Poetry Day Ireland took place on Thursday 2nd May 2019 and the theme was Truth or Dare! “Whether you share a poem, read a poem, or programme your own event, everyone is invited to join in and celebrate”, they said. And what better event could the Galway RTA Singing Group organise than the launch of a book of poetry by Caroline Kelly, one of the group’s members. And Caroline was certainly up for the challenge “to dare”, giving us the opportunity to read many of her poems written throughout her life on a wide variety of topics and in many genres.
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| Caroline and Mary Keaveney |
The book was ably launched by Kathleen Campbell who gave a most interesting speech, not only reviewing the book but also giving lots of information about Caroline’s very varied life and teaching career, including her time in Africa training teachers, about which most of us had not known. Afterwards Caroline was presented with a bouquet by Evelyn Horan as a token of our congratulations on her achievement.
Caroline has entertained the Singing Group from time to time by reading some of her poems and all felt that they should be printed. Three members in particular, Muriel McDarby, Mary Keaveney and Anne Newell, did Trojan work to assist her in the project: choosing poems, typing, working on layout, indexing and Anne also contributed the most attractive cover design. Well done to all of you!
The launch was a most enjoyable event and we all enjoyed our cuppa, especially as the occasion doubled up as an Alzheimer’s Tea Day since Caroline very generously made a donation to Western Alzheimers for each book sold.
For those disappointed at being unable to attend the launch, the book will be available for sale on June 11th when we meet for the RTA Mass.
Laoise Uí Chomhraí.
