When: Monday evenings from 9.00pm
Where: Upstairs at The Long Valley, Winthrop Street, Cork.
The venue is now exclusive … [map]
What: Poetry Challenge, Guest Poets and Open-Mic
Original poetry, storytelling and unplugged ceol
Ó Bhéal – a poem by Anamaría Crowe Serrano
Comments & mp3s: What happened on Monday?
Wordshops: Creative Writing at Ó Bhéal and Beyond …
Interviews: … with Ó Bhéal guests by Jennifer Matthews
Five Words Vol IV: … submit your entries here
Click names for biographical details
Jerome Kiely – 2nd August
Kevin Higgins and Susan Millar du Mars – 9th August
Plus Workshop from 7pm Caroline Lynch – 16th August
Maurice Riordan – 23rd August
Marcela Sulak – 30th August
Áine Moynihan – 6th September
In association with Foras na Gaeilge Celia De Fréine – 13th September
Christodoulos Makris – 20th September
Special Friday Edition for Cork Culture Night Fergus Costello – 24th September
Patrick Chapman – 27th September
Entrance is free. Full bar available.
The night begins with a Poetry Challenge starting around 9.00pm. Guest poets begin about 10.00pm for between 30-45 minutes, after which there is the usual open-mic session. Be sure to come early to get good seats!
183 Responses to “Open-Mic Nights”
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Open-mic night – 30th August 2010
Many thanks to Texan poet Marcela Sulak and congratulations to her on her debut Irish reading, during her first visit to the emerald shores. The evening turned out to be a lively one, much enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Marcela’s reading here
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for emceeing and to all on the open-mic, David Moynihan, Michael Dineen, Michael Ray, Jennifer Matthews, Nick Smith, Miriam Casey, Niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, Raymonte Desmond, Mairtín Ó Conallán, Roy Hayler, Dairena Ní Chinnéide, Conor McManus, Patricia Walsh and pc.
Michael Ray won the McNamara Slam this week. Nice work Michael!
The open-mic podcast is here
09/3/10; 11:49 am
Open-mic night – 23rd August 2010
Maurice Riordan drew a well-deserved crowd that couldn’t quite fit inside the Hayloft. Thanks to Maurice for flying in from London and for his fantastic reading. A poet most certainly not worth missing if you ever have the chance. You can listen to Maurice’s reading here.
A big thanks also to compère Jennifer Matthews for her skillful work at the helm, and to all on the open-mic, Tina Pisco, John Mee, Andrew Lane, David Toms, Colm Scully, Rosalin Blue, Billy Ramsell, Mary Noonan, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Colette Olney, Matthew Sweeney, Mary O’Connell, Mike O’Brien, Mary Brennan and Christy Parker.
Matthew Sweeney won this week’s Five Word challenge. Good job Matthew!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/29/10; 11:09 am
Open-mic night – 16th August 2010
A most enjoyable reading by Caroline Lynch up in the late summer loft. While the warm evenings often tempt people to stay away more, there was a comfortably full house who were very appreciative of Caroline’s excellent poems. So thanks to Caroline for driving down from Galway to read. You can listen to her reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Daniel Skoretz, Colin O’Donovan, Nick Smith, Seamus Harrington, Kassy Skoretz, Tina Pisco, Patricia Walsh, David Toms, Niall and to bring up the rear astride a herd of trumpeted Pandava war elephants, the infamous Alan Titley.
Caroline Lynch won this week’s Five Word Challenge amid fierce competition. Well done Caroline!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/21/10; 12:49 pm
Open-mic night – 9th August 2010
A big thanks to Kevin Higgins and Susan Millar du Mars, Ó Bhéal’s 199th and 200th guest poets, for coming down from Galway to share their excellent verse, from both of their new collections just out from Salmon. A thoroughly enjoyable evening. You can listen to Kevin’s reading here and to Susan’s here.
Thanks also to Jen Matthews for her compéring and to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Connell, Sue Cosgrave, Niall Herriott, Rosalin Blue, Patricia Walsh, Mary Brennan and John W Sexton.
Yours truly won the 5-Word Challenge … Sláinte!
The open-mic podcast is here.
08/15/10; 6:55 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd August 2010
Thanks to Jerome Kiely for venturing from Dunmanway in his automobile to read to a somewhat diminished, though no less spirited than usual bank holiday Ó Bhéal audience. He gave an excellent reading and was enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Jerome’s reading here.
Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for Ceeing the M with great aplomb and to all on the open-mic, Bernadette McIntyre, Bryan McElroy, Rosalin Blue, Raymonte Desmond and Jennifer Matthews.
Sue Cosgrave was this week’s 5-Word Slam winner. Well Done Sue!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/8/10; 9:41 pm
Open-mic night – 26th July 2010
Thanks to Seosamh Ó Guairim for venturing down from Connemara to share his vibrant verse in the Long valley. While punters were slow to arrive on this warmest of Summer evenings, their numbers swelled to comfortable levels for the main reading which was fantastic. You can listen to Seosamh’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Colin O’Donovan, Martina Stafford, Niall Herriott, Pat Callahan, Patricia Walsh and Rosalin Blue.
This week’s McNamara Slam was a three-way tie between Rosalin Blue, Paschal McDonnell and Niall Herriott. The decibels were never closer! Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/1/10; 12:04 pm
Open-mic night – 19th July 2010
Congratulations to both Dave Lordan and Elaine Feeney on the publication of their latest collections from Salmon Poetry, and thanks to both for an inspired reading in the Hayloft on Monday. You can listen to Elaine and Dave reading their poems in alternation here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for her careful steering of the event, and to all on the open-mic, Anita Daly, Ray Hayler, Colm Scully, Seamus Harrington, Miriam Casey, Graham Allen, Patricia Walsh, Jen Matthews, Patrick Callahan, Kit Fryatt and Conor McManus.
Yours truly won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Great job Paul!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/25/10; 3:44 pm
Open-mic night – 12th July 2010
Thanks to John McNamee for a most entertaining reading and to Poetry Ireland for supporting his visit to Cork. His forty-minute presentation remained captivating from start to finish. Thanks also to Billy Ramsell for compèring with his usual warm and humourous touch. You can listen to John’s reading here.
To all the open-mic contributors, thank you … Paddy Doyle, Jennifer Matthews, Rab Urquhart, Sue Cosgrave, Seamus Harrington, Liam Duffy, Niall Herriott and Conor McManus.
Jen Matthews won this week’s McNamara Slam. Nice Job Jen!
The open-mic is here.
07/18/10; 8:26 pm
Open-mic night – 5th July 2010
The first leg of this year’s Coventry-Cork Twin Cities poetry exchange began with Tony Owen and Barry Patterson reading at Ó Bhéal on Monday, and then at the Whitehouse in Limerick on Wednesday. Thanks to both for giving fantastic performances, and to Deputy Lord Mayor Denis O’Flynn for offering a warm Cork welcome up in the Hayloft. You can listen to Tony’s reading here. and to Barry’s here.
Thanks to Jennifer Matthews for compèring and to those on the open-mic, Bryan McElroy, Sue Cosgrave, John Bracken, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh and Niall Herriott.
Stephen O’Riordáin claimed this week’s 5-Word Challenge – Good Stuff!
The open mic mp3 is here.
07/11/10; 8:54 pm
Open-mic night – 28th June 2010
Thanks to Quincy Lehr on his return to Ireland for droppin in from Brooklin to share the words from his latest collection, in his unique blend of Oklahoma and New York influences. Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordáin for excellent emcee work. You can listen to Quincy’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Joseph Sweeney, Mary O’Connell, John Bracken, Colm Scully, Patricia Walsh, Linda Werner, Michael Patnell, Raymonte Desmond, Darragh Flynn and pc.
John Bracken was this week’s winner of the Five Word Challenge with a fine contribution. Nice work John!
John has already submitted to Five Words Vol IV, which any participant can do (you don’t have to be a winner) – just send an email with the poem, the words and date to submissions @obheal.ie.
The open-mic is here.
07/5/10; 8:50 am
Open-mic night – 21st June 2010
Congratulations to Noel King on his new collection from Salmon, Prophesying the Past. His reading was inspired and greatly entertaining. A big thanks to Noel for coming down from Tralee to read – you can listen to his reading here.
And thanks to all on the open-mic, Seán Tracy, Bob Jennings, Moze Jacobs, Jennifer Matthews, Sue Cosgrave, John Bracken, Mary O’Connell and Patricia Walsh.
Noel King was this week’s winner of the Five Word Challenge. Good job!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/27/10; 10:07 pm
Open-mic night – 14th June 2010
Thank you to both Maureen Gallagher for coming down from Galway and to Afric McGlinchey from Kinsale. Both readings were well received and enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Maureen’s reading here, and to Afric’s here.
Thanks also to Joe Sweeney for his professional emcee work and to all on the open-mic, Niall Herriott, Joe himself, Marie Coveney, Bernadette Cremin, Tina Pisco, Patricia Walsh, Conor McManus, Mary O’Connell, Solange Martel and Alan Titley.
Afric McGlinchey clinched this week’s McNamara Slam … well done to Afric.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/20/10; 8:58 pm
Open-mic night – 14th June 2010
Thank you to both Maureen Gallagher for coming down from Galway and to Afric McGlinchey from Kinsale. Both readings were well received and enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Maureen’s reading here, and to Afric’s
here.
Thanks also to Joe Sweeney for his professional emcee work and to all on the open-mic, Niall Herriott, Joe himself, Marie Coveney, Bernadette Cremin, Tina Pisco, Patricia Walsh, Conor McManus, Mary O’Connell, Solange Martel and Alan Titley.
Afric McGlinchey clinched this week’s McNamara Slam … well done to Afric.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/20/10; 8:57 pm
Open-mic night – 7th June 2010
Thanks to Paul Perry for venturing down from Dublin to read his excellent verse, largely from his latest collection from Dedalus, The Last Falcon and Small Ordinance. The Hayloft filled up quickly and the reading was enjoyed by all. Thanks also to Sue Cosgrave for compèring on the night. You can listen to Paul’s reading here.
And thanks to all on the open-mic, Niall Herriott, Maureen Weldon, Niall Murphy, Pat Cotter, Terry Dineen, Patricia Walsh, Alan Coakley, Rosalin Blue and Gerry Murphy.
Niall Herriott took this week’s McNamara Slam Cup, after fierce competition from ten other contenders. Well done Niall!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/13/10; 7:58 am
Open-mic night – 31st May 2010
A very lively evening on Monday with the first-class hip-hop rhythms and rhymes of GMC and Bubba Shakespeare. Thanks to both for a great performance and to Billy Ramsell for eMCeeing. You can listen to the performance here.
Thanks too, to all on the open-mic, David Connolly, Sue Cosgrave, Raymonte Desmond, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Colin O’Donovan, Kathy D’Arcy, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington and Christy Parker.
The Five Word Challenge was won this week by Katie. Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/6/10; 11:40 pm
Open-mic night – 24th May 2010
Thanks to Carlos Reyes for entertaining the Hayloft audience to no end on Monday, with an excellent selection of his fine verse. Thanks also to Jen Matthews for eMCeeing. Yet again the podcasts were hijacked by mysterious forces this week, so no mp3s.
Thanks to all the open-mic contributors, Colin O’Donovan, Fred Wildman, John Bracken, Sue Cosgrave, Joe Sweeney, Hayret Abdula, Dean Long, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Aaron Lewis, Mary O’Connell and Mary O’Connell.
Stephen O’Riordan won the 5 Word Challenge this week. Congratulations!
The podcasts should be back from next week. It seems nothing will stop those faeries from mischief. Sláinte, go dtí sin.
05/30/10; 4:21 pm
Open-mic night – 17th May 2010
A very full evening on Monday, starting early with Patricia Walsh’s launch of her debut collection, Continuity Errors, which was well attended and finely compèred, as well as launched by, Jen Matthews. An introduction to Lapwing by Cathy D’Arcy began the proceedings. Congratulations to Patricia on an excellent collection and for her reading.
Richard Tillinghast drew both a significant and distinguished crowd into the Hayloft for the main event and was very well received, as expected. A big thanks to Richard for coming down from Tipperary to deliver a really excellent reading, which you can listen to here.
Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for his professional eMCeeing and to all on the open-mic, Jennifer Matthews, Seamus Harrington, Canadian performance poet Ritallin, Paddy Doyle, John Sawkins, Joe Sweeney, Jackie Prater, Niall Murphy, Áine Moynihan, Louis Mulcahy, John Mee, Mary Noonan, Matthew Sweeney, Conor McManus and Alan Titley.
Thomas McCarthy won the Five Word Challenge this week. Well done Tom!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/22/10; 6:26 pm
Open-mic night – 10th May 2010
Thanks to Camille Martin, who was treated to a packed Hayloft and one of the liveliest open-mics so far this year. Camille, who was on her first visit to Ireland from Canada, offered a fresh and inspired reading, very much enjoyed by all. You can listen to Camille’s reading here.
Thanks for the excellent open-mic offerings to Colm Scully, Tina Pisco, Fred Wildman, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, David Connolly, John Bracken, Mary O’Connell (The 2nd), Marie Coveney, Paddy Doyle, Ester Mrianowska, Dean Long, Seamus Harrington, Mary O’Connell (The 1st), Patricia Walsh, Rosie O’Regan, Daw Harding, Marlene, Levi Dewick, Conor McManus, Hayret Abdula, Ali Shaw and finally, with the funniest story I’ve heard from him yet, Alan Titley.
The Five Word Challenge was a tie between Fred Wildman and Levi Dewick. Well done to you both!
You can listen to the open-mic podcast here.
05/16/10; 10:23 am
Open-mic night – 3rd May 2010
Thanks to Vincent Woods for taking time out from his busy schedule in Dublin to read at Ó Bhéal. As expected he gave a fantastic reading, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Vincent’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for emceeing and to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, David Connolly, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Gerry Murphy, Rosalin Blue, Christy Parker and pc.
Stephen O’Riordan won this week’s McNamara Slam. Nice job Stephen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/9/10; 6:54 pm
Open-mic night – 26th April 2010
It was another excellent bilingual night … a huge thanks to Aifric Mac Aodha for coming down from Dublin to read her wonderful poetry in the Hayloft. She was very well appreciated by a lively audience. Thanks Aifric. With everyone listening so intently though, the tech faeries were up to no good and made off with the mp3 recordings (yet again) so no podcasts this week unfortunately. Thanks also to Alan O’Caochlaoich for providing excellent fiddling and song, the inaugural musical addition to our Gaelic nights. Sláinte gach eile!
Thanks also to Billy Ramsell for fine compèreing and to all on the open-mic, Colin O’Donovan, Miriam Casey, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Alan O’Caochlaoich, Hayred Abdula, Rosalin Blue, Brian Ó Murchú and Joe Buelt.
Esthera Mianowska won this week’s five word challenge. Well done Esthera!
05/2/10; 7:01 pm
Open-mic night – 19th April 2010
An absolute gem of a night for Cuairt na bhFilí Albanacha in a very packed Hayloft. Thanks to the Scottish poets and musicians for their excellent performances, Shona, Padraig, Joy and Angus, and also to Síle Ni Chatháin from Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge for making it possible. Billy Ramsell was on top form as emcee and the night was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The mp3s from each of the Scottish performances can be found here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Mark Stout, Laura Dillon, Donna Coogan, Jim Fox, Alan Ó Chochlaoich, Colin Ó Donovan, Joe Sweeney, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Brian O’Murchada, Hayret Abdula, Rosie O’Regan, Mary Brennan and Sue Cosgrave.
Jim Fox was this week’s Five Word Challenge winner. Well Done Jim!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/25/10; 8:53 pm
Open-mic night – 12th April 2010
A fantastic night and a huge success for Ó Bhéal’s first night of only other poets’ poetry … a great way to celebrate our third anniversary and 150 nights of poetry in the Hayloft. Do we have a new tradition I wonder??
To begin the launch of Five Words Vol III we heard Mark Stout reading Niall Herriott, Patricia Walsh reading Joe Sweeney, Joe Sweeney reading Marie Coveney, Rosalyn Blue reading Jeff Coogan, Seamus Harrington reading Rosalyn Blue, Marie Coveney reading Joe Sweeney, Anita Daly reading Miriam Casey, Rosie O’Regan reading Jennifer Matthews, Jennifer Matthews reading Tina Pisco and Anita Daly, Tina Pisco reading pc, pc reading Rosie o’Regan and Rosalyn Blue reading pc. I know. There’s got to be an easier way to type that all out. I’ll figure it out for next year. You can listen to these being read here.
And so on to the only other poets’ poetry open mic … in list-form this time, to reduce the boggle-effect. Thanks again to all who took part.
Mark Stout – November 30, 1967 (Paul Durcan)
Tina Pisco – Forgetfulness (Billy Collins)
Gemma – Long Distance II (Tony Harrison)
Joe Sweeney – In memory of Eva Gore-Booth & Con Markiewicz (W.B.Yeats)
Stephen O’Riordan – I went into the Maverick Bar (Gary Snyder)
Jennifer Matthews – Identity (Anamaría Crowe Serrano)
Bryan McElroy – Forgiveness (Anthony Owen)
Mary Brennan – Divorced Children (Anthony Owen)
Aaron Lewis – Desiderada (Max Ehrmann)
Mary O’Connell – The Second Coming (W.B.Yeats)
Alma Kelly – Madly Singing in the Mountains (Po Chü-I)
Sue Cosgrave – Offering to the Goddess of Love (anon) and Reflections on Power (anon)
Marie Coveney – Rootless (Jennifer Matthews)
Seamus Harrington – Emily Writes Such a Good Letter (Stevie Smith)
Rosalyn Blue – Poet’s Turmoil No.364 (Anne Clark)
Rosie O’Regan – It is not Growing like a Tree (Ben Jonson)
Billy Ramsell – Death of an Irish Woman (Michael Hartnett)
Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh – From a Sofia Notebook (Gregory O’Donoghue)
Bee – Enthusiast (Anon)
Patricia Walsh – The Collar (George Herbert)
Alan Coakley – Timothy Winters (Charles Causley)
pc – The Cauldron of Poesy (Amergin Mac Mil)
You can hear all that in stereo right here.
Mark Stout won the Five Word Challenge this week. Nice one Mark! And he has already submitted it for Five Words Vol IV !
Sláinte!
04/18/10; 11:02 pm
Open-mic night – 5th April 2010
A special thanks to John W Sexton for driving to Cork at less than 24 hours notice, and for presenting a passionate, energised reading of very fine poems from his latest collection, Petit Mal. Thanks also to Sue Cosgrave for her professional compèring. You can listen to John’s reading here.
Thanks to all the open-mic contributors, Donna Coogan, Mark Stout, Colin O’Donovan, Gerry Murphy, Niamh Sheehan, Eileen Sheehan, Patricia Walsh, Mary Brennan, Rosalin Blue and Gerry Murphy (yet again).
John W Sexton won this week’s Five Word Challenge. Sláinte a Shean!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/11/10; 9:37 pm
Open-mic night – 29th March 2010
Thanks to Gerry Hanberry for coming down from Galway to give a fantastic reading, with miles of quality entertainment. He drew a very full house which included a contigency from Limerick. You can listen to Gerry’s reading here.
Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordan for his great emcee work (as usual). The open-mic was packed with excellent contributions, thanks to Jenni Galvin, Donna Coogan, Jennifer Matthews, Hayret Abdula, Malcolm, Mary O’Connell, Patricia Walsh, Rosalin Blue, Marie Coveney, Sarah Buckley, Anita Daly, Edward O’Dwyer, Miriam Casey, Alan Coakley, Michael O’Donnell, Teri Murray, Paul O’Mahony, Christy Parker, Daw Harding, pc and Alan Titley.
Jenni Galvin won this week’s MacNamara Slam. Well done Jenni!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/4/10; 12:55 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd March 2010
A big thanks to Paul Grattan for joining us on Monday at the tail end of his latest reading tour, to deliver a rich and engaging reading. You can listen to Paul’s reading here.
And thanks also to all on the open-mic, Anita Daly, Donna Coogan, Colm Scully, Donal O’Callaghan, Colin O’Donovan, Anthony Jackson, Sue Cosgrave, Aaron Lewis, James A. Kelly, Alan Coakley, Patricia Walsh and Alan Titley.
Jen Matthews took the Five Word Challenge this week, just ahead of fierce competition. Well done Jen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/28/10; 6:38 pm
Open-mic night – 15th March 2010
Thanks to Bríd Ní Mhóráin for her generous and lyrically rich, bi-lingual reading on Monday, which she sounded to a smaller than usual, though appreciative audience. She read from a number of her collections including her most recent, An Cosán Bán/The White Path (Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne 2008). You can listen to the recorded podcast here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Cliff Wedgbury, Finn Macleod, Diarmuid Ó Dálaigh, Gerald Heffernan, Alma Kelly, Patricia Walsh, Terry Dineen, Colin, Stephen O’Riordan and Alan Coakley.
Colin was this week’s winner of the Five-Word Challenge. Well done Colin!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/21/10; 10:35 pm
Open-mic night – 8th March 2010
Thanks to Kate Dempsey for driving down from Kildare to share her most engaging poetry with the Cork enthusiasts. An excellent reading enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Kate’s reading here.
Thanks also to Joe Sweeney for his fine eMCee work. The open-mic contingent for the evening … Alan MacGuire, Finn MacLeod, Alan Coakley, Colin O’Donovan, Michael O’Donnell, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Donal O’Callaghan, Sue Cosgrave and Alan Titley. Thanks for the fine contributions.
Well done to Alan MacGuire and Áine for tieing a win in the Five Word MacNamara Slam.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/14/10; 9:45 pm
Open-mic night – 1st March 2010
After a well-received workshop on narrative poetry, Nessa O’Mahony read from her rich gamut of delicate verse, to a much-enthused and appreciative audience. You can listen to Nessa’s reading here. Thanks Nessa.
Thanks and well done to Sue Cosgrave for her fine debut as eMCee and to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Marie Coveney, Madeleine D’Arcy, Rosie O’Regan, Seamus Harrington, Joe Sweeney, Patricia Walsh, Míchael O’Donnell, Paul O’Mahony and Alan Titley.
Tina Pisco won the Five-Word Challenge this week. Nice one Tina! Don’t forget there are only three weeks until the deadline for the Five Words collection Volume III so get your poems in!
No luck getting last week’s mp3s back from the faeries I’m afraid, but I hear they’ve been enjoying the readings.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/7/10; 9:45 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd February 2010
Thanks to Teri Murray for her powerful, emotive and imagery-rich reading on Monday. Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordan for emceeing.
The open-mic was as colourful as always with contributions by Colm Scully, Seamus Harrington, Joseph Sweeney, Ed O’Dwyer, Teri Murray, Niall Herriott, Mary O’Connell (not the usual Mary O’Connell), Sheila O’Donnell, Lewis Quinn, Daw Harding, Michael O’Donnell and Chrisy Parker.
Teri Murray won the 5 Word Challenge, nice one Teri!
The tech fairies made off with the mp3s this week. We’re making enquiries …
02/28/10; 10:42 am
Open-mic night – 15th February 2010
Thanks to Liam Ó Muirthile for giving a brilliant reading, with fine gaelic poetry from another Corkman who grew up speaking english … well if that doesn’t inspire one to pick up cúpla focal nua … thanks Liam. And thanks to Billy Ramsell for compéring with his usual humour and professional excellence. You can listen to Liam’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Rosalin Blue, Miriam Casey, Isaac Xubín, Seamus Harrington, Adrian Ó h-Éalaithe, Aaron Lewis, Patricia Walsh, Alan Titley, Rosie O Regan and pc.
Phil was the winner of this week’s poetry challenge, well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/21/10; 7:40 pm
Open-mic night – 8th February 2010
Marian O’Rourke ventured down from the Shannon City to deliver an excellent reading and pre-launch of her debut collection, Inhaling the Light, prompting a healthy Limerick contingent among the audience and a great night for all. Thanks and best of luck to Marian with the success of her book. You can listen to her reading here.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic, Margaret Mary Glasgow, Sheila FitzPatrick O’Donnell, Bridget Wallace, Billy Ramsell, Edward O’Dwyer, Joe Sweeney, Niall Herriott, Patricia Walsh, Miriam Casey, Joe Bentley, Teri Murray, Alma Kelly and (as ever) the infamous Alan Titley.
Martín O’Brien won the McNamara Slam challenge this week – Nice job!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/15/10; 12:33 pm
Open-mic night – 1st February 2010
Matthew Geden delivered an excellent reading to a very full Hayloft on Monday. Thanks Matthew and also to Stephen O’Riordan for emceeing. You can listen to Matthew’s reading here.
There were 17 on the open-mic, thank you to all who participated … Joe Sweeney, Paddy Doyle, Dean Long, Seamus Harrington, Michael Loughrey, pc, John Ryan, Mark Noonan, Patricia Walsh, Fintan Brady, Mary O’Connell, Daw Harding, Aaron Lewis, Andrew Das Moon, Colm Scully, Alan Titley and Alan Coakley.
Well done to Mark Noonan, this week’s Five Word Challenge winner.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/7/10; 9:25 pm
Open-mic night – 25th January 2010
Chris Agee was well-received at a well-attended Ó Bhéal on Monday. He read mainly from his excellent collection Next to Nothing. Thanks for coming all the way down from Belfast Chris … and thanks to Jen Matthews for compéring on the night.
Thanks also to the open-mic contingent, Rab Urquhart (and for reminding us of Burn’s night), Joe Sweeney, Paddy Doyle, Seamus Harrington, Mark Noonan, Niall Herriott, Gerald Heffernan, Patricia Walsh, Brendan O’Sullivan, Dick Beamish, Sue Cosgrave and Alan Titley.
Paddy Doyle won the Five Word challenge this week … nice job Paddy.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/31/10; 7:16 pm
Open-mic night – 18th January 2010
Our first bi-lingual event of the year attracted a full-house and fortunately we had new sound equipment to record the evening. Thanks to Simon Ó Faoláin for driving over from West Kerry to present an excellent reading. Thanks also to Alan Coakley for emceeing. You can listen to Simon’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Alan Maguire, Aaron Lewis, Joe Sweeney, Colm Scully, Patricia Walsh, Roy Mayler, Sam Greenford, Lorcán Murray and to Simon again for ending with a song.
Well done to Aoife for winning the Five Word Challenge!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/24/10; 5:51 pm
Open-mic night – 11th January 2010
Again a huge thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for emceeing and setting everything up for the evening, and to guest poet Eugene O’Connell for agreeing to read at such short notice.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, John Mee, Fergal Harrington, Alan Coakley, Seamus Harrington, Aaron Carroll, Mary Noonan, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Sweeney, Dean Long, Becky Landry, Daw Harding and Alan Titley.
And well done to Aaron Carroll for winning the Poetry Challenge!
We should have sound recording from next week.
01/17/10; 7:50 pm
Open-mic night – 4th January 2010
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for emceeing on the opening Ó Bhéal night of the year, and to guest poet Patricia Byrne for coming down from Limerick to read.
Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordan for helping to organise the evening, and to all on the open-mic, Alan Maguire, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Colm Scully, Alan Coakley, Seamus Harrington Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Miriam Casey and Alan Titley.
And well done to Aoife for winning the McNamara Slam!
01/17/10; 7:44 pm
Open-mic night – 14th December 2009
The year ended in great style with Gearoid MacLochlainn coming down from Belfast to treat us to a fine reading. Thanks Geroid.
The fairies made off with the mp3 device again so no sound till the new year I’m afraid!
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Alan Maguire, Tom Jordan, John Bracken, Paddy Doyle, Ed O’Dwyer, Joe Sweeney, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Alma Kelly, Alan Flockhart, Alan Coakley and Daw Harding.
And well done to Seamus Harrington for winning the 5 Word Challenge!
01/17/10; 7:40 pm
Open-mic night – 7th December 2009
After flying in from the Isle of Skye to spend a weekend in Cork, Meg Bateman read from across the gamut of her life’s work, for fifty round minutes – which much be the longest reading we’ve had, and you wouldn’t have noticed it. I’m sure that great poetry suspends time altogether. Her tri-lingual (Scots Gallic, Gaeilge and English) reading was most warmly received, with Alan Titley reading translations as Gaeilge. You can listen to Meg’s reading here.
A big thanks also to Alan Titley for debúting as Ó Bhéal’s compère for the evening, and as you can imagine he was on top form. Sláinte! And thanks to all on the open-mic, Iain MacLean, John Bracken, Igor, Wes Wallace, Paddy Doyle, Mary O’Donnell, Ita O’Driscoll, Stephen O’Brien and Stephen O’Riordan.
Congrats to Wes Wallace for winning the Five Word Challenge this week!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/13/09; 12:12 pm
Open-mic night – 30th November 2009
The Hayloft filled up to the brim for Joseph Woods, and derservedly so for this fine poet, who presented his first Munster reading to a more than appreciative audience. Thanks Joe, and thanks again to Jen Matthews for fine emcee-work, as ever. You can listen to Joe’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the (slightly hijacked by the Crawford Arts Students) open-mic, John Bracken, Michael Fay, Keiran Healy (a.k.a. Gerald Heffernan), Gerald Heffernan, Dairena Ni Chinnéide, Maura McCarthy, Patricia Walsh, Igor, Terry Dineen, Mary O’Connell, Tom Jordan, Alma Kelly and Alan Titley.
Stephen O’Riordan won the 5-Word Challenge this week, well done Stephen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/6/09; 8:48 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd November 2009
Another epic night with eighteen up for the poetry challenge before the guests and seventeen on the open-mic afterwards. Thanks to the Whitehouse poets for coming down from Limerick and braving the floods all in the name of poetry. Fair plé! You can listen to the Whitehouse poets’ readings here.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic, Tom Moloney, Peggy Tunick, Margaret Mary, Igor, Sheila O’Donnell, John Bracken, Rosalyn Blue, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Amon Prendergast, Sarah Buckley, Edward O’Dwyer, Daw Harding, Alan Coakley, Rachel, Mary O’Connell and Joe Sweeney.
Donal O’Flynn won the Five-Word Challenge this week with competition from seventeen others. Great job Donal.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/29/09; 6:56 pm
Open-mic night – 16th November 2009
Thanks to Enda Coyle-Greene who came down from north Dubs to give us an excellent reading on Monday, living well up to, and preceded the same day by, a very complimentary interview in The Evening Echo, even though it mistakenly cited Enda as saying, and I paraphrase, ‘I love poetry more than love’, when in fact she later clarified that she had actually said that she ‘loved poetry more than anything’. And her poetry was more than lovely! Aren’t poetry and love the same thing anyway? Hmmm. You can listen to Enda’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Tom Jordan, John Bracken, John Ryan, Pat Cotter, Sue Cosgrave, Patricia Walsh, Alma Kelly, Daw Harding, Sarah Buckley, Rab Urquhart, Eugene Crowley and Alan Titley.
Ger Heffernan won the McNamara Slam challenge this week. Well done Ger!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/21/09; 6:36 pm
Open-mic night – 9th November 2009
Monday was a rare treat and pleasure, as you can imagine, with modernist poet Maurice Scully delivering an elaborate and rounded reading from a wide selection of his works, including poems from his latest collection, Humming, which we wish him the best with. It seems that what makes Maurice’s readings so engaging are that the comfortable tones of his delivery match the richness of his words. You can listen to Maurice’s reading here.
Go raibh míle to Stephen O’Riordan for great emcee work as usual, and to all on this week’s open-mic, John Bracken, Joe Sweeney, Paddy Doyle, Seamus Harrington, Terri Dineen, Patricia Walsh, Matthew Sweeney, Igor, Sue Cosgrave, pc, Mary Brennan and Alan Titley.
Congrats to Matthew Sweeney for winning the Five Word Challenge!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/16/09; 12:23 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd November 2009
A big thanks to Gabriel Rosenstock for delivering a fantastic bi-lingual performance on Monday, where he also gave out free copies of some of his haikus published in Irish. You can listen to Gabriel’s reading here.
Thanks also to Aoife Naughton for her delicate compèring on the night and to all on the open-mic, Paddy Doyle, Alan Flockhart, Iain MacLean, Ed O’Dwyer, Roy Hayler, Patricia Walsh, Igor G, Mary O’Connell, Colm Scully and Alan Titley.
The McNamara 5-Word challenge was a tie between Miriam Casey and pc. Great stuff!!
You can listen to the open-mic here.
11/9/09; 11:15 am
Open-mic night – 26th October 2009
A great night all-round up in the Hayloft with Denisa Mirena Piscu’s book launch and the main Poetry-Jazz act with Morley, Haiden and Haines rounding off the Jazz Festival with the sounds and words of BACKRA MeN. You can listen to Denisa’s reading here. Videos of the BACKRA MeN performance can be viewed here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Neil McCarthy, Daw Harding, Eileen O’Regan, Lorcan Murray, Patricia Walsh, Rosie O’Regan, Gerry Murphy, Seamus Harrington and Alan Titley.
Congratulations to Neil McCarthy (and Paul Solecki) for winning the McNamara Slam this week!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/2/09; 3:45 pm
Open-mic night – 19th October 2009
Alison Croggon and Robert Gray impressed the audience with their finely-crafted verse and showed all why they’re rated as two of Australia’s most accomplished poets. Thanks to both and to Jen Matthews for her professional compèring. You can listen to Robert’s reading here and to Alison’s here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Joe Sweeney, Matthew Sweeney, Sarah Buckley, Aoife Naughton, Patricia Walsh, Roy, Rab Urquhart, Daw Harding, Pat Cotter and Diarmaid O’Dálaigh.
Rosie O’Regan won the 5 Word Challenge this week … nice one Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/25/09; 3:07 pm
Open-mic night – 12th October 2009
Thanks to Mayo poet Terry McDonagh for a most pleasant reading in the Hayloft … A slightly quieter evening than usual which picked up nicely as the evening went on. Monday saw Terry attract a number of more seasoned poets from out of the woodwork. You can listen to Terry’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Tina Pisco, Colm Scully, Mary O’Connell, Cliff Wedgbury, Rab Urquhart, Sue Cosgrave, Patricia Walsh, Daw Harding, Matthew Sweeney, Mary Noonan, Seamus Harrington, James Kelly, Patrick Cotter and Alan Titley.
Cliff Wedgbury won the Five Word Challenge … Congrats to Cliff.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/18/09; 5:35 pm
Open-mic night – 5th October 2009
A brilliant night in the Hayloft with the much awaited return of Australian maestro Robyn Rowland on Monday, and that after presenting a magical workshop on landscape. Inspiring stuff! Thanks Robyn. A nice full house too and great emceeing by Stephen O’Riordan. You can listen to Robyn’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, An Capall Dorcha, Mary O’Connell, Kate McGrew and Austin, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Paddy Doyle, Aaron Lewis, Eugene Crowley, Louis Mulcahy, Marie Coveney, Sarah Buckley and Alan Titley.
Rosie O’Reagan won this week’s McNamara Slam … Congrats to Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/12/09; 6:41 pm
Open-mic night – 28th September 2009
Again a much quieter night, though not too quiet either … it’s nice to have a more relaxed evening from time to time. Thanks to Billy Ramsell for emceeing as gaeilge on the night and to guest Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa for coming from Tralee. You can listen to Pádraig’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Stephen O’Riordan, Sue Cosgrave, Colm Scully, Louis Mulcahy, Patricia Walsh and Eugene Crowley.
Jen Matthews won the McNamara Slam Five Word Challenge this week. Well done Jen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/5/09; 9:40 am
Open-mic night – 21st September 2009
A nice and full Hayloft for the Munster Slam Champs and Bernadette Cremin… non-stop poetry from 9 till midnight. Well done to the 2009 Munster Slam team, First place being taken by Tobias Manderson-Galvin and runner-up Tom McCarthy. No doubt we’ll hear of their escapades at the All-Ireland and wish them the best of luck. Well done also to the other 16 contestants and the judges for all the excellent quality they added to the event.
Bernadette Cremin then took the stage for the main reading and rounded off the slam performances most eloqeuntly with her great poetry, flush with style and presence. Thanks Bernadette! You can listen to Bernadette’s reading here.
Thanks also to the much-adbridged line-up of open-mic contributors … Joe Sweeney, Dominic Taylor, Paul O’Mahony, Niall Herriott, Sheila O’Donnell, Evelyn Casey and Teri Murray.
There was no time for the McNamara Slam this week and congrats again to Tobias and Tom the new Munster champs.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/28/09; 4:41 pm
Open-mic night – 14th September 2009
A quieter evening than usual following the first cloudless Cork weekend in months, though the intimate crowd slowly built up and were more than appreciative of Liz Gallagher’s fine verse, read from her new collection The Wrong Miracle. Thanks to Liz for driving down from Donegal and you can listen to her reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for navigating the night in style, and to all on the open-mic, Anita Daly, Miriam Casey, Jerry O’Neill, Jennifer Matthews, Seamus Harrington, Paul O’Mahony, Patricia Walsh and pc.
Jen Matthews won the McNamara Slam … Sláinte Jen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/20/09; 11:56 am
Open-mic night – 7th September 2009
Keith Armstrong and Rense Sinkgraven lived up to all expectations on Monday with their excellent performances. Thanks to both for travelling so far to read. you can listen to Keith reading here and to Rense here.
Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for great emcee work as usual, and to all the open-mic contributors, Anita Daly, Colm Scully, David Pritchett, An Capall Dorcha, Alan Coakley, Niall Herriott, Patricia Walsh, Donna Coogan, John Bracken, Ita O’Driscoll, Rosie O’Regan and Alan Titley.
Colm Scully was this week’s winner of the McNamara Slam – Well one Colm!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/12/09; 8:13 am
Open-mic night – 31st August 2009
A big thanks to O’Connor (Kerry) Clan File Tommy Frank O’Connor for coming up from Tralee to share his adventurous reflections and excellent verse. You can listen to Tommy’s reading here.
Thanks to Jennifer Matthews for fine emcee work (as always) and to all on the open-mic, Dick Beamish, Donna Coogan, Mary O’Connell, Sue Cosgrave, Rosie O’Regan, Patricia Walsh, Paddy Doyle, pc, Christy Parker and Daw Harding.
Donna Coogan won the Five Word challenge this week … congrats Donna!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/3/09; 9:27 pm
Open-mic night – 24th August 2009
Ulster voice Nigel McLoughlin gave an excellent and inspiring reading on Monday to another packed Hayloft, reading mainly from his latest collection, Chora: New & Selected Poems, while Limerick’s Edward O’Dwyer did a fine job in his debut role as eMCee. You can listen to Nigel’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Paul O’Mahony, Donna Coogan, Mary O’Connell, Billy Ramsell, Miriam Casey, Niall Herriott, Daw Harding, Joseph Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Patricia Walsh, An Capall Dorcha, Colm Scully, Roy McCarthy, Christy Parker, Alan Titley, Ed O’Dwyer and pc.
The Five Word Challenge was a tie this week between Joe Sweeney and Cathan. Well done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/31/09; 4:05 pm
Open-mic night – 17th August 2009
An absolutely packed evening on Monday for Áine Uí Fhoghlú from An Rinn, Co.Waterford, whose eloquent bi-lingual performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all. From the humorous and ridiculous to the educational and contemplative, Áine delivered an excellent and excellently rounded display of diverse poetics. You can listen to Áine’s reading here.
A big thanks to Aoife Naughton for keeping the night together with her magical compère skills, and to all on the open-mic, Owen Killeen, Mary O’Mahony, Joe Sweeney, Rosie O’Regan, Paul O’Mahony, Bríd Buckley, Ed O’Dwyer, Niall Herriott, pc, Patricia Walsh, Colm Scully, An Capall Dorcha, Peter Power, Paddy Doyle, Alan Coakley, Donna Coogan and Alan Titley.
Well Done to Niall Herriott for winning this week’s 5-Word McNamara Slam Challenge.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/24/09; 5:51 pm
Open-mic night – 10th August 2009
We had another great night on Monday with Joseph Horgan satiating the attention with his fine verse, showing us why he won the Kavanagh. I hope to see more of Joe’s work soon. You can listen to Joe’s reading here.
Thanks to Bríd Buckley for excellent emceeing and to all on the open-mic, Madeleine D’Arcy, Peter Lucey, Mary O’Connell, Miriam Casey, Rosalin Blue, Anita Daly, Patricia Walsh, Sue Cosgrave, Paul Casey, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Christy Parker and Alan Coakley.
Jen Matthews won the McNamara Slam Five Word Challenge. Sláinte Jen!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/16/09; 11:30 am
Open-mic night – 3rd August 2009
A big thanks to Pete Mullineaux who gave an excellent reading on Monday, with poems from his recent collection as well as a variety of others, like his poem for slam poetry, written for this year’s Cuirt Grand Slam where Pete is resident eMCee. You can listen to Pete’s reading here.
Thanks also to maestro compère Christy Parker for running the show and providing much-enjoyed, lively entertainment … and to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, Donna Cougan, David Rowe, Niall Herriott, Joe Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Miriam Casey, Sue Cosgrave, Barry Ahern, Billy Ramsell, Rebel Laureate Gerry Murphy, Rosie O’Regan and Christy himself.
Miriam Casey won this week’s McNamara Slam. Nice work Miriam.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/9/09; 9:16 pm
Open-mic night – 27th July 2009
After a 10am cancellation of the scheduled guest, Frances Cotter agreed to take center stage and drove down from the Marble City to deliver a great performance on the night. You can listen to Frances’ reading here.
Thanks to Joe Sweeney for his colourful compère work and to all on the open-mic, Donna Coogan, David Rowe, Anita Daly, Miriam Casey, Edward O’Dwyer, Paul Casey, Patricia Walsh, Seamus Harrington, Rosie O’Regan, Christy Parker and Daw Harding.
Pat Cotter won the Five Word Challenge this week. Nice one Pat!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
08/2/09; 9:15 pm
Open-mic night – 20th July 2009
A big thank you to Frank Dullaghan for delivering a fantastic workshop before his even more excellent reading. Frank visits Ireland annually from Dubai and hopes to visit Ó Bhéal again. You can listen to Frank’s reading here.
Thanks to Bríd Buckley for making a fine job of the eMCee work, and to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Mahony, Peter Lucey, Mary O’Connell, Joe Sweeney, David Rowe, An Capall Dorcha, Patricia Walsh, Paddy Doyle, Ed O’Dwyer, Seamus Harrington, Sue Cosgrave, Rosie O’Regan and Christy Parker.
The McNamara Slam was a tie between Ed O’Dwyer and An Capall Dorcha. Nice one!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/26/09; 6:13 pm
Open-mic night – 13th July 2009
Aidan Murphy gave a fine reading on Monday to a well-populated Summer Hayloft audience. Thanks to Aidan and to Stephen O’Riordan for great eMCeeing. You can listen to Aidan’s reading here.
Thaks to all who read on the packed open-mic, Matthew Sweeney, Sue Cosgrave, David Rowe, Miriam Casey, Seamus Harrington, Niall McCarthy, Eugene Crowley, Anita Daly, John Murphy, Joe Sweeney, Daw Harding, Mary Noonan, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Matthew Sweeney (again) and pc.
Seamus Harrington is this week’s Five-Word Challenge Winner. Well Done Seamus!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/19/09; 6:49 pm
Open-mic night – 6th July 2009
Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh rocked the house with an excellent bi-lingual reading … and set the pace for a fantastic open-mic. Ailbhe’s reading included a response to Gerry Murphy’s ‘Too Many Women’ where Pat Cotter phones Gerry to listen to it on the phone from the swimming pool. And he even came along to read later in the evening. Gerry at Ó Bhéal? You can listen to Ailbhe’s reading here.
Thanks to Alan Coakley for eMCeeing as Gaeilge and to all on the open-mic, David Rowe, Tom Jordan, Colm Scully, Pat Cotter, Sean Tracy, James Foley, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Kim Wayman, Alan Titley, Kelfin Oberon (du de dan anne) and (the infamous) Gerry Murphy.
The McNamara Slam was a tie between David Rowe and James Foley. Well done guys.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/12/09; 4:07 pm
Open-mic night – 29th June 2009
Máighréad Medbh rocked the hayloft with her riveting lyrical performance on Monday, and mostly off the page as she usually does in her modernist-yet-bardic, universal-personal most unique voice. You can listen to Máighréad’s reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for great eMCee work and to all on the open-mic, James Foley, Colm Scully, Miriam Casey, Patricia Walsh, Jericho Storey, Bríd Buckley, Paddy Doyle, Liz, David Rowe, Christy Parker, Niall Herriott, Adam Coyne and pc.
Jericho won the McNamara Slam this week, his first time at Ó Bhéal. Good Job!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
07/6/09; 4:51 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd June 2009
In a twinning exchange come poetry tour of Ireland, Jonathan Morley, Mike McKimm and Anthony Owen delighted with their poetry from Coventry, London and Antrim, Allihies even. A review of the tour should be up shortly. Deputy Lord Mayor John Buttimer’s speech is here. Thanks to Cork City Council for making the Twin Cities Exchange possible. You can listen to Jon here, to Mike here and to Anthony here.
Thanks to Jennifer Matthews for compèring on the night, and for the open-mic poets, Alan Titley, Billy Ramsell, Allyson Lozano, Mary Brennan, Sue Cosgrave, Seamus Harrington and Eugene Crowley. For the first time we couldn’t get everyone onto the mic, so thanks also to the six others for offering your poems.
Rosie O’Regan took the McNamara slam this week. Well done Rosie.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/28/09; 10:14 pm
Open-mic night – 15th June 2009
Frank Golden gave a charged reading from three of his diverse collections, as well as poems from his forthcoming collection, inspired by paintings. You can listen to Frank’s reading here.
Well done to Alan Flockhart for his debut as eMCee and thanks to all on the open-mic, Seamus Harrington, Paddy Doyle, David Rowe, Miriam Casey, Rosie O’Regan, Niall McCarthy, Bryn for his vocal overtones exercise, Joe Sweeney (In Person!), Alan Titley and PC.
And well done to Jeff Coogan who won the poetry challenge.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/28/09; 9:45 pm
Open-mic night – 8th June 2009
Great to have Westport poet Ger Reidy up in the loft where he treated us to a healthy dose of Mayo culture with a variety of poems new and old, from the pastoral to the humorous. Bríd Buckley once again made a fine job of the emceeing. You can listen to Ger’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jennifer Matthews, David Rowe, Paddy Doyle, Joe Sweeney, Colm Scully, Sue Cosgrave, Niall Herriott, Paul O’Mahony, Tom Jordan, Alan Titley and pc.
The McNamara slam was a tie between Detroit visitor Joel Finkle and pc.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/15/09; 12:51 pm
Open-mic night – 1st June 2009
Gerry Murphy did the biz up in the loft on Monday as expected, to a full Summer house and actually managed to read some of his longer verses, proving for once and for all that Cork’s Poet Laureate actually does have an attention span longer than a haiku, as has been until now a question of much debate among his many fans (including myself I must admit) … Thanks Gerry. You can listen to his historical rebel Ó Bhéal reading here.
Go Raibh Maith Agat to Stephen O’Riordan for knowing his M’s from his C’s and keeping it all on track. The open-mic was well ablaze this week with poems from Colm Scully, Peter Lucey, Mary O’Connell, Rab Urquhart, Bríd Buckley, James Foley, Patricia Walsh, John Ryan, David Rowe, Niall Herriott, Christy Parker, Joe Sweeney, Seamus Harrington and Wes Wallace.
John Ryan took the McNamara Cup this week. Good Stuff.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
06/8/09; 11:26 am
Open-mic night – 25th May 2009
A big thanks to Janice Fitzpatrick Simmons for flying down from Donegal to share an engaging selection of poems from her last book, The Bowsprit, and from her forthcoming collection St. Michael in Peril of the Sea. There was a great turnout and the evening’s proceedings were finely carried by Compère Jennifer Matthews. You can listen to Janice’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, Peter Lucey, Mary O’Connell, Joe Sweeney, Bríd Buckley, Alan Flockhart, Seamus Harrington, Pat Cotter, Patricia Walsh, Miriam Casey, Edward O’Dwyer, Sue Cosgrave, James Foley and Francis Spurling.
Edward O’Dwyer won the McNamara Challenge. Nice one Ed!
The Summer Tech Faeries made off with the open-mic mp3 and now we’re negotiating to have them banned from the venue altogether.
06/1/09; 5:28 pm
Open-mic night – 18th May 2009
Packed to the brim was the old Hayloft it was, as it should aptly be, for one of Ireland’s very finest poets, Thomas McCarthy, whose wide-range of carefully explored subject matter and soft, lyrical delivery silenced, yea, delighted the audience throughout the reading. Many thanks Tom. He also read poems from his next collection, due out later in 2009. You can listen to Tom’s reading here.
A huge thanks to Cork Maestro Billy Ramsell, for his ever warm and humourous compèreing, and to all on the open-mic, Noel King, Louis Mulcahy, Áine Moynihan (all three of whom travelled from west Kerry), Brian Rea (with a great debut offering), Miriam Casey, Colm Scully, Joe Sweeney, Seamus Harrington, Sue Cosgrave, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, John O’Riordan, Bríd Buckley, Christy Parker and Alan Titley.
Seamus Harrington won the Five Word McNamara Slam … well done Seamus.
The open mic mp3 is here.
05/25/09; 1:45 pm
Open-mic night – 11th May 2009
After presenting a stimulating workshop (gratis), Anamaría Crowe Serrano reminded everyone of what poetry is all about, with a phenomenal reading by this most talented wordsmith. Anamaría ended with a poem dedicated to Ó Bhéal (here). You can listen to the reading here.
Thanks to Joe Sweeney for steering the ship with much humour and grace, and to the open-mic readings by Bryan McElroy, Mary O’Connell, Wes Wallace, Rosie, O’Regan, James Foley, Patricia Walsh, Joe Sweeney and pc.
This week’s poetry challenge was a tie between Rosie O’Regan and Aoife Naughton. Sláinte!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/13/09; 8:06 am
Open-mic night – 4th May 2009
A charged night at Ó bhéal with two very exciting poets, Dave Rock and Stephen James Smith, who have been emerging onto the scene in recent years. Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for his cool handling of a very tight open-mic – great emceeing. You can listen to Stephen’s reading here and to Dave’s here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Carl Plover, Mary O’Connell, Joe Sweeney, Seamus Harrington, James Foley, Patricia Walsh, Billy Ramsell, Christopher Collins, Sue Cosgrave, Eddie, Daw Harding, Christy Parker, Rosie O’Regan and the infamous Alanis Titlus.
Christy Parker won the Five Word challenge this week. Sláinte Christy.
The open mic mp3 is here.
05/8/09; 3:43 pm
Open-mic night – 27th April 2009
To a quieter audience than usual, Rosemary Canavan read a fine selection of her lyrical verse, with many from her excellent new collection Trucker’s Moll. Thanks Rosemary. The reading can be heard here.
Thanks to Alan Coakley for compèring on the night, and to all on the open-mic, Colm Scully, Joe Sweeney, Jennifer Matthews, Miriam Casey, James Foley, pc and Stephen O’Riordan.
James Foley won the McNamara Slam this week. Well done James.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
05/4/09; 3:45 pm
Open-mic night – 20th April 2009
An excellent night again in the Hayloft with guest Karen O’Connor enthralling the audience. I’m delighted we managed to host Karen, she is one of the few poets whose collections I could not put down until I had read every last word. Thanks Karen. You can listen to her reading here.
Thanks also to visiting poet Rick Mullen from New Jersey for opening the evening for Karen with his very fine verse. Rick’s next collection will be published by The Seven Towers later this year. You can listen to his reading here.
Thanks to Bríd Buckley for great eMCee work, and to all the poets on the open-mic, Jennifer Matthews, Joe Sweeney, Seamus Harrington, Alan Coakley, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Miriam Casey, Fionn Barra, Bríd Buckley, Eugene Crowley and Gerald Heffernan.
Karen O’Connor won this week’s poetry challenge, congrats!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/25/09; 11:52 pm
Open-mic night – 13th April 2009
Well we had an excellent evening all round for our second anniversary with the double launch. After the usual challenge, eleven poets read from their entries in Five Words – Volume II and we managed to get those on video. They should be up over the next week, so watch this space.
The main part of the evening was John Ennis’ launch of How The Light Gets in … with a variety of readings of Canadian verse from the anthology, by John and five Cork poets. It’s another remarkable milestone in the long line of valuable efforts by John and well worth adding to the bookshelf. Thanks John and best of luck with the other launches to come. You can listen to the reading here.
Thanks to the open-mic contributors, Anthony Jackson, Seamus Harrington, Jennifer Matthews, Gerry Murphy (Not “The” Gerry Murphy), Anita Daly, Eugene Crowley, Rosie O’Regan, Christy Parker, Joe Sweeney and Louis Mulcahy.
Rosie O’Regan won the Five Word challenge this week. Nice one Rosie.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/19/09; 10:15 pm
Open-mic night – 6th April 2009
After facilitating an unusual and thought-provoking workshop, James Harpur gave an excellent reading to a very well attended Ó Bhéal. Thanks James, and congratulations on The Michael Hartnett Award! You can listen to James’ reading here.
A big thanks to Jennifer Matthews for fine eMCeeing, and to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, Pat Cotter, Joseph Sweeney, Gerald Heffernan, Seamus Harrington, Bríd buckley, Colm Scully, pc, Daw Harding and Gail.
Aoife Naughton won the poetry challenge this week … Aoife, is é do bheatha!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/13/09; 12:35 am
Open-mic night – 30th March 2009
A big thanks to Lothar Luken for coming at such short notice. The crowd enjoyed his unique, satirical verse immensely, the humourous as well as the more serious. You can listen to Lothar’s reading here.
Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordan for performing a great job as eMCee and to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Pat Cotter, Niall Herriott, Joe Sweeney, Peter Lucy, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Christy Parker and Alan Titley.
Niall Herriott won the poetry challenge this week. Nice one Niall!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
04/5/09; 6:46 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd March 2009
Mary Mullen’s poetry comprises an exciting gamut of imagery-rich verse stretching from Alaska to Connacht. A fine reading, much appreciated by all. Thanks Mary. The reading is available here.
Thanks to Bríd Buckley for great emceeing and giving away the chance to win the Five Word Challenge. Thanks to all who read on the quieter-than-usual open-mic, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Joe Sweeney, Miriam Casey, Edward O’Dwyer, Christy Parker, Alan Titley, Bríd Buckley and pc.
The McNamara Slam was a tie between Stephen O Riordan and Kate Huguelet. Well done to you both!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/29/09; 1:23 pm
Open-mic night – 16th March 2009
The bi-lingual event on Monday night was without a doubt one of the very best we’ve had. Master poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill attracted a fantastic turnout and as expected delivered all the goods and much more, of Ireland’s most exquisite and profoundly crafted poetry. Being St. Paddy’s eve the Hayloft was given a 40 minute extension on closing time, which the open-mic answered right to the end. A huge Thank You is due to Aoife Ní Neachtain for excellent compère work (agus as Gaeilge go leis). You can listen to Nuala’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Ally (from Cali) Bobus, Damian Ryan, Peter de Fombert, Kevin Mullaney, Joe Sweeney, Wes Wallace, Seamus Harrington, Daw Harding, Fiona Riordan, Stephen O’Riordan, Christy Parker, Rab Urquhart, Mary O’Connell, Jennifer Matthews, Bríd Buckley, Gerald Heffernan and pc.
The McNamara Slam was won by Fiona Riordan. Congratulations Fiona!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/22/09; 3:03 pm
Open-mic night – 9th March 2009
Following International Women’s Day, two Galway-based poets, Susan Millar DuMars and Lorna Shaughnessy presented a well-packed Ó Bhéal Hayloft with excellent readings from their first collections recently published by Salmon. A big thanks to them both and to eMCee Jennifer Matthews for great entertainment. You can listen to Susan’s reading here and to Lorna’s here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Eimear Conboye, Rab Urquhart, Gerald Heffernan, Miriam Casey, Colm Scully, Bríd Buckley, Fiona Riordan, Kate McGrew, Niall Herriott, Kevin Mullaney, Christy Parker and Rosie O’Regan.
Bríd Buckley won this week’s 5 Word Challenge. Sláinte a Bhríd!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/15/09; 8:30 pm
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’Ríordán, 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, Bily 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 Riordán, 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 Riordán, 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 Riordán 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 Riordán 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 Riordán 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
Open-mic night – 24th March 2008
Yet another quiet bank-holiday Monday which turned out a comfortable crowd to hear a fine delivery from Kevin Higgins, reading from Time Gentlemen, Please. This was the first launch of his latest, intriguing collection and we wish him all the best with its success. Jennifer Matthews eMCeed the event with her usual ease and delicacy … Thanks Jen. You can listen to Kevin’s reading here.
Thanks to all who adorned the open-mic, Bill O’ Callaghan, John Ryan, Meghann Plunkett, Patricia Walsh, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Gerry Murphy, Seline McCarney, Miriam Casey, Eugene Crowley, FionnBarra, Niall Herriot and pc(yep).
The Five Word challenge was taken by Trish Casey – Well Done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/29/08; 10:29 am
Open-mic night – 17th March 2008
Well surprisingly Paddy’s Night was quiter than expected, though there were still about thirty in the house by the time the guest went on … James Kelly read from a variety of his work and was very well received. You can listen to James’ reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Jen Matthews, Marianne, Jerry O’Neill, Gene Barry, Bryan McElroy, Pa and Seline, Patricia Walsh, Pat Cotter, Aaron Lewis, Daw Harding and Mary.
There was a three-way tie for the poetry challenge, taken by Jen Matthews, Seline McCarney and Gene Barry. Well Done!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/24/08; 2:09 am
Open-mic night – 10th March 2008
What seemed was going to be a much quieter evening than usual turned out to be comfortably full, as The Hayloft distilled its way towards a very relaxed open mic. Thanks to Desmond Swords who came down at such short notice (after Noel Sweeney had to cancel … we’ll try and get Noel down later in the year). Desmond’s lyrical streams were greatly enjoyed by all. You can listen to his reading here
Thanks to all the open mic habitués, Séan óg Glacín, Joe Sweeney, Edward O’Dwyer, Jen Matthews, Meghann Plunkett, Tommy Livingston, Seline McCarney, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Séamus Harrington, Annie Power, Brian Ó Murcada, Alan Coakley, Aaron Lewis and Daw Harding.
The poetry challenge was won by Edward O’Dwyer. Good stuff.
The open mic mp3 is here.
03/15/08; 9:51 am
Open-mic night – 3rd March 2008
For those who didn’t bare Winter’s late comeback freeze on Monday to see Trish Casey, you missed out on a really great night. Trish will be coming back later in the year to give a workshop series in voice delivery (10 places only). The poet elevated the entire ambience with her unique alternating vocal blend of litany, satire and much besides. You can hear a few of here poems here.
Thanks to all the open-mic poets, Alan Coakley, Joe Sweeney, Miriam Casey, Jennifer Matthews, Billy Ramsell, Meghann Plunkett, Patricia Walsh, Edward O’Dwyer, Niall Herriott, Seline McCarney, Gene Barry, Brian Ó Murchú, Jerry O’Neill and Daw Harding.
The poetry challenge was taken by Lucy. Well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/6/08; 7:52 pm
Open-mic night – 25th February 2008
Gene Barry took the reins for the 44th open-mic, and as eMCee held the night together with pristine skill. Thanks Gene. Guest poet Gary King read generously from a variety of his work, switching back and forth comfortably between performance and the page. His reading can be heard here.
Thanks to all the open-mic poets, Matthew Sweeney, Alan Coakley, Aaron Lewis, Joe Sweeney, Meghann Plunkett, Edward O’Dwyer, Pat Cotter, Patricia Walsh, Séamus Harrington, Finbarr Owens, Finbarr O’Mahony, meself, David Winter, Jill, Daw Harding, Claire, Celine and Alan Titley.
Daw Harding won the poetry challenge – Good Stuff.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/27/08; 2:04 pm
Open-mic night – 18th February 2008
We had another great night, this time on the wings of Raven’s extraordinary poetic rhythms which kept all soaring way above the city from beginning to end. He’s yet another extremely gifted performer who keeps far from the page during his delivery, and I found myself wondering afterwards if there’s such a thing as too much inspiration. What I am certain of though is that passion like that is contagious. You can hear his performance here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Draven, Alan Coakley, Joe Sweeney, Jerry O’Neill, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Gene Barry, Bern, Kevin Hennessy, Séamus Harrington, Dean Adedipe, Mel O’Dea, Rosie O’Regan, Edward O’Dwyer, George Harding, Finbarr O’Mahony, Celine McCarney, Jill, Meghann Plunkett, Mike O’Brien and Alan Titley.
The poetry challenge was won by Raven.
The open-mic recording can be heard here.
02/20/08; 11:05 pm
Open-mic night – 11th February 2008
I’m beginning to wonder if these nights can get any better. 53 people in the house and others queuing up on the stairs. Then again, with Gearoid Mac Lochlainn around I’d imagine nothing less. An excellent performance, and we’ll be sure to get him back to Cork in the future. The mp3 of Gearoid’s reading is here.
Thanks to the open-mic poets, Pat Cotter, Jennifer Matthews, David Winter, Alan Titley, Joe Sweeney, Niall Herriott, Patricia Walsh, Alan Coakley, Séamus Harrington, Meghann Plunkett, Brian Ó Muruski, Marta, Gene Barry, Paddy Reidy, Edward O’Dwyer, Cora Reidy, Brian McElroy, Francis Donnelly, Liam Keily, Billy Ramsell, George Harding, Aaron Lewis and Gearoid Mac Lochlainn.
14 took up the poetry challenge which was won by Séan Ó Laoi, well done, and thanks to the Munster Literature Centre for donating the evening’s prize of The Echoing Years.
The open mic mp3 is here.
02/14/08; 6:13 pm
Open-mic night – 4th February 2008
Poet Jennifer Matthews compèred the evening with great finesse and aplomb in her debut as eMCee, and we hope to see more of her in the driving seat in the future. Thanks Jen.
With Mark Whelan’s elegant reading from his latest collection, it was a nice change to take a back seat and take in the 41st evening which was greatly enjoyed by all, including another hearty Whitehouse contingent. The mp3 of Mark’s reading is here.
Thanks to all who were up at the open-mic, Aaron Lewis, Edward O’Dwyer, Mary O’Connell, Dominic Taylor, Joseph Sweeney, Patricia Walsh, Brian Ó Murcaidh, Gene Barry, Séamus Harrington, Patrick Cotter, Marta, Michael O’Brien, Finbarr O’Mahony, George Harding, Pev Cache, Meghann Plunkett, Jill O’Keefe and Dave Winter.
Alan Coakley won the poetry challenge.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/7/08; 2:41 am
Open-mic night – 28th January 2008
What a night! 18 took on the poetry challenge and 25 went up to the open-mic. Both new records for Ó Bhéal.
Neil McCarthy delivered a mighty performance to the house, with a series of stream-of-conciousness poems written all around the globe. Flowing from the heartiest of humour to both the gravitas and ridiculous of the human condition, Neil captured the crowd from start to finish. You can listen to his performance here.
Thanks to the open-mic poets, Mel O’Dea, Meghann Plunkett, Finbarr O’Mahony, Paddy Reidy, John Ryan, Edward O’Dwyer, Patricia Walsh, Bern, Jen Matthews, Billy Ramsell, Séamus Harrington, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Gene Barry, Cora Reidy, Pat Cotter, Alan Titley, Padraig O’Suilleabháin, Dean Adedipe, Jill O’Keefe, Brian Ó Murcaidh, Aaron Lewis, George Harding, Liam Kiely, Mike O’Brien and Bryan McElroy.
The challenge was taken by Dean Adedipe. Well Done.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
01/29/08; 5:07 pm
Open-mic night – 21st January 2008
Cliff Wedgbury delivered a powerfully spirited reading, selected from a number of his collections, leaving an inspired audience more than eager to get up to the open-mic. Cliff’s well seasoned cadences and lyric ballads left more than a few open-mouthed … with 45 minutes of flowing performance completely off the page. Cliff’s reading is here.
A completely packed open-mic had us pushing the limits of closing time once again. Thanks goes to Brian Ó Murchú, Lil, Joe Sweeney, Edward O’Dwyer, Meghann Plunkett, Jerry O’Neill, Jennifer Matthews, Sínead Ryan, Marta, John Ryan, Patricia Walsh, Liam Kiely, Alan Titley, Cuan Muyllaert, Gene Barry, Rosie O’Regan, Pat Cotter, Peter, Séamus Harrington, George Harding, Finbarr O’Mahony and Séan óg O’Glacín.
The poetry challenge was won by Finbarr O’Mahony.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
01/25/08; 1:03 am
Open-mic night – 14th January 2008
A big thank you to Jessica Peart for coming down from Dubs at such short notice, and sparking off a great night with her excellent pageless performance. Yet more proof that delivering the poetry without the page is both more engaging and accessible. Here is Jessica reading Indian Elephant.
Thanks to the open-mic contributors, Brian Ó Murchú, Mel O’Dea, Jennifer Matthews, Mary O’Connell, Edward O’Dwyer, Cuan Muyllaert, Patricia Walsh, Séamus Harrington, Eugene Crowley, Aaron Lewis and Rosie.
Edward O’Dwyer won the poetry challenge. Sláinte.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/20/08; 11:29 pm
Open-mic night – 7th January 2008
A great start to the New Year with a full house to welcome Teri Murray, our first guest of the year. Although very relaxed the evening had great variety, echoing Teri’s own performance. A lot of new faces and a strong Limerick contingent bodes well for the year to come. Teri’s performance can be heard here.
Thanks to the open-mic poets and crooners, Ger Sheehy, Dominic Taylor, Jennifer Matthews, Annie Power, Jerry O’Neill, Alan Coakley, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, FionnBarra, Gene Barry, Edward O’Dwyer, Finbar, Patricia Walsh, Mary O’Connell, Séamus Harrington, George Harding, Aaron Lewis, Cuan Muyllaert and Bryan McElroy.
The poetry challenge was won by Martine. Nicely taken with a Haiku-Limerick combination. Well Done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/9/08; 3:01 am
Open-mic night – 17th December 2007
Wow! What a night. Buddy, Andrea and Katie Rocked and Corked the house from beginning to end. With a packed out house Ó Bhéal’s end of year Xmas party was a night to be remembered. Videos will be up in the new year, and the mp3 of the I Am a Lagan performance is here.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the venue during the 36 consecutive Mondays in 2007, and to the Arts Council and Cork City Council for their recent endorsements and support. 2008 looks to be even better, and we hope to hit the 50 week mark.
Thanks to the open-mic poets, Edward O’Dwyer, Mel O’Dea, Aaron Lewis, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Joe Sweeney, Jerry O’Neill, Niall Herriott, John Ryan, Séamus Harrington, Fionnbarra, Patricia Walsh, Jack Lyons, Eugene Crow Zey, Sinéad Ryan, Gene Barry, Jennifer Matthews, Alan Coakley, Hana, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Mary O’Connell and Felicia Meshach.
The poetry challenge was won by Gene Barry. Well Done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/19/07; 7:04 pm
Open-mic night – 10th December 2007
Barbara Smith read from her new collection Kairos, exploring the ancient world as well as the modern. The rhythm of those old celtic quatrains brought much of the traditional poetic into the evening. Some of Barbara’s reading can be heard here.
Thanks to all the open-mic contributors, Alan Coakley, Mary O’Connell, Mel O’Dea, Edward O’Dwyer, Jennifer Matthews, Gene Barry, Patricia Walsh, Hugh Murphy, David Burke, Sinéad Ryan and Séamus Harrington.
The challenge was won by Alan Coakley, well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/12/07; 10:31 am
Open-mic night – 3rd December 2007
Helen’s diverse offering of poetry and impromptu theatre followed the challenge with a creative boost for the crowd. No-one expected a sneak-preview of her forthcoming poetic play, Hoodwinked. Helen’s performance can be heard here.
Many thanks to the open-mic enthusiasts, Matthew Sweeney, Mel O’Dea, Séamus Harrington, FionnBarra, Jennifer Matthews, Wes Wallace and Aoife Neachtainn (with an hilarious take on Irish place-names), Aaron Lewis, Edward O’Dwyer, Jack Lyons, Patricia Walsh, Alan Coakley, Scott Barriscale and Kyle Barriscale.
The poetry challenge was taken by Mel O’Dea, congratulations.
The mp3 of the open mic is here.
12/4/07; 11:03 pm
Open-mic night – 26th November 2007
We had another great night with spirited guest Alan Garvey, who risked the ominous shadows of Limerick junction to get here from Waterford, and then jumped right into the poetry challenge on arrival. With the challenge being first, it worked much better for the night so we’ll probably be continuing with this format for the foreseeable future. Alan’s reading is here.
Thanks also to our open-mic contributors, Draven, Edward O’Dwyer, Aaron Lewis, Alan Coakley, Sinéad Ryan, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Annie Power, Jack Lyons, John Ryan, Niall Herriott, Jennifer Matthews, Séamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh and Gavin Ryan.
The challenge was taken by Jennifer Matthews. Congratulations.
The mp3 from the open-mic is here.
11/28/07; 10:07 pm
Open-mic night – 19th November 2007
The high-energy pace of The Poetry Chicks’ AlphabetidudeZ collective performance riveted the Cork audience with its hard-hitting themes and lyrical interludes. Hope to see them back next year. The mp3 of their performance is here.
Thanks to the open-mic participants, Jennifer Matthews, Draven, Mel O’Dea, FionnBarra, Patricia Walsh, Sinéad Ryan, Edward O’Dwyer, Jerry O’Neill, Jack Lyons, Séamus Harrington, Felicia Meshach, Eugene Crowley and Aaron Lewis.
Alan Coakley won the poetry challenge. Well done.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
11/21/07; 8:25 pm
Open-mic night – 12th November 2007
Anamaría Crowe Serrano delighted a packed house with a preview performance of poems from her latest collection, to be published in April 2008. Personally delivered to audience members after choosing page numbers, Anamaría’s eloquent tones and thought-provoking journeys ranged from obliquely offbeat to profoundly inspirational. And that set the tone for one of the best nights so far.
A full open-mic pushed us to the limits of closing time. Altogether a scorcher of a night. Thanks to Chris Collins, Edward O’Dwyer, Brian O’Murchu, Mel O’Dea, Mary O’Connell, Jennifer Matthews, Gene Barry, Patricia Walsh, John Ryan, Sinéad Ryan, Aaron Lewis, Séamus Harrington, Felicia Meshach, Eileen Sheehan, Finn, John. W.Sexton, Paul Roche and Sean Tracy.
Co-Winners of the McNamara slam challenge were Sinéad Ryan and John Ryan. Comhghairdeas agaibh!
The open-mic mp3 was saved after rogue faeries were shooed into behaving by Gene. It’s here.
11/13/07; 6:35 pm
Open-mic night – 5th November 2007
Another great night and many thanks to Cork poet Billy Ramsell for a fantastic reading. Perhaps we should make it compulsory for guest readers to recite their poetry off the page … what do you think?
Overall the open-mic poetry was exceptional. Thanks to Jennifer Matthews, Anita Daly, Brian Ó Murchú, Aaron Lewis, Edward O’Dwyer, Sinéad Ryan, Alan Coakley, Draven, Patricia Walsh, Jack Lyons, Gene Barry, Séamus Harrington and Felicia Meshach.
The poetry challenge was won by George Harding. Well done.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
11/6/07; 12:52 pm
Open-mic night – 29th October 2007
The efforts of last evening were much appreciated. Stumbling in with the guests, after 24 hours of non-stop poetry writing, the tail end of the Jazz weekend buzz was already chilling up in the loft. Everything almost set up by the faeries who promised they wouldn’t rob the mp3. So its absence this week is entirely down to human memory, or could it be energy? Not likely. How many poets are there? What’s a poet?
Thanks Mags and Steve, for the lift. Hope to see you both again soon. Cheers to the bank holiday open-mic poetry from Alan Coakley, Mel O’Dea, John Ryan, Bernadette Hall, Jerry O’Neill, Anita Daly, Gene Barry, Patricia Walsh, Felishia Meshach and Aaron Lewis.
An early close meant no poetry challenge, so all in all a very mellow evening. Sláinte
pc
10/30/07; 3:26 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd October 2007
It’s always at 8.30 that I’m wondering if there’s going to be a crowd. The guest poets get the same story every week, Irish Time. And there’s usually a gracious “Don’t worry, I’m used to it”, or “Poetry’s like that”. Well, by 9 there was almost a full house and by the time Mark was half way through, we were a full house. And you’d think that Mondays would get people in earlier … it seems to me the tether of the poetry world must have it’s own personal pace after all. I suppose we could always petition for the venue to stay open till 1am, and I wouldn’t mind, but the later we get people in, the less poetry we get to enjoy. So please come earlier if you can so the end of the night doesn’t get so squashed (Am I talking to myself again?). Here’s to all the great poetry yet to come.
Thanks to Mark O’Flynn for a great reading, for a great dose from Hadestralia, his lyrical and subtly humorous eloquence awakening the visceral in the crowd.
Thanks also to the open-mic enthusiasts Aaron Lewis, Mel O’Dea, Draven, Jennifer Matthews, Patricia Walsh, Anita Daly, Séamus Harrington, Sinéad Ryan, Alan Coakley, Jack Lyons, Chris Collins, Séan Tracy, Elaine Moynihan and Edward O’Dwyer.
The McNamara slam challenge was taken by Alan Coakley, well done.
The open mic mp3 was saved, and the faeries were much amused by their being watched so carefully. It’s here.
See you next week
pc
10/25/07; 11:18 am
Open-mic night – 15th October 2007
Another full line-up in the Hayloft meant a great night for all involved. Thanks to Keith Armstrong and Paul Summers who set off the evening with their respective repertoires, both being humourous and strikingly sobering at the same time. Two quality performances that inspired a great welcome. We look forward to their return in late 2008.
Thanks also to the open-mic participants, Jennifer Matthews, Chris Collins, Patricia Walsh, Edward O’Dwyer, Miriam Casey, Anita Daly, Séamus Harrington, John Ryan, Jerry O’Neill, Jack Lyons, Draven, Liam Heophy, Sean Tracy, Aaron Lewis, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Cliff Wedgebury and Neil O’Sullivan. Thanks to Owen Kileen for the music too.
The Poetry Challenge was won by Lillian Corbin, congrats.
The tech faeries robbed the mp3 again. Turn your back for one minute … though all in all a fantastic night.
10/17/07; 11:29 am
Open-mic night – 8th October 2007
Great humour and cheer from New Delhi poet Sandeep Sinha sparked a lively atmosphere on Monday, and with both a full house and a full open-mic, everyone enjoyed the night immensly.
Thanks to the contributors; Gavin Ryan, Chris Collins, Edward O’Dwyer, Neil O’Sullivan, Mary O’Connell, Gene Barry, Aaron Lewis, Jen Matthews, Eileen Lordan, Fidelma Lehane, Patricia Walsh, Sinéad Ryan, Séamus Harrington, Alan Coakley and Anita Daly.
The poetry challenge was won by Séan Tracy.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
10/10/07; 12:37 pm
Open-mic night – 1st October 2007
Well if the Hayloft isn’t a poetry venue, then there are no poetry venues. In my books that’s the best night we’ve had. One of Greece’s few living poets Dimitris Lyacos’ gave an otherworldly reading from his work Nyctivoe, leading to much poetic discussion to the delight of the audience. A rare treat indeed.
A surprise visit from Dr. Robyn Roland gave an unexpected kickstart to the open mic and we look forward to her return as a guest poet in 2008. Thanks to all who contributed, Robyn Roland, Miriam Casey, Gene Barry, Jennifer Matthews, Patricia Walsh, Eileen Lordan, Seamus Harrington, Edward O’Dwyer, John Ryan, Sinéad Ryan, Fionnbarra and Owen Killeen.
Gene Barry won the poetry challenge.
The open mic mp3 is here.
10/2/07; 8:52 am
Open-mic night – 24th September 2007
Apologies for getting this week’s mp3 up so late. It’s been the busiest week of the year surely. I even got the wrong months in the newsletter – oh well, At least poetry is getting more popular. Wednesday night in Dublin’s Carnival brought out the biggest poetry crowd I’ve seen in the city. And our move next Monday to the Hay Loft marks the return to an age-old poetic tradition for Cork.
The last night at Pa Johnson’s was a scorcher, with Louis de Paor going on for a full 50 minutes much to everyone’s enjoyment. An inspiring performance from Louis sparked some great response at the open-mic.
Thanks to all who participated, Noel Magnier, Alan Coakley, Mel O’Dea, Jerry O’Neill, Gene Barry, Patricia Walsh, Anita Daly, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, FionnBarra, Eileen Lordan, Seamus Harrington, Diarmuid O’Dalaigh, Edward O’Dwyer and Owen Kileen.
The poetry challenge was a tie between FionBarra and Edward.
The open mic mp3 is here.
09/28/07; 1:48 pm
Open-mic night – 17th September 2007
After a succinct reading from Gerry and a few lovely songs by Angelique, a packed house was treated to a full open-mic line up. Thanks goes to our guests and to Mary O’Connell, Alan Coakley, Patricia Walsh, Gene Barry, Anita Daly, Miriam Casey, John Ryan, Aaron Lewis, Seamus Harrington, Eileen Lordan, Edward O’Dwyer, George Harding and Christian.
The winner of the poetry challenge was Edward O’Dwyer.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
09/18/07; 1:29 pm
Open-mic night – 10th September 2007
What at first looked to be a quiet evening turned out to be an almost full house, with both regular and new faces turning up to see Mel O’Dea and Seamus Harrington. They both read eloquently and promise to feature more prominantly in the Irish poetry scene.
The mp3 of Mel and Seamus’ readings is here.
Thanks to the open-mic contributors, Jennifer Matthews, Ger Sheehy, Anita Daly, Patricia Walsh, Sinéad Ryan, Marie Casey, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, FionnBarra, Edward O’Dwyer, John Keating and Ardjuna Seghers.
The poetry challenge was won by Billy Ramsell.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/11/07; 8:52 am
Open-mic night – 3rd September 2007
Gene Barry gave his first Cork reading to a most welcoming and intimate reception. Gene’s poetry has gone from strength to strength in recent months and promises to be a signature voice in Irish poetry. He is at present being sought after by leading publishers and is close to completing his first collection. Thanks Gene.
The mp3 of Gene’s reading is here.
Thanks also goes to the open-mic enthusiasts of the evening, Alan Coakley, Mel O’Dea, Jennifer Matthews, Edward O’Dwyer, Anita Daly, Patricia Walsh and John Keating.
The poetry challenge was won by Gene Barry.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/4/07; 12:59 pm
Open-mic night – 27th August 2007
Five artists from the Seven Towers troupe delivered a colourful variety of poetry and prose, and with such comfort and familiarity that they could have easily been regulars. The craic was as they say, ‘mighty’, and rivalled only by a vigorous display of well-developed talent. Thanks for an excellent evening, and to Sarah for making it possible.
The mp3 of the Seven Towers performances is here.
Thanks to all the Ó Bhéal regulars for making mash of the mass monday musician mission (who were competing for the venue). Pa Johnson’s owners say we won hands down, so we’re in for the long haul. Great news for Poetry.
The Open mic brought out Mel O’Dea, Mary O’Connell, John Ryan, Marie Casey, Patricia Walsh, Jamie, Sinéad Ryan (Smith), Jennifer Matthews, Billy Ramsell, Gene Barry, Gavin Ryan and Edward O’Dwyer.
Jen Matthews is starting a poetry discussion group from next Monday an hour before we start (7.30pm). Fair play Jen.
The challenge was won by Ronan Surnameless-Firstimer. Well done.
The mp3 of the open mic is here.
08/28/07; 5:44 pm
Open-mic night – 20th August 2007
Perciphone Petticoat and Alabaster de Plume turned more than a few heads with their avant-garde sets. From French Marshmallows to Little People and a laid back saxophone, all were well-entertained and geared up for the open-mic. Watch out Ireland, Here comes Perciphone Petticoat!
The mp3 of Perciphone’s and Alabaster’s performances is here.
Thanks to all the open-mic enthusiasts, Mel O’Dea, Catherine Murphy, Billy Ramsell, Niall Herriott, Seamus Harrington, Sinéad Ryan, Annie Power, Gavin Ryan, Anne-Marie Grandfield and Patricia Walsh.
The poetry challenge was taken by Kate Ryan, with her debut poem. Excellent!
The mp3 of the open mic is here.
08/22/07; 1:20 pm
Open-mic night – 13th August 2007
For the first time, Ó Bhéal moved into Pa Johnson’s next door, as there had been a double booking with theatre rehearsals. The venue and crowd were fantastic and this looks like a possible trend for the future.
Terry and Diarmaid gave an excellent performance to roaring applause, showing that Music and Poetry really do work so well together. The mp3 of their performance is here.
Thanks to all who participated in the open-mic, Dezed, Alan Coakley, Mary O’Connell, Gene Barry, Mark, Anita Daly, Sinéad Ryan, Patricia Walsh and Ian Queally.
The poetry challenge was won by Gene Barry.
The mp3 of the open mic is here.
08/14/07; 1:14 pm
Open-mic night – 6th August 2007
With the bank holiday and concurrent staging of “The Importance of being Earnest”, we were partitioned into an intimate setting once again, and a somewhat lonely microphone had to stay silent for the evening.
Those who didn’t make it, missed a reading that was at once greatly engaging and graceful. Martin Farawell’s deconstruction of religious anectodes and allegories contained both refined humour and a sobering gravitas. A real treat from Martin, who co-organises the largest poetry festival in the U.S., and on his fiftieth birthday too. Happy Birthday Martin.
The mp3 of Martin’s reading is here.
Many thanks to those who read, all delivering fine pieces, John Ryan, Gene Barry, Cliff Wedgebury, Alan Coakley and Marie Casey. Alan also surprised everyone by turned his classical violin into a ‘reel oul fiddle’ during his performance, and Gene Barry won the evening’s poetry challenge. Well done Gene.
The mp3 of the open mic is here.
08/7/07; 10:46 am
Open-mic night – 30th July 2007
Ó Bhéal had a full house with guest poet John Liddy’s book launch, with distinguished poets Desmond O’Grady and Patrick Galvin adding poetic gravity to the evening with their attendance.
John read from his new collection, The Well: New and selected Poems which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks goes to Tigh Filí and Poetry Ireland for making this one possible. The mp3 of John’s reading is here.
The open-mic was full to the brim and charged with fervent contributions from Dominic Taylor, Alan Coakley, Mary O’Connell, George Harding, John Ryan, Anita Daly, Gene Barry, Marie Casey, Desmond O’Grady, Sinéad Ryan, Seamus Harrington, Paul O’Mahony, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Annie Power, Anne-Marie Grandfield and Fionn Barra. Thanks to all for making it a great evening.
The winner of the poetry challenge was Sinéad Ryan. Well done Sinéad.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
07/31/07; 10:34 am
Open-mic night – 23rd July 2007
Another rare to chilled evening at the Tigh Filí gallery with a modest turnout didn’t detract in the slightest from the quality of the performances. It was quite a relaxed session as there were no guest poets, and it may be the last for a long time to come … we’re almost booked to the hilt with guests for the rest of the year.
Thanks to Emmet Crowley, Tomás James, Miriam Casey, Alan Coakley, Anita Daly, Jen Matthews, Mel O’Dea, Sinéad Ryan and Annie Power.
Congrats to both Sinéad and Annie who tied in the poetry challenge.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
07/24/07; 10:37 am
Open-mic night – 16th July 2007
Sunderland football poet Ian Horn began the evening with a fine display of his ‘verses united’ poems and a variety of collected poesy in his mellow Durham brogue – I wonder why the CCFC fans didn’t show up! They missed a real treat. Thanks Ian. The mp3 of Ian’s reading is here.
The open mic saw yet more of Cork’s poetic talent ease its way out of the woodwork, and the beats and rhythms of the city’s spirit ebbed and flowed yet again.
Thanks to Emmet Crowley, Alan Coakley, Aaron Lewis, Richard Collins, Cliff Wedgebury, Anita Daly, Gavin Ryan, Gene Barry, Sinéad Ryan, Miriam Casey, Seamus Harrington, Cozy and Tomás James.
Congrats to Gavin Ryan for winning the poetry challenge.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
Apologies for the noise in the recordings, the mp3 recorder ended up too close to the speaker. Live ‘n Learn!
07/18/07; 11:20 pm
Open-mic night – 9th July 2007
A quieter evening than usual, with cold rain and the aftermath of a fantastic 5-day SoundEye Cork International Poetry Festival, the scene was relaxed and evoked more than a few debonair performances.
Many thanks to Cliff Wedgebury, Emmet Crowley, Gene Barry, Anita Daly, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Seamus Harrington, Annie Power, Rab and Fionn Barra.
Amanda Neri won the challenge for the third time.
The mp3 of the open-mic is here.
07/10/07; 2:34 pm
Open-mic night – 2nd July 2007
New Orleans guest poets Gina Ferrara and Jonathan Kline began the evening and set a sobering tone with impassioned poesy and storytelling, beautifully contrasted by the surrounding photography of Malcolm McCabe – grounding contemporary perspectives on the State of the State in the States. Two lovely performances.
The open-mic delivered more of Cork’s new talent and gave our guests a pleasant sampling of our traditional variety. Thanks to Jaz, Mel O’Dea, Tomás James, Ruby Spilsbury (15), Anita Daly, Gene Barry, Sinéad Ryan, Anne-Marie Grandfield, John Ryan, Niall Herriott, Aaron, Seamus Harrington, James Kelly and Finn Barra.
Well done to Sinéad Ryan for winning the evening’s poetry challenge, just minutes before we were evacuated by the fire department. Yep. The place was on fire.
A great evening altogether.
The Mp3 from the open-mic is here. The first few readers got lost to the tech fairies though, not really, yours truly forgot to press record until 10 minutes in. Whoops
)
07/4/07; 2:12 am
Open-mic night – 25th June 2007
The evening was more than enjoyable, despite the more secluded lounge-setup to accomodate the midsummer festival performance in the theatre. Guest poet Adam Wyeth entertained all with his goods, accompanied with great humour by Paula McGlinchey.
Thanks to all who made it, and to those who adorned the invisible open-mic: Anita Daly, Cliff Wedgebury, Peter Donoghue, Annie Power, Sinéad Ryan, Jennifer Lynch, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Seamus Harrington and Finn Barra.
The challenge was won by Jennifer Lynch, well done.
The Mp3 from the open-mic is here.
06/27/07; 9:41 pm
Open-mic night – 18th June 2007
What a night! Perciphone Petticoat and Alibaster de Plume’s show got everyone into major gear – enthusiasm levels were at maximum and the open-mic stepped up more than a few gears towards venue-of-the-year type quality. More of those please!
Thanks to all for making it a really great night: Gerry O’Mullane, Tim Meagher, Mel O’Dea, Aaron Lewis, Anita Daly, John Ryan, Gene Barry, Jennifer Lynch, Paul O’Mahony, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Seamus Harrington, Cosy, James Kelly, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, April and Finn Barra.
Congratulations to Anne-Marie Grandfield for winning the poetry challenge.
The Mp3 from the open-mic is here.
06/25/07; 2:43 am
Paul, and others who might read this in years to come…
I’d like to make a point about last Monday’s session. It finished very late. Many people had drifted off. It seems that people in Cork are early to bed. Certainly the Italians had gone and that disappointed me because I’d written my poem from the five words especially for them.
The Limerick contingent had so far to go back home… They probably had jobs to go to in the morning.
So, there were only a few left in the end, when the grand prize was up for grabs.
What is it about Cork that you have to finish by 1030pm if you want to hold the attention of all the poets? Perhaps the city is too big and strewn out for poets to stick it out to the end? Perhaps poets are uncomfortable after two and half hours?
I write with an eye on provoking comment. I don’t like performing my best work for the rarest ears.
Perhaps the 5 word exercise, which for me is the highlight of the evening, would work well if it were speeded up and put in between the visiting poet(s) and the open mic?
06/13/07; 8:56 pm
Open-mic night – 11th June 2007
Monday was a magic night indeed, packed to the brim with variety.
The evening started off with Ó Bhéal’s first guest poet performance from the Limerick Revival ‘Trio’ Series, with poets Noel Harrington, Edward O Dwyer and Gerard Sheehy reading from their new collection. You can listen to the readings here.
With the house packed, the open-mic followed and we listened to no less than seventeen performers delivering lyrics mostly as yet unheard.
Thanks to Peter Goldman, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Gene Barry, Mary O’Connell, Dominic Taylor, Pat Cotter, Gerry Murphy, Fabio Mele, Antonio Bocchino, Sinéad Ryan, Nicoletta Ingenito, Carmela Annarunma, Annie Power, Seamus Harrington, Helen Kavanagh-Ronan, Paul O’Mahony and Fionnbarra.
You can download or listen to the Open-mic Performances (58min).
The mp3 podcast is here (8.1mb).
06/13/07; 6:26 pm
Open-mic night – 4th June 2007
Well the bank holiday couldn’t keep the hard-core poetry lovers away and though we had the smallest group to date, with only ten of us, the mic was given a breather and we hauled out the old traditional circle for a decent spiral-session of alternating voices.
John Ryan, Sinéad Ryan, Gene Barry, Seamus Harrington and Helen Kavanagh-Ronan were among the first of the June lyricists, while Finn Barra and Owen Kileen punctuating the circuit with melody.
Congratulations to Amanda Neri, the first to win the Ó Bhéal poetry challenge twice.
You can download or listen to the Open-mic Performances (53min).
The mp3 podcast is here (7.6mb).
06/5/07; 10:54 am
Thanks Paul.
What a good reply you write.
I take your point about the desirability of a distinct format. You are right. What’s the point of replicating a formula that works elsewhere? And if this leads to poets wanting to move round the circuit, so much the better, I say too.
I got an email circular from Galway, outlining a format that they are using there, and that one puts the visiting poet(s) on first. But I puzzle over your remark that some visiting poets don’t like waiting until late? Since poets are cranky beasts, isn’t it was likely to be the case that many would like to wait until later on the proceedings, until they have caught the tempo of the audience.
Maybe poets don’t consider their audience? Maybe they are often so wrapped up in their own words that they are oblivious of the listeners?
I provoke and I wonder. I have observed a few types reading.
Twould be good if some others chipped in, even those from outside Cork. Time will show.
If there are other things in your reply to which I have not yet responded, that gives me more food.
Meanwhile, I’m sorry I missed last night. I’m preparing for Listowel. I’m with Nuala Ni Domhnaill on an ‘advanced poetry’ workshop. Doesn’t mean I think I’m advanced in anything but I thought for someone of my age, it was the right one to go to.
05/29/07; 5:19 pm
Open-mic night – 28th May 2007
A great turnout again with lots of new talent up at the mic.
Owen Kileen started the mood off again with his original acoustic guitar and song. Tim Meagher offered a display of poesie d’amour, followed by a series of fine pieces by Mary O’Connell and Niall Herriott. Anita Daly and Tony Godkin were up next, both capturing the audience with ease.
Rhythm and Poetry (RAP) artistes Tomas James and JAZ picked up the tempo with their excellent beat-poetry.
Lovely poems flowed from Sinéad Ryan, Fabio, Annie Power, Amanda Neri, Seamus Harrington, Maire O’Donoghue and Anne Marie-Grandfield.
Tomas and JAZ climbed in at the end of the break with some fun impromptu RAP, and the evening’s poetry challenge was taken hands down by Tim Meagher.
The PODCAST was hijacked by the Tech-Faeries, but we’ll be on our guard next week.
Thanks to all for a great evening.
05/29/07; 1:34 pm
Hi Paul
Thanks for the interest here. I hope your post will encourage some discussion around the format – it would be nice to get a wider sense of how everyone feels about it.
Some clarity on my motivations:
The 30-60 minute framework takes multiple readings into account (The ‘Trio’ series for example), and is only an indication to the audience as well as a maximum limit for the poet(s). Perhaps I should add ‘(max)‘ to the email. Poets can read for the most comfortable period they prefer.
(at least for now) On evenings where there’s a guest reader(s), we’ll begin at 8.30 sharp, probably for a half an hour in the case of individual poets. Open-mic then starts between 9.10 and 9.30 and usually goes for an hour. From 10.30 – 10.45 the challenge will begin as usual, with no cut-off limit.
Evenings without guest poets will continue as per the usual, with no strict starting time.
With respect to the order. While I like the WhiteHouse setup, I have discussed it with some others and the main reason I have it this way, is that I don’t have to create a cut-off time if we have a full house, or if the reading is long. With a guest poet reading last I’d have to cut short the open-mic and/or the writing challenge, limiting the participating audience which I want to avoid. This way one poet adapts for many. In any event, I have also found that guest readers often don’t like waiting that long to read.
If the night is going well, there shouldn’t be any pressure preventing open-mic performers from their opportunity. I also like to have a different format to the WhiteHouse for oblique reasons e.g., keeping variation, interest levels, etc. The rationale behind the entire format was considered in the context of open-mics around Ireland. I don’t want to mirror anyone, and as a result am getting reading referrals from Dominic and others. Promoting poetry seems to be easier when your setup is as unique as possible, which MCs are always trying to achieve. So while there is a similar foundation between all open-mic venues, each needs a touch of its own.
I should mention, the 5-word challenge is the brainchild of friend and Dublin MC Jerry McNamara, who from the outset has been very supportive in setting up Ó Bhéal. Other venues could also benefit from his ingenuity.
Having said all this, should enough people feel uncomfortable with the schedule, I’ll certainly review it.
Ó Bhéal: By word of mouth; lit. from the mouth.
Thanks again for the feedback
pc
05/27/07; 2:03 am
I guess the introduction to this is in the ether awaiting moderation.
“Paul,
Interesting development… I see you are moving things in the direction Whitehouse poets has used.
One thought: an open mic after a 60 minute reading by a guest poet? I guess this is worst case senario.
I like the Whitehouse model because it encourages local poets, especially new poets, to have their go before the experienced poet. Also it holds on to most people because people will wait for the star. I suspect 60 minutes is about 20 minutes too long for any one poet: the poet might love it but the audience? Even if Heaney came, I’d have enough of him after 40 minutes. Also the time limit of say 30-40 minute forces the guest poet to be discriminating about their work, to choose carefully and with difficulty.
I was given 29 minute at Whitehouse recently and even though it was six minutes shorted than I’d been offered, I think the audience had enough of my voice to do them for a couple of years.
I’d be interested to know if you’ve had any reaction from others?
The other good thing about putting the open mic on first is that the audience get warmed up.
Also what happens to your wonderful practice of getting people to write during the interval. It looks to me as if you might be considering killing that off. I hope not. But how on earth to fit that in with guest + open mic?
Finally, does this mean that you intend to start proceedings at 830pm?
If you’d like to send this email on to anyone to get their views on what I’ve written, you may, as far as I’m concerned.
Thank you ever so much for getting this whole thing off the ground. The only thing I don’t like is the name, and that’s my problem.
Paul
05/26/07; 9:15 pm
Greetings Paul and all,
I’ve just discovered this blog, and jolly good it is too. It’s great to have a record of who was there reading (or singing or reciting from heart) each time. As the years pass, this’ll become a valuable archive.
I’ve had the rich email from Paul about the future shape of sessions and I must say it set me thinking.. It looks like we are in for a stimulating ride. I even got another email from Limerick today, warning me the some of the Whitehouse Gang were threating to come on June 11. So it looks as it some artistic cookery is happening about the Lee.
At the risk of writing something that no one would ever have the energy to read, I offer my response to Paul’s plans – the email I sent him today and which he has encouraged me to put up in order to see what you all think…
05/26/07; 9:12 pm
Hi guys, I really enjoy the poetry open mike nights thank you Paul. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to get together and share creatively. See you all soon Aaron.
05/24/07; 5:13 pm
Open-mic night – 21st May 2007
Another great turn-out with 16 performers inspiring the eardience.
Exhilarating poetry from Aaron, Mel O’Dea, Anthony Jackson, Sinéad Ryan, John Ryan, Tony Godkin, Anne-Marie Grandfield, Rodney Quinn, Paul O’Mahony, Peter Goldman, Seamus Harrington and Helen Kavanagh-Ronan. Surprise guest poet Gerry Murphy delivered four short pieces including ‘A Pact’ (with Patrick Kavanagh). Thanks also to Finn Barra and Owen Kileen for their songs.
The winner of the evening’s poetry challenge was Rodney Quinn.
You can download or listen to the Open-mic Performances (55min). The mp3 Podcast is here (6.24mb).
05/22/07; 12:37 pm
Thanks Mr Desmond Swords (poet and mc extraordinaire)
It’s like you just stepped up to the openline mic and performed that out of the beryl. The Cork mic awaits your bardic colloquy.
I’ve placed links to your blog ‘Irish Poetry‘ on the roll. It really has become a monster truck of poetivity since you began it. Fantastic!!! Great poetry links, and lots of irony and humour. I also linked to ‘Slam Idol‘, an excellent poetry podcaster site which I found through yours.
Sláinte!
05/22/07; 12:19 pm
Hi Paul
Bladdy brill site mon amigo, spot bleddy on for the real blathering and a god good thing you are in cork, it’s like an expanding net of total spacerdom, the biggest nutters bringing the best buzz. Hurrah!
05/21/07; 4:24 am
Open-mic night – 14th May 2007
Monday brought out yet more new voices through the open-mic, with some insightful scientific poetry by Seamus Harrington, and four excellently delivered, sinister though humorous, love poems by Cork-based Polish poet, Magdalena Liebersbach. Peter Goldman took us on a tour of Cork’s church services while singer Moira O’Brien gave us an delightful worm’s point-of-view of life.
Aaron and Tommy Curran both delivered sizzlers hot off their poetry-presses. Thanks also to Pat, Sinéad and Rodney for their poems. The poetry challenge was won by Amanda Neri, local opera singer who will be performing on Fota Island on Friday the 25th.
05/16/07; 5:17 pm
Open-mic night – 7th May 2007
Well the bank holiday couldn’t keep the poetry at home last night, as yet more local talent roamed in to breathe their pearls of life experience into the microphone.
New voices to the venue were Tipperary poet Kelfin, who eloquently brought the sidhe back into the human realm to remind us of our forgetfulness and misgivings. Finn Barra delivered a spine-chilling rendition of ‘She Moved through the Fair’, and Helen Kavanagh added gravity to the evening with a fine political piece. Paul McGrath drew some insightful contemporary parallels with Greek Myth, and surprise guest poet Peter Goldman from Australia had some excellent pieces on Nature and discovering roots. The evening’s poetry challenge was a tie between musician/poet Cozy and Paul McGrath.
Thanks also goes to Aaron for his impromptu short story-poetry fusions, and to Pat Cotter for his astute though concise contribution.
See you all on the 14th.
05/8/07; 2:57 pm
Open-mic night – 30th April 2007
Last night was a somewhat quieter one as we had to partition the foyer space to accomodate theatre-production goers , as we’ll have to do from time to time. I shouldn’t imagine this happening more than once a month, but we were amply compensated with the arrival of two well-known Cork poets, Paul O’Mahony and Pat Cotter, who both delivered fine performances. Paul also shared a titleless (true) short story about his grandmother’s duck, which Anthony Jackson quickly found a title for.
With just over a dozen in the audience, and with the smaller space, we went without a mic which made a cosy change. And talking of Cosy, another first timer to Ó Bhéal and to open-mic, Cozy, won the evening’s poetry challenge. Well done.
Thanks also to Tommy Curran, Anne-Marie Grandfield and Aaron for the excellent poetry and prose. See you all next week for the 4th Ó Bhéal evening, on the 7th of May.
05/1/07; 1:00 pm
Open-mic night – 23rd April 2007
The second Ó Bhéal evening was another great success as more of Cork’s poets surfaced and rose to the occasion. As it coincided with World Book and Copyright day, many of the would-be performers and audience where snapped up by the library to see Cathal O Searchaigh, Cliff Wedgebury and others read at the Cork branch of the festival.
Cliff joined us afterwards, arriving at the end of our open-mic session to top it off with three great poems including ‘Girl in the Window’. We look forward to seeing him again. Clonakilty-based Spanish poet Alfonso Ortega Fuentes arrived early, and had two of his affective humanitarian poems read in translation by his partner Mary. He is currently seeking publication. Other strong performances were heard from local poets Tommy Curran and Ray Hanrahan. A lovely ballad was delivered by Tim Healy while Shirley Foley gave us a new insight into Gráinne Ní Mháille. Finn Barra arrived as Cliff Wedgebury finished off and sang his very powerful protest song ‘Kathleen Ni Hourihan’. Anthony Jackson won the evening’s poetry challenge.
All in all a fantastic evening. Thank you to everyone again and we hope to see you back for more. The 3rd Ó Bhéal evening is next Monday, the 30th of April.
04/24/07; 12:22 pm
Open-mic night – 16th April 2007
Thank you to all the fine poets and to the audience for coming out in style on the opening night. Over forty enthusiasts filled the foyer of the Cork Arts Theatre and welcomed an eclectic variety of performers with great cheer and encouragement. 15 different individuals fluffed their creative feathers and illuminated the evening with their varied forms of poetry, hip-hop and song. Anthony Jackson delivered an inspiring display of Hip-Hop on-the-spot adlib, with Mary O’Connell and Jamie Ross drawing reams of applause for their strong compositions. Jamie won the evening’s poetry challenge.
Next Monday will be the second Ó Bhéal open-mic evening and we look forward to updating the blog with what the woodwork turns out…
04/17/07; 10:00 am