Shanloth from the Meath Anthology

Shanloth

You could set your watch

By the fields around Shanloth

Especially on warm summer evenings

When the creosote dribbles down the gate posts

And the rocks in the river bed

Are painted dry by July

Half past eight and the hawk hangs no hands

Above the acropolis of Neville’s old house

He’s spoiled for choice and opts for

A colossus of copper beach ten minutes later

It will be nearing nine when the big shorthorns

Begin to make elbow their way

Through the sheep on Canty’s Hill

By ten all will have disappeared under

An avalanche of night

And only the moon will strike the hour

Over the pyramids of Egypt

Tommy Murray

From Counting Stained glass Windows Lapwing 2009

Evening at Trim Castle

Evening at Trim Castle

A glimpse of countless bats
In airy flight
Their exploits never fail to enthral
I marvel at their superhuman sight
At sunset as they buzz the castle wall

Tommy Murray

Meath Junior Writer's Group

Now that the group have b roken up for the summer 23 young writers have submitted their work for the forthcoming publication 'Paper Trails' It's the last call for three of the young writers including Hope Flemming Sweeney, Aoife Finnegan and Clara Harlin. It is hoped to launch the book early in September when arts officer Geradette Baily will be asked to do the honours.

Irish Life and Lore Series

Meath Oral History Collection edited by Maurice O'Keefe was launched tonight (16th June 2010)by Councillor William Carey and features the memories of a number of Meath people including yours truely. Each of the participants received a CD with their photograph on the sleeve. A milestone in the history of the county is how one of the speakers described the launch. The CDs will now go on sale worldwide

Certificate of Merit

Delighted to receive a certificate of Merit in this year's Golden Pen awards in Gurteen Co. Galway for my poem 'Lemming'


Lemming

I remember the moment
You, lying there
Immaculate in pinstripe and cuff links
And the tie you only wore to weddings
The broad grin fixed
For all eternity

You blew your chance then
Of growing old gracefully
Missed out on memories
Pipe smoke and slippers
Sunsets of affection

You might have been famous
Graced the top tables
Taken your place
On pedestals and podiums
Had you not decided to leave?
When you did, and so suddenly

You could have taken it all in your stride
Laurel wreath and golden handshake
And yes, you also missed out on
Crow’s feet and quackery
Weeks of wet Mondays
And endless obituaries

Images of Meath

Book: Meath
This is a fascinating collection of images from County Meath, accompanied by a warm and lively narrative. Tommy Murray presents intimate snapshots of Meath life since the 1930s; characters big and small, such as Michael Collier, Meath's own Robin Hood, and events that gripped the public, from harvests and horse racing to the descent of Hollywood in 1994, when "Braveheart "was filmed in Trim. This resource pays homage to the people of Meath, with engaging and often poignant images of the locals, young and old, at work and at play. This work is a fantastic record of County Meath and the lives played out against its beautiful backdrop of landmarks and wildflowers.

Meath Voices

Meath is a constantly changing and developing county, close to the capital and yet full of natural beauty and renowned heritage sites. This vivid and entertaining book captures the memories, tales and hopes of the people who have witnessed this rapid change in recent times, and remember the years when the roads were cattle tracks and gathering blackberries was a favourite past time. Featuring voices from the county's citizens and images from the author's own collection, this book will appeal to both visitors of the county and those who call it home.