Jimmy’s ‘Hillside Scribbler’ Collection Launch in Cordal

The late Tommy Frank O’Connor (right) pictured with members of the Scríbhneoiri Sliabh Luachra Writers’ Group as they prepared for their book launch in April 2015. Seated: Bernadette Ni Riada, Beaufort; Jimmy Cullinane, Cordal; Rose Riordan, Currans; Ann Kiely, Ardagh; Tayla Forseca, Abbeyfeale; Frank Kevins, Currans; Sharon Fitzgerald, Hanah O’Connor and Madeline O’Connor, Abbeyfeale; James Flynn, Tralee and Tommy Frank O’Connor, tutor. Back from left: Winifred Greaney, Knocknagoshel; Donal Fitzgerald, Knocknaboul, Anna Brosnan, Castleisland; Anne Coffey, Knocknagoshel; Patricia Horgan, Kilcummin; Mary Casey, Glenflesk; Cait Curtain, Knocknagoshel; Fiona Roche, Kilcummin; Bridie Garvey, Killarney and Anne McCarthy, Newcastle West. ©Photograph: John Reidy 24-4-2015

**Jimmy Cullinane’s first collection of poetry ‘The Hillside Scribbler’ which will be launched at Hughes’ Bar in Cordal on this Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.**

Cordal native poet, Jimmy Cullinane is launching his book of poems titled ‘The Hillside Scribbler’ this weekend.

The launch will take place at Hughes’ Bar, Cordal on Saturday and will start at 2pm with a top class music session afterwards by Jimmy’s son, Dónal along with Emma O’Leary and Bryan O’Leary. Everyone is welcome.

Inspired by Kerry People

Jimmy has over 85 poems written, mainly inspired by people and places in rural County Kerry. Included in the book are numerous tribute poems to the likes of: Patrick O’Keeffe, Con Houlian, Jackie Healy Rae, The Pecker Dunne, Bryan Sheehan amongst others.

Confessing to a love of poetry as a child and inheriting an interest in local songs from both side of his family, Jimmy developed his interest in writing soon after he joined Scríobhnóirí Sliabh Luachra in Castleisland is 2012.

Cáit and Tommy Frank

Under the leadership of Knocknagoshel woman, Cáit Curtin and the tutelage of the late Tommy Frank O’Connor, Jimmy began to write a few poems of his own.

“Tommy Frank brought out the best in our class of twenty and luckily we had him for five years – it was he who laid the foundation for my writing,” said Jimmy.