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Unfinished Book of Poetry 2025<\/strong> (High Resolution 15.4MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2025<\/strong> (Low Resolution 4.9MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cork City Library<\/strong> on Grand Parade<\/em><\/center><\/p>\n The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors). <\/p>\n The book was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork<\/a>, Cllr. Dan Boyle, or his deputy. A limited number of free copies are available to the public at the city library.<\/p>\n Twelve young poets from the book will also have their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks<\/strong><\/em> project during the summer, with poem installations being launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park, Ballincollig Regional Park, Marina Park, Gerry O\u2019Sullivan Park and Blarney Sanctuary Walkway on the 7th June 2025<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n This will be part of the 2024 Cruinni\u00fa na n\u00d3g<\/strong> festival. Audio recordings of the twelve poets reading these poems will also be accessible via QR code. A Poetry Jukebox poster featuring these QR codes will also be on display in the city libraries and other venues around the city. <\/p>\n Foreword<\/strong><\/p>\n The 21st edition of this unique anthology, The Unfinished Book of Poetry<\/em>, has yet again exceeded expectations, replete with 204 pages of rich and surprisingly adept verse, covering a wide range of subject matter which attests to the focus, maturity and foreward-thinkingness<\/em> of Cork city\u2019s next generation of young writers. It has also been published as an eBook, which is easily searchable online. <\/p>\n The 2025 edition features poems from 51 young writers engaged in transition year, representing five Cork city schools. Since the d\u00e9but edition was published back in 2005, the year Cork city was the European Capital of Culture, over thirty schools have taken part in the project, on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n The consistent quality of poems is in no small part thanks to the industrious tutorship of our five professional assisting writers. Their creative guidance is as crucial for the rounded development of our young writers as it is for the overall success of the course, providing the students with a strong foundation in what can be made possible with poetry. <\/p>\n These poems showcase the growing vision of a very talented and enlightened generation. My heartfelt Congratulations to all of the young writers, from:<\/p>\n \u2022 Cork Educate Together Secondary School<\/strong> with poet R\u00f3is\u00edn Leggett Bohan at the school;<\/p>\n \u2022 Terence MacSwiney Community College<\/strong> led by poet David McLoghlin at Hollyhill Library and at the school;<\/p>\n \u2022 Ashton School<\/strong> with poet R\u00f3is\u00edn Kelly at the Cork City Library;<\/p>\n \u2022 Col\u00e1iste an Phiarsaigh<\/strong> le file Gormfhlaith N\u00ed Sh\u00edoch\u00e1in N\u00ed Bheol\u00e1in, i Leabharlann Ghleann Maghair; agus<\/p>\n \u2022 Col\u00e1iste \u00c9amann R\u00eds<\/strong> led by poet Kerri Sonnenberg at the school.<\/p>\n Our special thanks<\/em> to all the T.Y. co-ordinators and Cork city library staff. <\/p>\n Delights await you on every page. Enjoy!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Unfinished Book of Poetry<\/em><\/strong> project had its genesis in Cork\u2019s year as European Capital of Culture and has subsequently taken on a life of its own. Since 2005, over thirty established writers have provided workshops for Transition Year students from over twenty Cork schools, in a project which as of 2021 has seen almost 700 young writers find their way into print. \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al has been curating the project since 2012.<\/p>\n Each year 4-5 Cork City libraries host student writers from 4-5 local schools, who then undergo workshops led by locally based, established writers over nine sessions. The workshops take place between November and March and the book is then edited and launched (usually) during Teen Day at the World Book Festival each April.<\/p>\n Assisting Writers to date<\/i> <\/strong>(2005-2024) include:<\/p>\n Adam Wyeth, Afric McGlinchey, Alannah Hopkin, Bernadette Leach, Bernadette McIntyre, Billy Ramsell, Colm \u00d3 Ceallachain, Dairena N\u00ed Chinn\u00e9ide, David McLoghlin, Dean Browne, Doireann N\u00ed Ghr\u00edofa, Eileen Sheehan, Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Gerry Murphy, Ian Wild , James Cummins, John W Sexton, Kathy D’Arcy, Kevin Doyle , Lani O’Hanlon, Leanne O’Sullivan, Liz O’Donoghue , Martin Kelleher, Matthew Geden , Matthew Sweeney, Niamh Prior, Paul Casey, Rois\u00edn Kelly, Sarah Hayden, Simon \u00d3 Faol\u00e1in, Tina Pisco and Vincent McDonnell.<\/p>\n Participating schools and groups to date<\/i><\/strong> (2005-2024) include:<\/p>\n Gaelchol\u00e1iste Mhuire Ag, Colaiste Daibheid, Col\u00e1iste An Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown Community School, Ashton School, Col\u00e1iste Chr\u00edost R\u00ed, Douglas Community School, Cork Educate Together Secondary School, North Presentation Secondary, St Patrick’s College, Terence Mac Swiney Community College, Presentation Girls’ Secondary School, Mayfield Community School, North Monastery Secondary School, Christ King Girls Secondary School, St Vincent’s Secondary School, Col\u00e1iste Eamann R\u00eds (Deerpark C.B.S.), Bishopstown Teen Writers’ Group, Regina Mundi, Cork Life Centre, St. Aidan’s Community College, Cork Life Centre, St. Francis Capuchin College, Col\u00e1iste Choilm, Glanmire Community College, Col\u00e1iste an Phiarsaigh, Ballincollig Community School, Presentation Brothers College, Gaelchol\u00e1iste Choilm, St. Angela’s College and St Aloysius.<\/p>\n <\/center><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2024<\/strong> (High Resolution 25.8MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2024<\/strong> (Medium Resolution 12.2MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2024<\/strong> (Low Resolution 6.1MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cork City Library<\/strong> on Grand Parade, during the World Book Festival.<\/em><\/center><\/p>\n The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors). <\/p>\n The book was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork<\/a>, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy. A limited number of free copies are still available to the public at the city library.<\/p>\n Twelve young poets from the book will also have their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks<\/strong><\/em> project during the summer, with poem installations being launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park, Ballincollig Regional Park, Marina Park, Gerry O\u2019Sullivan Park and Blarney Sanctuary Walkway on the 15th June 2024<\/em><\/strong>. This will be part of the 2024 Cruinni\u00fa na n\u00d3g<\/strong> festival. Audio recordings of the twelve poets reading these poems will also be accessible via QR code. A Poetry Jukebox poster featuring these QR codes will also be on display in the city libraries and other venues around the city. <\/p>\n Foreword<\/strong><\/p>\n The 20th edition of this groundbreaking anthology marks a special waypoint in the rich journey that is The Unfinished Book of Poetry<\/em>. A bumper 280 pages replete with courageous, extraordinary, often highly imaginative compositions attests to the unique value this project holds for young writers in Cork city. It has also been published as an eBook, which is easily searchable online. <\/p>\n The 2024 edition features poems from 64 young writers engaged in transition year, representing five Cork city schools. Since the outset, over thirty schools have taken part in the project, the d\u00e9but edition having been published back in 2005, the year Cork was the European Capital of Culture.<\/p>\n The finished poems are all well-polished, due not only to the zeal, vision and commitment of these young creatives, but also to the diligent tutorship of the five professional assisting writers. Each step of their creative guidance is critical for the course, informing the students on what is possible in poetry while their well-published, award-winning tutors get to coax out the talents of a budding demographic, one which they themselves would love to have been part of in decades gone by. Who knows, it may not be long before student alumni from The Unfinished Book of Poetry<\/em> series have become poetry tutors themselves.<\/p>\n Huge Congratulations to all of the young writers, from:<\/p>\n \u2022 Christ King Girls\u2019 Secondary School<\/strong> with poet Afric McGlinchey in Tory Top Library and at the school;<\/p>\n \u2022 St. Angela’s College<\/strong> led by poet David McLoghlin at Cork City Library;<\/p>\n \u2022 St. Vincent’s Secondary School<\/strong> with poet Tina Pisco at the school;<\/p>\n \u2022 Gaelchol\u00e1iste Choilm<\/strong> ch\u00faram Colm \u00d3 Ceallach\u00e1in, i Leabharlann Bhaile an Chollaigh; agus<\/p>\n \u2022 Col\u00e1iste an Spioraid Naoimh<\/strong> led by poet John W. Sexton in Bishopstown Library and at the school.<\/p>\n With special thanks<\/em> to all the Cork city library staff. <\/p>\n Enjoy!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/center><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023<\/strong> (High Resolution 20MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023<\/strong> (Medium Resolution 7.5MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023<\/strong> (Low Resolution 3.5MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n Cork City Library<\/strong> on Grand Parade, during the World Book Festival.<\/em><\/center><\/p>\n The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors). <\/p>\n The book was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork<\/a>, Cllr. Deirdre Forde, or her deputy. A limited number of free copies are available to the public at the city library.<\/p>\n Twelve young poets from the book will also have their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks<\/strong><\/em> project during the summer, with poem installations being launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park, Ballincollig Regional Park, Marina Park, Gerry O\u2019Sullivan Park and Blarney Sanctuary Walkway on the 10th June 2023<\/em><\/strong>. This will be part of the 2023 Cruinni\u00fa na n\u00d3g<\/strong> festival. Audio recordings of the twelve poets reading these poems will also be accessible via QR code. A Poetry Jukebox poster featuring these QR codes will also be on display in the city libraries and other venues around the city. <\/p>\n Foreword<\/strong><\/p>\n The seasons turn and time goes by and yet somethings are almost a given, a high point in the year. So it is with The Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023<\/em>, now this extraordinary anthology is the 19th edition in the series, and once more is also published as an eBook. The world post Covid has settled back into a new normality and yet the interest in this creative ongoing project has never waned and grows and continues to blossom.<\/p>\n The Unfinished Book<\/em> features new poems from young writers across the city. This year\u2019s edition showcases 45 young voices, representing five schools. The breadth of the work in this anthology showcases a vibrant contribution throughout with a wide variety of subject and style. The finished product is, as ever, thanks to the careful and attentive work of the five assisting writers. Each component of this process is important but without them this project would not have the impact it continues to enjoy. They have the happy effect of bringing out the talent of the students, and giving them the skills and confidence to express themselves in these, their collected works.<\/p>\n Thanks, and Congratulations to all of the young writers involved and their assisting writers:<\/p>\n \u2022 Regina Mundi College<\/strong> with poet Niamh Prior in Douglas Library;<\/p>\n \u2022 Ballincollig Community School<\/strong> led by poet Matthew Geden at the school;<\/p>\n \u2022 Col\u00e1iste Dabh\u00e9id<\/strong> ch\u00faram Colm \u00d3 Ceallach\u00e1in, i Leabharlann na Cathrach;<\/p>\n \u2022 St Patrick’s College<\/strong> with poet Lani O’Hanlon in Mayfield Library; and<\/p>\n \u2022 Presentation Brothers College<\/strong> with Paul Casey at the school.<\/p>\n As many of you know this was an innovative project in 2005, when the first Unfinished Book of Poetry<\/em> was published. It has led to something unique that has a resonance with the younger writers. As it continues to prosper I warmly welcome this latest volume and I hope you enjoy it. <\/p>\n Special thanks to the assisting Authors and especially Paul Casey of \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al for editing and curating the work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/center><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022 <\/strong>(High Resolution 18MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022<\/strong> (Medium Resolution 10MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/p>\n Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022<\/strong> (Low Resolution 5MB<\/strong>)<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n In-Person at Cork City Library<\/strong> on Grand Parade.<\/em><\/center><\/p>\n The launch was attended by student writers (who read poems from the book), participating teachers, library staff and assisting writers (tutors). <\/p>\n The book was launched by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork<\/a>, Cllr. Derry Canty. A small amount of free copies are still available at the library.<\/p>\n Six young poets from the book also saw their work displayed in Cork City Library’s Poetry in the Parks<\/a><\/strong><\/em> project during the summer, with readings and poem installations launched at Fitzgerald’s Park, Tramore Valley Park and Ballincollig Regional Park, on the 11th June 2022<\/em><\/strong> (12pm)<\/em>. This was part of the 2022 Cruinni\u00fa na n\u00d3g<\/strong> festival. Audio recordings of the six poets reading these poems were accessible via QR code. <\/p>\n
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\nThe Unfinished Book of Poetry 2025<\/font><\/em> – 1pm, 30th April 2025<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nhere on the \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al website<\/a><\/strong> (with audio). <\/center><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.obheal.ie\/blog\/UBP\/Cruinniu_na_nOg-2025.jpg\")
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\nProject Curator, April 2025<\/div>\n
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\nThe Unfinished Book of Poetry 2024<\/font><\/em> – 1pm, 24th April 2024<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nhere on the \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al website<\/a><\/strong> (with audio). <\/center><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.obheal.ie\/blog\/UBP\/Cruinniu_na_nOg-2024.jpg\")
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\nProject Curator, April 2024<\/div>\n
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\nThe Unfinished Book of Poetry 2023<\/font><\/em> – 1pm, 19th April 2023<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n(with audio) at this link<\/a>.<\/strong><\/center><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.obheal.ie\/blog\/UBP\/Cruinniu_na_nOg-2023.jpg\")
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\nCork City Librarian<\/div>\n
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\nThe Unfinished Book of Poetry 2022<\/font><\/em> – 12pm, 4th May 2022<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n(with audio) at this link<\/a>.<\/strong><\/center><\/p>\n
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