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Kerry County Council Writer in Residence, Máire Holmes (centre right) being presented with a copy of ‘Poets and Dreamers’ – an anthology by Scríobhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group. Making the presentation is Helen Blanchfield with group members, Maria O’Brien (left) and Anna Brosnan. Photograph: John Reidy
MÁIRE Holmes, who returned recently as Kerry’s Writer in Residence funded by Kerry County Council, The Arts Council and Creative Ireland, is delighted to be back giving in-person workshops.
“On a recent trip to Tralee I was very happy to meet with the Lesley Collins writing group,” says Máire. “Over the last two years this group never missed an online session with me so it was great to meet them in person.”
Máire Holmes also hosted a creative writing workshop with the Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival at the end of March.
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“The buzz in Ballydonoghue has stayed with me,” she says. “The festive atmosphere was a celebration of past, present and future literature in Kerry.”
Her most recent in-person event was with Scríbhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group in Castleisland.
“The fáilte was memorable,” Máire says. “This group is a family of poets and writers, and on my visit I felt like one of the family.”
Máire’s aim for 2022 is facilitate Kerry’s prolific creative writers and to continue encouraging all works-in-progress; poetry, prose, plays, screenwriting, and other disciplines in English or Irish language.
Token of appreciation: Kerry County Council Writer in Residence, Máire Holmes being presented with a gift in appreciation of her services to the Castleisland based Scríobhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group. Making the presentation are : Frank Kevins (left) and Jimmy Cullinane. Photograph: John Reidy
“Máire was absolutely fantastic during lockdown,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer Kerry County Council. “She took to online workshops and remote mentoring with a heart and a half and it was so valuable to give people a chance to engage creatively during that time. We are delighted she is now back meeting people in person as well.”
Anyone who wishes to start writing, continue writing, or intends to join a writers group can contact Kerry County Council’s Arts Office on arts@kerrycoco.ie /066 7183541 who can put them in touch with Máire, either by email, phone or post.
Kerry County Council Writer in Residence, Máire Holmes (centre) about to begin her class with the Castleisland based Scríobhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group. Included are from left: Frank Kevins, Ray Canoy, Micheál O’Shea, Jimmy Cullinane, Helen Blanchfield, Ms. Holmes. Cáit Curtin, Liam Cummins, Billy O’Connor, Anna Brosnan and Maria O’Brien. Photograph: John Reidy
