted the Ó Bhéal audience on Monday, reading from her début collection, The Riddle of Waterfalls (Bradshaw, 2015), which has been shortlisted for 2016 Shine/Strong Award for best first collection. You can listen to Madelaine’s reading here.
And an added treat having poet Emily Davis-Fletcher back in Cork and our thanks for her excellent work as emcee, as well as to all on the open-mic, Patricia Walsh, Mathias Dhondt, Dónall Dempsey, Janice Windle, Rosaleen Crowley, Patrick Cotter, Philip Spillane, Ray Hanrahan, Charles Clarke, Margaret Creedon, Laura Mulcahy, Sean Flynn, Austin Dowling, Rab Urquhart, Michal Weber, and Devin O’Connell.
Dónall Dempsey this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats to Dónall!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/15/16; 5:22 pm
Open-mic night – 1st February 2016
An absolute city-quake of a night on Monday and what a treat – to hear five imagination-soaked, innovative poets share strong, surprising and fascinating work, written recently during their MA in Creative Writing degree at UCC. Thank you to Jenny Devie, Una Ni Cheallaigh, Ciara McCarthy, Rosi Lalor and Kathy D’Arcy. With Major Kudos to Leanne O’Sullivan, their formidable muse, teacher and mentor. You can listen to Jenny’s reading here, to Una’s reading here, to Ciara’s reading here, to Rosi’s reading here and to Kathy’s right here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her adept helmswomanship, and to all on an electr!fying open-mic, Brian Crotty, Maggie Breen, Joe Sweeney, Liam Hughes, Natalie Frasier, Ben Burns, Jude O’Neill, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Jamie Urquhart, Charles Clarke, James O’Leary, Devin O’Connell, Mags Creedon, Mary O’Connell, Christy Parker, Brian Cunningham, Ciarán MacArtain, Michal Weber and Alexander.
Ben Burns won this week’s Five Word challenge amid very stiff competition. Well done Ben!
The open-mic mp3 is here
02/7/16; 1:16 pm
Open-mic night – 25th January 2016
Our warm thanks to John McGrath for coming down from Listowel to deliver a captivating reading on Monday, and to a fine turnout in the Hayloft. You can listen to John’s reading here.
Thanks to Seán Bent for his profesional work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Alexis Bannerman, James O’Leary, Shane Vaughan, Ben Burns, Stan Notte, Rab Urquhart, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Niall Herriott, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Brian Cunningham and Christy Parker.
Niall Herriott was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Niall!
The open-mic is here.
01/31/16; 3:41 pm
Open-mic night – 18th January 2016
The Ó Bhéal audience was treated to two very fine readings from Lapwing poets Helen Harrison and Marian O’Rourke on Monday. Our warm thanks to both poets for sharing their excellent work, to a comfortably full Hayloft. You can listen to Helen’s reading here and to Marian’s reading here.
Thanks to Michelle Delea for her deft touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Ben Burns, Stan Notte, Patricia Walsh, Bernadette McCarthy, Seamus Harrington, Philip Spillane, Charles Clarke, Liam Hughes, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond and Rab Urquhart.
Stan Notte won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Good job Stan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/24/16; 3:59 pm
Open-mic night – 11th January 2016
A super turnout for our first event of the year and Ó Bhéal’s first multimedia event featuring a combination of film, live poetry and song from Colm Scully and Conor McManus in their excellent show Breakfast with Padraig, the first in a series of commemorative events to be held during 2016. You can listen to Colm and Conor’s performance here.
Thanks to Stanley Notte for his excellent work as compère and to all on the open-mic, Roy Hayler, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Emily Davis-Fletcher, Ray Hanrahan, Charles Clarke, Philip Spillane, Sue Blue, Alexis Bannerman, Seamus O’Connor, Shane Vaughan, Ciarán MacArtain, Maria Wojdylo, Simon Aronsohn and Michal ‘Jaw Harp’ Weber.
Rosie O’Regan won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/17/16; 4:12 pm
Open-mic night – 14th December 2015
Another fantastic end of year event with esteemed French poet Philippe Beck, who read from his collection (soon to be available in translation), Poésies didactiques. Merci Philippe! You can listen to Philippe’s reading here. Videos will be available here soon.
Thanks to everyone for all the support during a great year, and to the open-mic contributors, Michal Weber, Patricia Walsh, Shane Vaughan, Eric Kavanagh, Patrick Cotter, Ben Burns, Mary O’Connell, Charles Clarke, Seamus Harrington, Rosalin Blue, Ray Hanrahan, Phillip Spillane, Michael, Michelle Delea, Cédric Bikond, Margaret Creedon O’Shea, Natasha Bourke, Christy Parker and Ciarán MacArtain. Videos will be available here soon.
Rosalin Blue won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Sue!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/20/15; 5:27 pm
Open-mic night – 7th December 2015
Our warm thanks to Rozalie Hirs for visiting us from the Netherlands to deliver a very fine, lyrical bilingual reading on Monday, leaving the audience with a strong sense of the beautiful Dutch language. Rozalie’s reading will be available here soon.
Thanks to Julie Field for her excellent work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Cathi Weldon, Emer Fallan, Bernadette McCarthy, Edward O’Dwyer, Ray Hanrahan, Simon Aronsohn, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Moze Jacobs, Ben Burns, Rob Carlile, Ciarán MacArtain, Eugene Owen Rua, Mags Creedon, Stan Notte and Rab Urquhart.
Cathi Weldon was this week’s five word challenge winner. Comhghairdeas, a Cheatí!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/13/15; 12:23 pm
Open-mic night – 30th November 2015
Another superb night in the Hayloft, with excellent poems from Victoria Kennefick and Jennifer Matthews, both reading from their recently published chapbooks to a very appreciative full house. You can listen to Jennifer and Victoria reading here.
Thanks to Shane Vaughan for his adept steering of the night, and to all on the open mic, Alexis Campbell Bannerman, Cal Doyle, Eugene Crowley, Charles Clarke, Julie Morrissy, Philip Spillane, Patrick Cotter, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Seamus Harrington, Daw Harding, Ben Burns, Simon Aronsohn, Stan Notte, Ciarán MacArtain and Gráinne O’Connor.
Ben Burns won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Ben!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/6/15; 4:26 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd November 2015
Our warm thanks go to Elaine Gaston for venturing all the way down from Ballycastle to give a superb reading on Monday to a healthy post-Winter Warmer turnout. Elaine read mainly from her recently released début collection from Doire Press, The Lie of the Land . You can listen to Elaine’s reading here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for his professional touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Philip Spillane, Shane Vaughan, Ben Burns, Mary O’Connell, Ray Hanrahan, Niall, Niall Herriott, Ciarán MacArtain, Rosie O’Regan, Kobus Moolman, Cédric Bikond and Michal Weber.
Shane Vaughan won the Five Word Challenge. Nice one Shane!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/29/15; 5:48 pm
Open-mic night – 16th November 2015
Our warmest thanks to the superbly talented Jaki McCarrick, for venturing down from Dundalk to present an evocative and inspiring reading of her work on Monday. A full house for Jaki – and you could have heard an eyelash drop. You can listen to Jaki’s reading here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for his gentle yet firm touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Bernadette McCarthy, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Cédric Bikond, Ben Kingston, Mags Creedon, Simon Aronsohn and Philip Spillane.
Bobby (Bairbre) Langford won this week’s five word challenge, on her first attempt. Congrats Bobby!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/23/15; 12:49 pm
Open-mic night – 9th November 2015
Many thanks to Welsh poet Huw Parsons for venturing over from Hay-on-Wye this week to read, on his first visit to Ireland. A quieter night than usual with the film festival, but cosy and enjoyed by all. You can listen to Huw’s reading here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for his enigmatic as ever emcee magic, and to all on the open-mic, Ray Hanrahan, Charles Clarke, Mary O’Connell, Eugene Crowley, Philip Spillane, Seán Bent, Michelle Delea, Niall Aherne(?), Alexis Campbell-Bannerman, Paddy Doyle and Ciarán MacArtain.
Cara Kursh was this week’s worthy Five Word Challenge winner. Congrats Cara!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/15/15; 10:08 am
Open-mic night – 2nd November 2015
Our warm thanks to Noel King for his superb reading on Monday, from his latest collection from Salmon, Sons. You can listen to Noel’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her fine touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Matthew Moynihan, Dean Browne, Louis Mulcahy, Daw Harding, Patricia Walsh, Ciarán Garvey, Mags Creedon, Seán Bent, Ciarán MacArtain, Stephen Higgins, Paul Casey, Niamh O’Donovan and Michal Weber.
Rab Urquhart won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/9/15; 12:31 am
Jazz Poetry – 26th October 2015
A superb night of quality jazz and poetry running right through, from Afric McGlinchey and Michael Ray words weaving into song among The Blue Notes, into the break and a glowing open-mic. Thank you one and all. A hearty audience and stellar musicians. You can listen to Afric & Michael reading with The Blue Notes here. (Videos available soon).
Thanks to Rosie for strumming the mic like a fourth instrument, and to all on the roll, Simon Ó Faoláin, Linda Ibbotson, Ciarán Garvey, Charles Clarke, Ray Hanrahan, Aaron McCarthy, John Mee, Gerry Murphy, Stan Notte, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Sue Cosgrave and Ciarán MacArtain.
John Mee was this week’s worthy Five Word Challenge winner. Well done John!
You can listen to The Blue Notes playing during the audience break here.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/1/15; 5:05 pm
Open-mic night – 19th October 2015
Míle buíochas do Mike Mac Domhnaill as a chuid léamh den scoth ar an Luan. Our warm thaks to Mike Mac Domhnaill for his excellent bilingual reading on Monday, very much enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Mike’s reading here.
Thanks also to Michelle Delea on her fine début as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Brian Crotty, David Brennan, Matthew Moynihan, Philip Spillane, David Murphy, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Jamie Urquhart, Mags Creedon, Rosie O’Regan, Michelle Delea, Ciarán MacArtain and Paul Casey.
Shane Vaughan was this week’s five word challenge winner. Congrats Shane!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/24/15; 11:19 pm
Open-mic night – 12th October 2015
Our special thanks to Breda Wall Ryan for a delightful reading on Monday, to a packed-out hayloft bar. Breda read chiefly from her début collection, In a Hare’s Eye. You can listen to Breda’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, Michal Weber, Alexandre Defourny, Matthew Moynihan, Colm Scully, Bernadette McCarthy, Ray Hanrahan, Philip Spillane, Patricia Walsh, Callum Bateson, Michael Ray, Charles Clarke, Cédric Bikond, Ben Kingston, Seán Bent, Alexis Campbell-Bannerman, Mags Creedon, Mary O’Connell, Stanley Notte and Ciarán MacArtain.
Congrats go to Matthew Moynihan for winning this week’s five word challenge. Nice one Matthew!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/24/15; 6:12 pm
Open-mic night – 5th October 2015
Our thanks to Cork poet Sheila Mannix for her superb reading on Monday, from the experimental text Zoopoiesis, a work in progress. You can listen to Sheila’s reading here.
Thanks to Stanley Notte for emceeing the night in fine style, and to all on the open-mic, Shane Vaughan, Matthew Moynihan, Alex de Fourny, Seán Bent, Michelle Delea, Bernadette McCarthy, Charles Clarke, Rosalin Blue, Patricia Walsh, Michael Noonan, Mary O’Connell, Jude O’Neill, Ciarán MacArtain and Mags Creedon.
Ciarán MacArtain won this week’s Five Word challenge. Comhghairdeas, a Chiaráin!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/12/15; 11:45 am
Open-mic night – 28th September 2015
Our warm thanks to Matt Mooney for a most enjoyable reading on Monday, with a full house to appreciate his fine poems. You can listen to Matt’s reading here.
Thanks to Seán Bent for an excellent début as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Alexandre Defourny, Jude O’Neill, Fióna Bolger, Matthew Moynihan, Ray Hanrahan, Michael Barrett, Patricia Walsh, Brian Crotty, Philip Spillane, Rosalyn Twomey, Mary O’Connell, Callum Bateson, Michelle Delea, Rosie O’Regan and Ciarán MacArtain.
Bernadette McCarthy won this week’s five word challenge. Well done Bernadette!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/4/15; 3:51 pm
Open-mic night – 21st September 2015
Our warm thanks to Los Angeles poet Brendan Constantine for wow-ing the Ó Bhéal crowd on Monday night. A super performance of well-crafted words with the Hayloft full and well satisfied. You can listen to Brendan’s reading here.
The RTE Poetry Programme aired a six-minute segment about the evening, which you can listen to here.
Thanks to Shane Vaughan for emceeing the event in good order, and to all on the open-mic, Michael Barrett, Patrick Cotter, Hazel Connelly, Alexis Bannerman, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Seán Bent, Rosalyn Twomey, Mags Creedon, Callum Bateson and Simon Aronsohn.
Michelle Delea won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Michelle!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/24/15; 4:01 pm
Culture Night – 18th September 2015
A superb event for Culture Night, with a jam-packed Hayloft buzzing to the rhythms of Abby Oliveira’s captivating poems. Thanks Abby! An extra hour allowed for a longer five word challenge and open-mic. Over the course of the night around 150 people passed through the venue. A great night had by all. You can listen to Abby’s performance here.
Thanks to Julie Field for her deft touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Rosalin Blue, Colm Scully, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Gerry Murphy, Patricia Walsh, Mene Wojdylo, Julie Field, Paul Casey, Bryan Crotty, Margaret Carr and Cúan, followed by a few songs.
Rab Urquhart won the Five Word Challenge. Nice job Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/24/15; 3:35 pm
Open-mic night – 14th September 2015
Our warmest thanks to Australian poet Carmel Macdonald Grahame for a fabulous and compelling reading on Monday, A top-class evening all-round, thoroughly enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Carmel’s reading here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for steering the proceedings with panache, and to all on the open-mic, Charles Clarke, Alex Defourny, Billy Ramsell, Jude O’Neill, Michael Barrett, Mary O’Connell, Shane Vaughan, Patricia Walsh, Mags Creedon, Ray Hanrahan, Philip Spillane, Seán Bent, Ben Burns, Tony O’Shea, Michael Ray, Moze Jacobs, Ciarán MacArtain, Simon Aronsohn and Robyn Rowland.
Deirdre O’Brien won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Deirdre!
The open-mic is here.
09/18/15; 5:00 pm
Open-mic night – 7th September 2015
Packed to the rafters, the Hayloft rarely has nights as electrifying as the Munster Slam. A thrilling session with judges Julie Field, Colm Scully and Tina Pisco straining their ears, eyes sharp at the scorecards, to result in a worthy new Munster Slam Champ, Cormac Lally! – And equally worthy runner-up, Seán MacNamara! Congratulations to Cormac and Seán, who will compete in the All-Ireland Final in Belfast later in the year. Competition was fierce! – Congrats and Well done to all the other contestants, Rosalin Blue, Mary O’Connell, Cédric Bikond, Seán Bent, David Jackson, Ciarán MacArtain, Tom McCarthy, Callum Bateson, Jude O’Neill, Shane Vaughan, Lisa Allen and Seán Murphy.
Our special thanks go to Tina Pisco for her excellent performance of all new work, and for her valuable expertise on the judging panel. You can listen to Tina’s reading right here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Dominic Taylor, Grant March, Clara Delea, Rosie O’Regan, Bernadette McCarthy, Michael Barrett, Alex, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh and Billy Ramsell.
The Munster Slam is our only night without a five-word challenge – just once every two years.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/13/15; 12:28 pm
Open-mic night – 31st August 2015
Thanks to Mary O’Donnell for a superb reading, showing us how it’s done – with poems that set the bar very high for the open-mic. Mainly reading from Those April Fevers (Arc, 2015) she is also an excellent role model for developing poets. As Derek Mahon says, Mary is “A poet to read and re-read”. You can listen to Mary’s reading here.
Thanks also to Billy Ramsell for his emcee mastery, and to all on the open-mic, Úna Hennessy, Michael Barrett, Lloyd Frost, Ray Hanrahan, Mary O’Connell, Seán Bent, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Conor McManus, Roisín Kelly, Ben Burns, Anita Daly, Stanley Notte and Michal Weber.
Tina Pisco (next week’s guest poet) won the Five Word Challenge. Well done Tina!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/6/15; 11:22 am
Open-mic night – 24th August 2015
Our most grateful thanks to Liam Prút for sharing his fabulous Irish language poems on Monday, to a packed out Hayloft. Non-Irish speakers enjoyed a novel approach to hearing translations, as Liam would pause between stanzas, or sometimes after individual lines to offer the English equivalent, while the sounds of the Irish were still echoing. You can listen to Liam’s reading here.
Thanks to Julie Field for a first-class job as compère, and to all on the open-mic, Seán Bent, Una Hennessy, Bernadette McCarthy, Stanley Notte, Shane Vaughan, Charles Clarke, Philip Spillane, President Gas, Brian Keane, Particia Walsh, Cédric Bikond, Michael Barrett, Liam Heaphy, Lizzie Foley, Hassan Baker, Rab Urquhart and Michal Weber.
Rosie O’Regan won the five word challenge. Congrats Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/30/15; 6:53 pm
Open-mic night – 17th August 2015
Many thanks to Dublin poet Adam Rudden for venturing down to deliver a superb reading of his work, mostly from his four collections from Lapwing. You can listen to Adam’s reading here.
The evening was dedicated to Eoin Murray, regular attendee at Ó Bhéal and friend to many. Sadly, Eoin passed away unexpectedly on the 14th of August. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. He will be missed. R.I.P. Eoin Murray. Poems of dedications were read as were some of Eoin’s own.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for steering the proceedings in good form, and to all on the open-mic, Linda Ibbotson, Jude O’Neill, John Tracey, Nicki Burke, Leah Sullivan, Bernadette McCarthy, Seán Bent, Ray Hanrahan, Philip Spillane, Michael Ray, Richard Hawtree, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Geraldine Dorgan, Niall Herriott, James O’Leary, Cédric Bikond, Brian Cunningham, Mags Creedon, Bubba Shakespeare, Michelle Delea and Ciarán MacArtain.
Seán Bent won the five word challenge. Well done Seán!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/23/15; 12:47 pm
Open-mic night – 10th August 2015
The Hayloft audience was treated to a superb reading from Mark Granier on Monday, a cross-section from his four collections from Salmon, as well as new work. Our warm thanks to Mark, whose reading you can listen to right here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for steering the evening in fine style, and to all on the open-mic, Stanley Notte, Rosalin Blue, Úna Hennessy, Mary O’Connell, Brian Crotty, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, David Acker, Philip Spillane, Simon Aronsohn, Mags Creedon and David Jackson.
Rosalin Blue won this week’s five word challenge. Nice job Sue!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/16/15; 3:22 pm
Open-mic night – 3rd August 2015
Our warm thanks to Celine McGlynn for travelling down from Donegal to read her poetry for the Monday bank holiday. An excellent reading and great night was enjoyed by a lively gathering. You can listen to Celine’s reading right here.
Thanks also to Simon Aronsohn for his top-notch work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Cal Doyle, Dean Browne, Ray Hanrahan, Úna Hennessy, Rob Carlile, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Mary O’Connell and Gerry Murphy.
Rab Urquhart won this week’s five word challenge. Nice one Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/9/15; 3:30 pm
Open-mic night – 27th July 2015
Our warm thanks to Emily Weitzman and Tom McCarthy for performing on Monday to a lively audience. Emily was on the last night of her year-long, round-the-world poetry research scholarship and Tom about to celebrate 600 nights at the Whitehouse in Limerick. You can listen to Emily’s performance here and to Tom’s reading here.
Thanks to John McNally for his superb touch as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Gary Baus, Mary O’Connell, Simon Aronsohn, James O’Leary, Seán Bent, Brian Crotty, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Cédric Bikond Nkoma, Eoin Murray, Stan Notte, Tom McCarthy, Rab Urquhart, Christy Parker and John McNally.
Eoin Murray won this week’s five word challenge. Congrats Eoin!
The open mic mp3 is here.
08/2/15; 1:44 pm
Open-mic night – 20th July 2015
Our warm thanks to Clara Rose Thornton for coming down from the big smoke to treat us to a fantastic spoken-word performance on Monday. You can listen to Clara Rose’s performance here.
Thanks to Stanley Notte for his excellent work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, Cliff Wedgebury, Mary O’Connell, Patrick Cotter, Eugene Crowley, Ray Hanrahan, Eoin Murray, Patricia Walsh, Philip Spillane, Emily Weitzman, T.P.Sheehan, Charles Clarke, Rosalin Blue, Michal Weber, Simon Aronsohn and Shane Vaughan.
Nuka Gbafah won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Nuka!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/26/15; 3:19 pm
Open-mic night – 13th July 2015
An excellent night with Limerick poet Evelyn Casey on Monday. Many thanks to Evelyn for coming down from Limerick to treat us to her new work.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave and Rab Urquhart for running the night in grand professional form, and to all on the open-mic, David Acker, Shane Vaughan, Jude O’Neill, Tony, Simon Aronsohn, Deirdre O’Brien, Emily Weitzman, Patricia Walsh, Nuala Leonard, Seán Bent, Grace Jovanovic, Sarah Beth James, Marissa Duricko and Ciarán MacArtain.
First time visitor Robyn won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Robyn!
A rogue band of summer faeries was seen fleeing the building at around midnight with the latest podcasts in hand. Anyone providing information that leads to their successful capture will be rewarded with reams of poetry.
07/26/15; 3:11 pm
Open-mic night – 6th July 2015
A superb evening with Nell Regan on Monday, house packed to the rafters. Nell read from three collections, including stunning, sigh-inducing poems from her most recent from Enitharmon Press, One Still Thing. Thanks Nell! You can listen to Nell’s reading here.
Thanks to all the open-mic poets, Jude O’Neill, Linda Ibbotson, Mary O’Connell, Tony O’Shea, Charles Clarke, Niamh Prior, Emily Weitzman, Eoin Murray, Philip Spillane, Ray Hanrahan, Jenn Leary, Patricia Walsh, Borko (translating Croatian verse live), Shane Vaughan, Aaron Lewis, Seán Bent, Eamonn McSweeney, Mags Creedon, Simone Lupini (in Italian), Rob Carlile, Deirdre Crowley, Stanley Notte and Ciarán MacArtain.
Eoin Murray won this week’s Five Word Challenge, amid very stiff competition from 18 others (the fourth time ever having 19 respond [av.=12]). Congrats Eoin!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/10/15; 9:49 am
Open-mic night – 29th June 2015
Our thanks to Seán Ó Roideacháin for his engaging and well-delivered bilingual reading on Monday, mainly from his début collection Under the Black Bridge/Faoin nDroichead Dubh from Revival Press. You can listen to Seán’s reading here.
Thanks to Cathal Holden for translating his super emcee skills into the bilingual realm, and to all on the open-mic, Jude O’Neill, James O’Leary, Colm Scully, Seán Bent, Emily Weitzman, Kate O’Brien, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Moynihan, Philip Spillane, Ciarán MacArtain, Mags Creedon, Rab Urquhart, Joe Harpp and Edward O’Dwyer.
Ed O’Dwyer won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Ed!
The open-mic is here.
07/5/15; 12:54 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd June 2015
Our warm thanks to Alice Lyons for venturing down from Sligo to give a superb reading on Monday, again to a very full Hayloft. Alice read a variety of work from her first two collections as well as from her forthcoming book. You can listen to Alice’s reading here.
Thanks to Ciarán MacArtain for some very fine time-keeping indeed – under pressure, and to all on the open-mic, Stanley Notte, Conor McManus, Mary O’Connell, Ruth O’Sullivan, Sue Cosgrave, Gráinne O’Connor, Patricia Walsh, Charles Clarke, Philip Spillane, Brian Crotty, Ray Hanrahan, Cédric Bikond Nkomo, David Acker, Donagh MacArtain, Mags Creedon and Rab Urquhart.
Congrats to Rab Urquhart for winning this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Rab!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/28/15; 11:27 am
Open-mic night – 15th June 2015
Our warm thanks to Austin and Mike Durack from Tipperary for their very enjoyable guitar-poetry set on Monday, to a full as ever house. You can listen to Mike and Austin’s performance here.
Thanks to Rab Urquhart for his top-notch work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Michal Weber, Tadge O’Mullane, John McNally, Mary O’Connell, Lizzie Foley, Séan Bent, Patricia Walsh, Eoin Murray, Tony O’Shea, Conor McManus, Mags Creedon, Ciarán MacArtain, Michelle Delea and Rosie O’Regan.
Rob Carlile won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Rob!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/21/15; 6:03 pm
Open-mic night – 8th June 2015
Our wam thanks to Oran Ryan for a brilliant reading on Monday, reading a generous range of his work to a rivetted, full house. You can listen to Oran’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for doing the emcee-biz, and to all on the open-mic, Déirdre Ó Maidín, Donal Moloney, Ray Hanrahan, Liam Heaphy, John Tangney, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Eoin Murray, Jude O’Neill, Mary O’Connell, Lizzie Foley, Cédric Bikond, Mags Creedon, Matthew Moynihan and Ciarán MacArtain.
Bernadette McCarthy won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Nice one Bernadette!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/14/15; 2:08 pm
Open-mic night – 1st June 2015
A fantastic night was had by all on Monday with Dublin poets Michael Naughten Shanks & Evan Costigan, two very strong emerging voices in Irish poetry. Thanks to both for coming down from the Big Smoke to share their exciting work. You can listen to Michael’s reading here and to Evan’s reading here.
Thanks to Shane Vaughan for his excellent work as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Marc O’Connell, Jason Loughnane, Sue Cosgrave, Charles Clarke, Derek D’Arcy, Tina Pisco, Patricia Walsh, Bernadette McCarthy, Mary O’Connell, Philip Spillane, Tadge O’Mullane and Bertie Wooster (a.k.a. the Rabster).
Tina Pisco won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Congrats Tina!
The open-mic mp3 is here
06/7/15; 11:41 am
Open-mic night – 25th May 2015
It was a memorable night with Noel Monahan on Monday, with the house bursting to capacity at almost 70. Thanks to Noel for coming down the country to give a fantastic reading! You can listen to it right here.
Thanks to Stanley Notte and Congratulations on a fine début as emcee, and to the 23 poets on this week’s open-mic, Conor Prunty, Siobhán Tanner, Denis Stokes, Patrick Cotter, Jude O’Neill, Minal Hajratwala, Robin Parmar, Patricia Walsh, Ray Hanrahan, Mags Creedon, Seán Bent, Charles Clarke, Michael Ray, Mary O’Connell, Owen Murray, Ciarán MacArtain, Michal Jawharpp Weber and Rab Urquhart, Afric McGlinchey, Terry Dineen, Aaron Lewis, Christy Parker and Artem.
Ray Hanrahan was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well done Ray!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/29/15; 4:38 pm
Open-mic night – 18th May 2015
Our warm thanks to Vivienne McKechnie for her beautiful reading on Monday, mainly from her début poetry collection A Butterfly’s Wing (Arlen House). You can listen to Vivienne’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her light touch and firm timekeeping skills as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Stanley Notte, Daw Harding, Mary O’Connell, Shane Vaughan, Charles Clarke, Patricia Walsh, Cédric Bikond, Philip Spillane, Cornelius, Anthony, Mags Creedon, Paul Casey, Ciarán MacArtain, Rab Urquhart and Michal Joeharpp Weber.
Shane Vaughan won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Well done Shaun!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/29/15; 4:26 pm
Open-mic night – 11th May 2015
A fabulous night on Monday with Rachel Warriner, who gave a stellar reading to a packed and rivetted Hayloft Cork audience, followed by an equally vibrant open-mic. Thanks Rachel! You can listen to Rachel’s reading here.
Thanks to Cathal Holden for his relaxed and professional touch as emcee, and to all on the open-mic, Julie Field, Tina Pisco, Tony O’Shea, Mary O’Connell, Dean Browne, Ray Hanrahan, Jude O’Neill, Philip Spillane, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Patricia Walsh, Cédric Bikond, Eoin Murray, Daw Harding, Stanley Notte, Ciarán MacArtain, Charles Clarke and Orlagh de Bhaldraithe.
Siobhán Tanner won the Five Word Challenge this week. Well done Siobhán!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/17/15; 4:46 pm