MÁIRE Holmes from Galway is Kerry County Council’s new writer in residence, co-funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland.

This isn’t Máire’s first residency in Kerry – she proved immensely popular here a number of years ago, interacting with students and writers all across the county at events, libraries and readings.

“I am delighted to be coming back to Kerry,” Máire says, “and am looking forward to meeting with writers for my residency. I’m half packed already!” She is grateful to the Muckross House Trustees for making available a cottage at which she can stay during her residency.

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Máire plans to meet with writers in one-to-one mentoring sessions – “I want to give dedicated writers a performance platform,” she explains. “The solo writer is familiar with solitude and yet seeks some way to be heard, by sharing work that is not yet published.”

Máire Holmes will commence her residency in March and anyone interested in mentoring or school visits should watch Kerry Arts Office’s social media for updates, sign up to the Arts Newsletter on the Kerry County Council website or contact the Arts Office on arts@kerrycoco.ie /066 7183541.