(I moved to the Sligo Rosocmmon border in 1999, and live in an old train station with my children, partner, and Lemmy (the dog). I'm now in my final year of a degree in 'Writing+Literature' in Sligo IT, such an incredible course. Glad I waited all these years.
I have been part of writing groups locally, firstly Millwheel Writers, and then facilitating the Wrong Side Of The Tracks Writers from 2012-2018.
I give readings and workshops, and recently launched 'Lough Gara Writing' which is a creative writing venture based around the lake.
Drunk Muse Publications have just taken me on as their Irish editor, starting in 2021.
In 2014 I founded The Hermit Collective; a group of fellow creatives and remotes, who come together to put on pop-up shows of poetry, art, music, stories, and more. We have played dozens of venues across the north west, and in 2016 were the overall winners of the prestigious Epic Award for Ireland. Our last outing was in January 2020, due to the year that's in it, but we hope to be back soon.
My chapbooks Hellsteeth, A Skyful of Kites, Snowbird and Pact were self-published with help from Roscommon County Council, and In June 2017 the UK small press Black Light Engine Room Press published a selection of poems from them in a new pamphlet Fusebox.
My new book "SILVER SPOON" is coming out with Salmon Poetry in APRIL 2020 (**update: December!) and features the stunning art of Helen Chantrell.
Awards:
2020: Winner of inaugural Comórtas Filíochta Chultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich competition, with a poem translated to Irish by Oilí Diarmuid, and shortlisted for a second poem translated by Rossa Ó Snodaigh
2020: short-listed for Doolin Writers Weekend poetry competition
2019: short-listed for Red Line Book Festival poetry competition
2019: short-listed for O'Bheal International Poetry Film Competition
2019: Runner-up for Poetry Ireland Love Your Bike comp
2018: Shortlisted for Cuirt New Writing Prize
2017: Winner of the Poetry Ireland/Butlers Chocolate Cafe Competition
2017: Shortlisted for Red Line Book Festival poetry comp. and longlisted for the Bray Literary Festival comp and the Westport Lit fest.
2017: Highly commended for the Galway Hospital's 'Poems for patience' competition
2016: Commended for the Iceland Writers Retreat alumni competition
2015: Shortlisted for the Over The Edge New Writer of the Year competition
2014: Shortlisted for the Free Wee Library bookmark competition! Featured twice in the Poetry For Spaces project. Long-listed in the Dermot Healy Memorial award.
2013: Shortlisted for the Hennessy Literary award; the Dead Good Poetry competition; long-listed for the Desmond O Grady and the Over The Edge competitions, and won third prize in the Red Line Book Festival
2012; Shortlisted for the Bradshaw Books manuscript competition.
2011: Winner of both the iYeats competition, and the Francis Ledwidge award. Also commended in the same iYeats for a second piece.
2010: Commended in a Leaf Books competition, and in 2009 commended in the Boyle Arts Festival competition.
Most recent publications:
The Ofi Press - 2020
One (Jacar Press) - 2020
The Cormorant - 2020, 2019
Autumn Leaves - 2020
Skylight47 - 2020, 2017, 2016, and 2014
Poet's Republic -2020, 2018
Poethead - 2020, 2016
Culture Matters anthology - 2019
Fifth Estate (US) - 2019, 2016
The North, Irish issue - 2019
Roscommon Writer's Anthology - 2018
The Stony Thursday Book - 2018, 2015, 2013 and 2012
Abridged - 2019, 2011
Bray Arts Journal - 2020, 2019, 2018
Poetry NZ - 2018, 2017, 2014
The Stinging Fly - 2018, 2016 and 2012
Ropes - 2018, 2016, 2014 and 2013
Stanzas chapbook - 2018
Poetry Ireland Pocket Poems -2017
Strokestown Poets Anthology -2017
I was "Featured Poet International" for Muse-Pie Press (US) throughout 2016, and nominated by them for the Pushcart Prize and the Best Of The Net award.
My poem Hellsteeth is installed in the Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo, and is published as part of a book about WB Yeats: Yeats150.
Time Machine, which I wrote in response to Tom Meskell's solo art exhibition,was on display beside his paintings, in the Museum Of Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo, from January until May 2014, and also in Philadelphia for a day!
My pamphlets are gone, but 'Pact' is available to buy from from Kennys.ie; the Una Bhan craft shop, Boyle, and Strokestown Park House gift shop.
IRISH TV: HERE (to see local TV coverage of booklaunch, in Ballaghaderreen library)
