Ravensdale poet Michael launches his first book
Described as a poet for the New Ireland, Ravensdale poet, Michael McDermott, launched his first book of poetry and short stories at The United Arts Club in Dublin recently.
From the demeanour of the large crowd that attended the launch, it is apparent that here is a poet chronicling the new informed Ireland which has moved on from its traditional beliefs, and is becoming increasingly interested in reclaiming and reconnecting to the core human values which provide real, tangible nourishment for the heart, mind and spirit.
As the County Louth writer and friends read short pieces from his book, entitled ‘(lay down your phone) To Ride A Poem,’ the room gradually became awash with smiling faces nodding in agreement. It was as if the audience was recognizing basic truths which many there hadn’t heard spoken quite so frankly or clearly before.
The club’s Angel Loughrey began proceedings by reminding everyone about the hallowed literary ground on which we stood, then introduced Anne Haverty, one of Ireland’s premier poets and writers.
Anne, a member of Aosdana who lectures on literature at universities throughout Europe, gave a very favorable, in depth critique of the book, saying at one point that, although the poems, in addressing many of the complexities of modern life, can be challenging, Michael’s short stories, mostly about the cultural changes which have taken place in Ireland over the past fifty years, are a joy to read.
The attentive audience was then treated to readings from the book, artfully carried out by Longford and Dundalk poet John Noonan, sculptor David Dunne, who lives in Wicklow, city architect Dermot Nolan, Michael’s wife Catrina, and the poet himself.
Then his elder granddaughter, Renee, brought the house down in a good way when she read her own poem, also contained in the book.
There is an optimism to Michael’s writing which is intoxicating as it embraces a vision for an Irish society based on truth, and advocates universal acceptance here of the changing nature of people’s wishes and aspirations.
There is no reason for which people who are equally entitled couldn’t unite, he says, with love as our national drug of choice for our future, and better understanding of life as our goal in common, and wouldn’t a decision to positively evolve our thinking together make the
Irish an extra special nation.
The book, containing fifty poems and twelve short stories, plus additional writings - (and priced at a reasonable €10) - would make the ideal entertaining, positive, lasting Christmas present for young and old.
The book is available in select Dublin bookshops and at Roe River Books, Park Street, Dundalk, or can be bought by visiting the author’s website address; michael-mcdermott.net. Or alternatively, Michael warmly invites everyone to come to Russell’s Bar, Park Street, on Monday December 9 at 8pm, to listen to readings from his book by some well-known local personalities, and hopefully have some pre- Christmas fun afterwards, and where he will be only delighted to add a personal message to your copy. 2
Dundalk School of Music celebrate their 10th anniversary with a special concert on Sunday afternoon from 2pm in the Spirit Store featuring Jim Corr, Pat Coldrick, and Barry J Hughes.
Children’s author Emer Conlon reads from her latest book in the Vroom Town series, ‘The Adventures of Santa Clause and the Magic Truck’ in Roe River Books on Saturday at 12 noon. There will also be a chance for children to make a massive Vroom Town Santa jigsaw and to enjoy some art at the colouring station. 6
Support local makers at the Christmas Craft Fair in the Foy Centre, Carlingford this weekend, December 6 to 8 with lots of crafts and foods.