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Monthly Hybrid Poetry Events: Live Streamed What: Poetry Films, Five Word Challenge, Guest Poets & Open-Mic When: 2nd Monday of each Month @ 8.30pm (+ Poetry Films from 7pm) Where: Hayloft Bar (Long Valley Bar), Winthrop St, Cork (& online). Guest Poet & Open-Mic mp3s: Monday Event Archive Wordshops: Creative Writing at Ó Bhéal and Beyond … Ó Bhéal – a poem by Anamaría Crowe Serrano |
*** Ópen *** 12th Five Words Poetry Competition *** Ópen ***
Events are posted every 2 months. Click names for biographical details
Ó Bhéal’s 17th Anniversary with the launch of Five Words Vol XVII – 8th April
i.a.w. Foras na Gaeilge Joanne McCarthy and Eoin Mc Evoy – 13th May
Events are held in the Hayloft Bar, upstairs at the Long Valley, Winthrop st,as well as on Zoom and streamed via obheal.ie/live (more details via the links above)
Poetry Films start from 7.00pm (45mins – Not Streamed). Five Word challenge starts at 8.30pm.
Guest poets begin at around 9.20/9.30pm, Open-Mic session from 10.30pm.
The 11th Ó Bhéal Poetry-Film Comp shortlist
… was screened at Winter Warmer Poetry Festival.
winner of Ó Bhéal’s 11th Poetry-Film Competition!
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Open-mic night – 28th February 2011
A very hearty thank you to Cherry Smyth for delighting the locals with her eloquent, accomplished and metaphor-abundant verse. A nice full house turned up for her and well deserved too. You can listen to Cherry’s reading here.
Thanks to Jennifer Matthews for her excellent compère work and to all on the open-mic, Billy Ramsell, Jennifer Russell, Grant Burgess, Micheál Roche, Conor McManus, Seamus Harrington, Aaron Lewis, Joe Bentley, Tadge O’Mullane and Daw Harding.
This week’s 5 Word Challenge winner was Orla. Congrats!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
03/6/11; 2:29 pm
Open-mic night – 21st February 2011
The Ó Bhéal crowd enjoyed a delightful evening with Nuala Ní Chonchúir as expected, and with a lot of new faces this week the 5-Word challenge was more competitive than ever. Nuala read a variety of poems from the wide gamut of her alluring verse, enjoyed tremendously by all present. Thanks Nuala. You can listen to her reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Sue Cosgrave, Tina Pisco, Ross O’Donovan, Declan O’Mullane, Matthew Sweeney, Tadge O’Mullane, Magdalena, Julie Field, Joanne Collins, Micheál, Aaron Lewis, Grant Burgess and Conor McManus.
This week’s McNamara Slam Winner was Julie Field. Good job!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/27/11; 1:27 pm
Open-mic night – 14th February 2011
Despite the televised 5-way debate by those other half-mad P-people, Gerry Murphy drew a full house of quality poets and punters into the Hayloft, I mean, who couldn’t resist a smorgasbord of Gerry’s Love poems (but keep your girlfriends away!) … you can listen to Gerry’s immaculate reading here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her light compère’s touch and to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Mahony, Sue Cosgrave, Jack Healy, Niall Herriott, Madeline D’Arcy, Rosalin Blue, Patricia Walsh, Paul McGrath, Afric McGlinchey, Ross O’Donovan, Finbarr Finnegan, Michael Ray, Pat Cotter, Tadge O’Mullane and Alan Titley.
This week’s winner of the Five Word challenge was Ross O’Donovan. Congrats to Ross!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
02/20/11; 2:42 pm
Open-mic night – 7th February 2011
A most entertaining evening with Mary Kennelly and the eloquent verse from her new collection, as well as her entourage of fine Kerry Artists Gabriel and Brenda FitzMaurice, the latter whose paintings accompany Mary’s poems, in tow … and a fine turn out for a lovely reading. Thanks to Mary for a great night and you can listen to her right here.
Sláinte go Stiofán O’Riordáin for his as ever excellent mic management and to all on the open mic, Gabriel FitzMaurice, Sue Cosgrave, Patricia Walsh, Margaret Howard, Rosie O’Regan, Ross O’Donovan, Grant Burgess, pc, Conor McManus and Finbarr Finnigan.
John Ryan (not the regular John Ryan) was this week’s Five Word Challenge champion amid fervid contention … Congrats!
The open mic mp3 is here.
02/13/11; 2:56 pm
Open-mic night – 31st January 2011
A lively crowd turned out for Belfast poet Pól Ó Muirí’s bilingual reading. The accessibility of some of the poems were such that non-Irish speakers could engage and enjoy them in the original, before hearing the translation. An excellent reading by Pól who shared a variety of his work from a number of collections. Thanks Pól. You can listen to Pól’s reading here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for his creative compère work, and to all on the open-mic, Bernadette McIntyre, Rosalin Blue, Stephen O’Riordan, Ros O’Donovan, Tina Pisco, Julie Field, Daw Harding, Patricia Walsh, Grant Burgess, Alan Titley and pc.
This week’s winner of the Five Word Challenge was none other than Tina Pisco. Congrats!
The open-mic is here.
02/6/11; 1:46 pm
Open-mic night – 24th January 2011
Another dynamic evening at Ó Bhéal with the delightful poetry (and a short story) of Órfhlaith Foyle who braved it down from Galway to read. A big thanks to Órfhlaith and you can listen to her reading here.
Thanks also to Jen Matthews for her professional touch as emcee and to all on the open-mic, Colm Scully, Marie Coveney, Conor McManus, Mary O’Connell, Grant Burgess, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Ross O’Donovan, pc and Alan Titley.
Rosie O’Regan won this week’s McNamara Slam despite tough competition from ten others … well done Rosie!
The open-mic is here.
01/30/11; 3:11 pm
Open-mic night – 17th January 2011
Thanks to Catherine Ann Cullen for escaping from her busy Dublin schedule to share an excellent reading in the Hayloft, including new poems although mainly from her collection ‘A Bone in My Throat’ (from Doghouse). You can listen to Catherine Ann’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for carrying the evening with her light compère’s touch and to all on the open-mic, Yvonne Gaule, Bryan McElroy, Julie Field, Ross O’Donovan, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, pc and Alan Titley.
This week’s McNamara Slam was won by guest poet Catherine Ann Cullen. Congrats!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
01/23/11; 12:23 pm
Open-mic night – 10th January 2011
An excellent start to the New Year with Ian Wild offering a captivating reading after his excellent workshop on magic realism, which drew a large crowd just by itself. Thanks to Ian for a great night.
A full house meant a full open-mic so thanks to all who contributed their poems, Tina Pisco, Mary O’Mahony, Marie Coveney, Niall Murphy, Sue Cosgrave, Matt Mooney, Michael Ray, Conor Cleary, Patricia Walsh, Ross O’Donovan, Niall Herriott, Daw Harding, Conor Mcmanus and Alan Titley.
Those tech faeries made off with the mp3 yet again, even though the hardware said otherwise. What will we do?
This weeks Five Word McNamara Slam Winner was Niamh Prior. Well done Niamh.
01/16/11; 8:21 pm
Open-mic night – 13th December 2010
A phenomenal end of year event featuring a lively-as-ever Paul Durcan who enthralled the full-to-the-brim Hayloft crowd. A big thanks to Paul for gracing us with his excellent performance and a fine selection of his life’s work, read from Life is a Dream.
While the mp3 faeries were being very well behaved (stuffing themselves with all the goodies brought by the Ó Bhéalers for the year-end bash) the electricity faeries, in their jealousy, decided the sound was not to be saved, and caused a series of interruptions which lost us our precious podcasts (yet again). The owner has since promised an overhaul of the offending circuitries so that readings in 2011 will be safe from any further recording losses.
Thanks to all on the full open-mic, Mary O’Mahony, Colm Scully, Jennifer Matthews, Seamus Harrington, Mary O’Connell, Tom Moloney, Niall Herriott, Patricia Walsh, Paul O’Mahony, Joe Healy, Rosie O’Regan, Paddy Doyle, Adam Wyeth, Sue Cosgrave, Ross O’Donovan, Erica and Conor McManus.
The five word challenge was a tie this week between Joe Healy and Afric McGlinchey. Congratulations!
01/3/11; 11:01 am
Open-mic night – 6th December 2010
A wonderful night with Biddy Jenkinson showing us what it’s all about … a fabulous poet not to be missed if you ever have the chance! A huge thanks to Biddy for coming down and you can listen to her excellent reading right here (with intro by Alan Titley.
Another big thanks goes to poet Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh for her delicate compère work and for steering the evening along comfortably. Go raibh maith agat, a Ailbhe. Thanks to all on the open mic, Alan Coakley, Clare, Billy Ramsell, Erica, Cáit and pc.
Congrats to Stephen and Rían this week’s joint winners of the MacNamara Slam. Sláinte!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/13/10; 6:05 pm
Open-mic night – 29th November 2010
Thanks to Olive Broderick for braving all the snow and 10 hours of travel from Downpatrick to give us a terrific reading. A good turn out all in all made the sub-zero gathering a cosy one. An unexpected blackout swallowed the guest reading mp3, but the open-mic was subsequently saved.
Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordan for his excellent-as-ever emcee work and to all on the open-mic, Alan Coakley, Tom Campbell, Colm Scully, Jen Matthews, Mary O’Connell, Marie Coveney, Rosie O’Regan, Conor McManus, Ross O’Donovan, Aaron Lewis and Alan Titley.
Well done to Oliver Broderick (Olive’s dad) for winning this week’s Five Word Challenge amid much competition.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
12/6/10; 7:44 pm
Open-mic night – 22nd November 2010
A very big thank you to Maggie O’Dwyer for coming down from Dubs to share her wonderful poems. The mp3 faeries were at it again on Monday and although an mp3 was recorded, the sound somehow was missing.
Thanks also to all on the open-mic, Catherine Roantree, Pat Cotter, Mary O’Connell, Jennifer Matthews, Rosalin Blue, Ross O’Donovan and Conor McManus.
Pat Cotter won this week’s poetry challenge again. Well done Pat.
11/28/10; 7:27 pm
Open-mic night – 15th November 2010
Thanks to Caitríona Ní Chléirchín for coming down from Dublin to share the wonderful poems from her début collection Crithloinnir. Filíocht go h’iontach. You can listen to Caitríona’s reading here.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for his much enjoyed compère work and to all on the open-mic, Paddy Doyle, Pat Cotter, Patricia Walsh, Daw Harding, Ross O’Donovan, Jason de Butleir and Alan Titley.
The Five Word Challenge was won by Pat Cotter. Sláinte a Phaid!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/22/10; 2:27 pm
Open-mic night – 8th November 2010
Our first poetry-film night turned out excellently, with a strong turn out and very positive response to ten vastly different film poems. It’s on the calendar for next year!
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Mary O’Mahony, Colm Scully, Mark Whelan, Michael Dineen, Rosie O’Regan, Paddy Doyle, John Bracken, Rosalin Blue and Ross O’Donovan.
Rosie O’Regan was this year’s Five Word Challenge winner. Congrats to Rosie!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
11/14/10; 6:52 pm
Open-mic night – 1st November 2010
Thanks to Jennifer Cendaña Armas for a most lively performance of spoken word and song which went down like hot chocolate. Great stuff! Jennifer is reading in Galway on the 15th, so if anyone is in the area don’t miss it! You can listen to her performance here.
Thanks to Rosie O’Regan for her fun emceeing and to all on the open-mic, Tina Pisco, Mary O’Mahony, Marie Coveney, Pat Cotter, Edward O’Dwyer, Ross O’Donovan, Seamus Harrington, Paul Casey, Joe Sweeney and Conor McManus.
Tina Pisco won the Five Word Challenge … Nice one Tina!
The open-mic is here.
11/8/10; 6:23 pm
Open-mic night – 25th October 2010
An excellent fusion of music and poetry with two rounds on the open-mic. Thanks to Andrea Bonino, Bertrand Galen and Francis Heery of the Heery Galen Bonino trio for their unique music which they improvised to the verse.
Thanks to Billy Ramsell for emceeing and to all who braved the jazzy accompaniment, Rosalin Blue, Mary O’Mahony, Seamus Harrington, Tina Pisco, Gerry Murphy, Patricia Walsh, Niall Herriott, Paul Casey, Paddy Doyle, Rosie O’Regan, Bryan McElroy, and in the second round, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Sue Cosgrave, Rosalin Blue, Seamus Harrington, Colin O’Donovan, Niall Herriott, Gerry Murphy, Paul Casey and Conor McManus.
Paul Casey won the McNamara Slam. Good job.
You can listen to the poetry-jazz session here.
10/31/10; 2:35 pm
Open-mic night – 18th October 2010
Thanks to Roderick Ford for an excellent reading. The hayloft was brimming with poets who enjoyed the evening thoroughly.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Tina Pisco, Joe Sweeney,Helen Lindstrom, Sue Cosgrave, Eugene O’Connell, Marie Coveney, Raymonte Desmond, Seamus Harrington, Colm Scully, Ross O’Donovan, Conor McManus and Alan Titley.
Congratulations to poet Helen Lindstrom for winning this week’s McNamara Slam Challenge, during her first visit from Australia.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/24/10; 12:38 pm
Open-mic night – 11th October 2010
A hefty thanks to John Corless for driving all the way down from Mayo to inject, infect the Hayloft with a healthy dose of humorous verse, setting off the endorphins and pace for the open-mic. You can listen to John’s reading here.
Thanks to Stephen O’Riordan for emceeing in style and to all on the open-mic, Noel Keaveney, Colin O’Donovan, Ciarán Ruby, Michael Pattwell, Rosalin Blue, Seamus Harrington, Patricia Walsh, Ross O’Donovan, Mary O’Connell and Christy Parker.
Michael Pattwell was this week’s five word winner – Well done Michael!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/12/10; 8:50 am
Open-mic night – 4th October 2010
A big thank you to Nell Regan for venturing down from Dublin to share her verse. I was sorry to miss it being away, but I hear that she was well received and has an excellent collection. You can listen to Nell’s reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave and Jennifer Matthews for running the night and to those on the open-mic, Seamus Harrington, Ross O’Donovan, John Bracken and Daw Harding.
Richard Walsh was this week’s five word winner – well done.
The open-mic mp3 is here.
10/12/10; 8:44 am
Open-mic night – 27th September 2010
A quieter, more discerning evening in The Hayloft with the audience a-flutter with excellent poets from both near and afar to see Patrick Chapman. Thanks to Patrick for coming down from Dublin to read his very fine verse, much appreciated by all to say the very least. You can listen to Patrick’s reading here.
Thanks to all on the open-mic, Noel King, Louis Mulcahy, Sue Cosgrave, Eileen Sheehan, John W. Sexton, Patricia Walsh, Anonymous Reader, Billy Ramsell, Richard Walsh, Pat Cotter, Ross O’Donovan, Paschal MacDonnell and Alan Titley.
Patricia Walsh won this week’s Five-Word Challenge. Good Job Patricia!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/28/10; 7:26 am
Cork Culture Night – 24th September 2010
For the first time being held on a Cork Culture Night Friday, and the first non-Monday, Ó Bhéal was an enormous success. We haven’t seen a crowd like this since Rónán Ó Snodaigh performed his poetry in July 2008. People could literally not get a peek in the door. The Hayloft, packed to the very brim with at least seventy Culture Night goers wasn’t a stitch of bother for Fergus Costello, who took immediate control of an audience not used to poetry and entertained them to the limits of their laughter, with poetry, comedy and music all rolled into one. Thank you Fergus. You can listen to Fergus’ performance here.
Thanks to all the open-mic contributors, Gerry Murphy, Marie Coveney, Billy Ramsell, Niall Herriott, Rab Urquart, Rosalin Blue, Seamus Harrington, Colm Scully, Diarmuid Fitzgerald, Jennifer Matthews, Andrew Lane, Madeleine D’Arcy and Conor McManus.
The McNamara Slam Winner for the evening, amid tremendous competition, was Alan Egan. Congratulations Alan!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/26/10; 11:12 am
Open-mic night – 20th September 2010
Thanks to Christodoulos Makris for venturing down from Balbriggan to treat us to a selection of his very fine verse. Ranging from grave, to satirical and humorous, his poems were much enjoyed by all present. You can listen to Christodoulos’ reading here.
Thanks to Sue Cosgrave for excellent emceeing, and to all on the open-mic, Bryan McElroy, Jennifer Matthews, Paul O’Mahony, Afric McGlinchey, Michael Ray, Ross O’Donovan, Michael Francis O’Donnell (The 14th Earl of Effin) and Alan Titley.
Michael Ray won this week’s McNamara Slam. Great stuff Michael!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/23/10; 8:09 am
Open-mic night – 13th September 2010
A lovely evening with Celia de Fréine and her poetry from a fine cross-selection of her verse as Gaeilge agus as Bearla for our bi-lingual evening. A masterful performance enjoyed greatly by all up in The Hayloft. You can listen to Celia’s reading here
Thanks to Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh for her début as emcee at Ó Bhéal and for her enjoyable and professional compèring. Thanks to all on the open-mic, Ross O’Donovan, Anonymous Reader, Raymonte Desmond, Jason Butler, Patricia Walsh, Billy Ramsell, Aaron Lewis and pc.
Diarmuid Fitzgerald won this weeks Five Word Challenge. Fainne oir ort, a Dhiarmuid!
The open-mic mp3 is here
09/19/10; 3:24 pm
Open-mic night – 6th September 2010
Thank you to Áine Moynihan for travelling over from the Kingdom to give a fine reading on Monday, mainly from her debut collection, Canals of Memory. You can listen to Áine’s reading here.
Thanks also to Stephen O’Riordan for emceeing in fine style and to all on the open-mic, Malachaí Mac Amhlaoibh, Paul O’Colmáin, Michael Dineen, Rosalin Blue, Patricia Walsh, Seamus O’Ceallaigh and pc.
Paul O’Colmáin from Skibbereen won this week’s MacNamara Slam (aka The Five Word Challenge). Nice one Paul!
The open-mic mp3 is here.
09/11/10; 11:51 pm
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 Conallín, 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 compèring 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 – 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, Anonymous Reader, 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, Anonymous Reader, 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, Anonymous Reader, 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, Anonymous Reader, 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 Chu-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, Anonymous Reader, 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