MÁIRE Holmes, who returned recently as Kerry’s Writer in Residence, is delighted to be back giving in-person workshops.

This part of the Arts Office programme is co-funded by Kerry County Council and The Arts Council.

Máire’s aim for 2023 is to 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.

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“We are delighted to have Máire Holmes back in Kerry,” stated Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer Kerry County Council. “Máire is committed to helping people tap into their creativity, through exploring and enjoying creative writing.”

“The welcome is astounding,” says Máire. “The creative traditions in Kerry are as vibrant as ever!”

Recently at Tralee Library, Mary Relihan launched the book Interactive Voices and Scribes, a direct result of the Writer in Residence Zoom meetings, held during lockdown.

Mary Relihan from Enable Ireland spoke of the benefits of Zoom during those times. The Writers met with Máire on a regular basis and completed their project.

While Zoom meetings continue, Maire has many dates confirmed for in-person visits to Writing Groups, Festivals, and events. Assisted by the Arts Office, dates are now set for visits to Killorglin, Killarney, Tralee, Listowel, Kenmare, Sneem, and Ballybunion.

Presenting prizes recently at the Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival, Máire paid tribute to Kerry writers and poets of all ages. “I’ve met every age group,” says Máire. “Creativity is ageless and in full bloom across Kerry.”

Anyone who wishes to start writing, continue writing, or intends to join a writer’s group can contact Kerry County Council’s Arts Office on arts@kerrycoco.ie /066 7183541. The office will put them in touch with Máire, either by email, phone or post.

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MÁIRE Holmes has returned as Kerry’s Writer in Residence.

Her 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.

“I am delighted to be back at my desk and I am also looking forward to seeing more people in person during this residency,” says Máire, who continued to meet writers and groups online during 2021.

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“The people in Kerry have so much to say and share and creative writing is something everyone can do,” she added.

Máire will give one-to-one remote mentoring sessions as well as group sessions with writers’ groups.

“Writing helps people connect with their own thoughts and provides an outlet for creative expression,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council. “Máire is very experienced and generous with her time. I would urge anyone with an interest to make the most of this opportunity.”

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.

Writers who are in full-time work or education, and are over eighteen, can avail of evening sessions by appointment.

The Kerry Writer In Residence is funded by Kerry County Council, The Arts Council and Creative Ireland.

AFTER the unexpected break due to Covid 19 safety measures, Máire Holmes is recommencing her work as Kerry County Council’s writer in residence, co-funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland.

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

The residency will re-commence remotely with Máire working with writers through email and video link.

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“I am delighted to be returning via technology,” Máire says, “and am looking forward to virtual meetings with writers for my residency.”

Máire plans one-to-one remote 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.”

During lockdown Máire was still busy, co-ordinating and editing an e-book of poems by young people for Cruinniú na nÓg, entitled Present Day Poetry, Kerry.

Máire Holmes will commence her residency in July 13th and anyone interested in 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.

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.