Noreen puts her poetry to good use – again!
IF any prove were needed of Noreen Ahern’s love of writing, the fact that she he has just put together a third collection of her poems serves as just that proof.
Speaking to The Kerryman last week, Noreen explained that ‘What Lies Beneath’ – successor to ‘From Kitchen Table to World’s Edge’ and ‘World’s Apart’ – will have its launch later this month at O’Grady’s in Killorglin, with all profits set to be split between five different charities.
A resident of the Caragh Lake area, she retired from primary school teaching six years ago. Since then, her love of poetry has bloomed.
“I don’t write for money at all,” she said. “I do it out of love of writing.
“I raised €6,000 for a few different charities with my last two books, and I’m hoping to do something similar this time around.”
Noreen has been known to give her time to several worthy causes, helping out groups such as Killorglin Social Services, Killorglin Mental Health Association, and Árd Álainn Day Care Centre.
It would seem, also, that many of her passions have shaped both her poetry and her choice of charities to benefit from her newest anthology.
As well as choosing Killorglin Hospice, Enable Ireland and Valentia Lifeboats as beneficiaries, Noreen’s love of animals shines through with her selection of Animal Help Net Kerry.
And, having lost siblings Michael C, Eileen and Bridie to cancer, she’s also hoping the book will prove helpful to Breakthrough Cancer Cork.
“The profits are going to five charities,” she said. “So I hope people get behind it, and the launch is in O’Grady’s at 8pm on September 14.”
The book costs €10 and can be purchased in Crystal Cave book shop, Killorglin.
And, as a founder of Ciorcail Cainte in Glenbeigh’s Red Fox Inn and O’Grady’s in Killorglin, Noreen has made sure there’s even something for Gaeilgeoirí, with a couple of poems in the native language!