Getting the recipe right at Kilmore’s Write By The Sea

FOOD for thought and seafood were both on the menu as the author and music journalist Jackie Hayden officially opened the resoundingly successful Write By The Sea 2018 literary festival in Kilmore Quay.

Jackie mentioned many connections to the sea found in literature from Synge to Hemingway, in music from traditional songs to new releases such as Eleanor McEvoy’s ‘Harbour’, and in poetry from Dylan Thomas to the work of Wexford poet Joe Neal.

Festival chairperson Lucy Moore described described as an excellent weekend of presentations, ideas, fun and relaxation in the company of interesting people who all received a very special Kilmore welcome.

‘It is important to us that our audience and our writers and facilitators enjoy their involvement’, she said.

‘Several of our writers including John Banville and Kit de Waal commented on the glow of positive energy that radiates from our festival. Everyone who is involved contributes to this.’

‘ Take the professionalism and honesty of our writers and the dedication of a hardworking committee, mix it with the genersoity of volunteers, the friendliness of our community and the enthsuiasm and openness of our attendees and add a sense of humour and a can do attitude and you have the recipe for an event that is hugely enjoyable’, said Lucy, one of the founders of the festival which is now in its third year

Committee member Jean Cullinane said she was particulary moved by Eleanor McEvoy’s workshop on music writing.

‘We all joined in the last song with her and the atmosphere was electric’, said Jeane, while Sylvia Kehoe enjoyed the accomplished novelist and playwright John MacKenna’s workshop and interview.

Others enjoyed story-telling sessions which took place in the homes of local residents.

Richard Hayes and Séamus Ó Doillúin gave a fascination presentation on the influence of the Irish language on how we speak and write English while Jennifer Johnston and Sheila Llewellyn’s discussions with Jackie Hayden gave the audience an insight into the hard work that goes into writing a good book.

Michael Freeman and Jo Unwin gave a glimpse into the commercial side of literature and what agents and publishers are looking for from writers.

The weekend offered a wide choice of genres and topics from Positive Psychology to Crime Writing, Starting to Write with Cat Hogan and Fiona Burke, a look at the Contemporary Irish Novel with Derek Hand, writing local history with Liam Gaul and a playwriting workshop with Wexford’s Billy Roche.

‘We plan to offer an even more ambitious programme next year’, said Lucy, thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the festival, especially the sponsors.

The Write By The Sea Festival committee, from left, back – Elena Winch, Laura McGlynn, John Moran, Theresa Burke and Derek Burke; seated – Jean Cullinane, Lucy Moore (chairperson), Sylvia Kehoe and Mary Byrne.

At the launch of Write By The Sea in The Stella Maris Centre, Kilmore Quay, from left, back – author and playwright Billy Roche; Kathleen Tierney, Ballycogley Players; author Fiona O’Rourke; Dr Richard Hayes, author; Ruth Timmins, poet; Brendan Power, storyteller; and Michael Freeman, publisher and author. Seated – author Kat Hogan, Lucy Moore, festival chairperson; and Jackie Hayden, author, who launched the programme; and Martina Carroll, poet.

Eileen Morrissey, Cllr Jim Moore and Jean Cullinane.

Jarlath Glynn, Dr Richard Hayes and Billy Roche.

Ann Dunnigan and Caroline Stevens Taylor.

Elizabeth Whyte and Rosemary Hayes.