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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, Billy O’Connor, Liam Cummins, Anna Brosnan and Maria O’Brien. Photograph: John Reidy
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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