The Angel's Share Launch

The day dawned bright and sunny, the invites were sent, the speakers booked, the wine bought... in short, it all had the makings of  a great launch.

Enda Coyle-Greene spoke at length about the book and even made me blush a few times. Noel King said a few words to send it on its way as did Denis Darcy, representing the Arts Office.

And then I read some of the poems: Shackleton's Portable Homeland, a few of the Mallory sonnets, two about the kids, one about the eldest teenager - which of course he hated - and the (by-now-infamous) 'boob' poem, Pair Bond. Actually, Pair Bond has a life of its own at festivals around Ireland, thanks to the Poetry Divas - hey girls! - and a very swish set of accompanying visuals

It all went very well indeed, with many thanks to those who came along - cheers to you all for coming to send it off. And a lovely few relaxing pints afterwards in the lovely venue of the Spirit Store.

Barbara reading: although it looks like she's swallowing ice!

Enda Coyle-Greene who launched Barbara's collection.

Matt, left telling Mary, Emer and Tracy a really funny one!

Poet Michael Farry and Barbara.

10... 9... 8... 7...

Today I delivered the wine consignment to the Basement Gallery, where the book launch is due to take place tomorrow. The Angels' Share is just about to be sent out into the wide world for everyone to read. Am I nervous? Yes! The first copy arrived yesterday. I opened the package and held it, this pristine new copy. Such a tiny thing for five years work, and yet... isn't that the great thing about books - a whole world of thought in your hands. All you need do is open the cover and dive in with your mind. See you all on the far side!

Nearly there with The Angels' Share

I've got great news now: the book has gone to print and I'm in the process of sending invitations. The launch date is set for Wednesday 23rd of May, in the Basement Gallery, Dundalk Town Council Offices, Crowe Street, Dundalk @ 6pm. My dear poetry friend and colleague, Enda Coyle-Greene has agreed to launch it for me.

In fact, that's a very busy week for Doghouse Books as two other books are launched too. 


Monday 21st, sees the launch  in Trim, Co. Meath at the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath.(Time: 8pm) of Asking for Directions, by Michael Farry and then Rus in Urbe, by James Lawless, gets its lift-off in Leixlip, Co. Kildare at the Springfield Hotel on Tuesday 22nd at 7.30pm. 

My book is available to pre-order now, but books won't be sent until launch date.You can order here at Doghouse's website. If you're around Dundalk on the 23rd, consider yourself invited - there's free wine!

Cover art for The Angels' Share

The new book continues being worked on at a lickety split pace now. I just got to see the new cover today, complete with blurb and words from previous reviews. The artwork is by an Irish artist, Sarah Walker. I am hopng it works well in the context of the angels's share being something that's up out there somewhere ...

April 1st

Makes me think of is spring really here now? Of course it is - the cherry blossoms shedding everywhere like tired confetti.

Did you spot any April's fool stories or jokes? The press must be enjoying the luxury of a Sunday to spring some nice ones on us.

Kids these days, eh?

The new book continues being worked on at a lickety split pace now. I just got to see the new cover today, complete with blurb and words from previous reviews. The artwork is by an Irish artist, Sarah Walker. I am hopng it works well in the context of the angels's share being something that's up out there somewhere ...

The book takes shape

Just back from the lovely kingdom county, otherwise known as Kerry, where I've been working on the manuscript of the new book, with my editor, Noel King.

Noel is a fine poet in his own right, having a long-awaited debut collection published in 2010 by Salmon press: Prophesying the Past. So he knows his poetry onions and it's easy to trust his instincts when editing, because he's usually right!

We had the lovely job of having to lose poems: some because they were not quite right for the book, others simply because we didn't have enough room in the end - and that's not a bad complaint to have!

The book now has a shape, and I feel I can now start calling it a book, not a ms anymore. It feels stronger than the first one: I hope that is true, I can't say for certain myself, because I'm far too close to it at present. You know, wood for trees syndrome and the like. Sometimes I think it's bloody marvellous; at others I'm just not sure. Tell me other people doubt like that too?

The title will be The Angels' Share. It begins with whiskey and ends with arses. And there is a pair of boobs in there as well... some mountaineering poems, a fair few sonnets, even some chips. I hope there's something for everyone!