21/10/2026
I can’t believe it’s been a week since I did my thing The United Arts Club in Dublin. To say I was nervous before it was an understatement. Being invited into the hallowed halls of a club founded by the Literary greats, such as Yeats, well, no pressure there like.
I met John Noonan at Oscar’s statue, after his fruitless efforts (John’s, not Oscar’s) to keep me out of the chancy areas. Google insisted I see the sights, and there were plenty.
Thanks to Theresa K, who reassured me that I’d be fine on the night, as had all my cousins and poet friends that turned up to support me. Although in fairness, I’d a few watching the exits, in case we needed to make a swift getaway. I forgot to take photos of the full room as I was in performance mode, and only remembered after people had left. Thanks to everyone for coming, especially all the cousins and my Leitrim neighbours. It meant so much to see friendly faces and those who helped keep me going when I was putting the book together including Réaltán.
I did a long set with poems I rarely do in public. Apologies to those I made cry, sure I made ye laugh later.
Gotta enjoy the highs when we can, and I’ll tell ya I’ve a quare swelled head on me since last Friday. The clapping at the end. Well, that has me floating since. Thanks to ye all for coming and for taking and sharing photos with me. You’ve no idea how much I appreciated it. X
