Writer in Residence is Back Meeting People – With Plans for 2022

Kerry County Council Writer in Residence, Máire Holmes (centre) about to begin her class at The Island Point 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

Kerry County Council Writer in Residence, Máire Holmes (centre right) being presented with a copy of ‘Poets and Dreamers’ – an anthology by Scríobhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group. Making the presentation is Helen Blanchfield with group members, Maria O’Brien (left) and Anna Brosnan. Photograph: John Reidy

Token of appreciation: Kerry County Council Writer in Residence, Máire Holmes being presented with a gift in appreciation of her services to the Castleisland based Scríobhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group. Making the presentation are : Frank Kevins (left) and Jimmy Cullinane. Photograph: John Reidy

Máire Holmes, who returned recently as Kerry’s Writer in Residence funded by Kerry County Council,The Arts Council and Creative Ireland, is delighted to be back giving in-person workshops.

“On a recent trip to Tralee I was very happy to meet with the Lesley Collins writing group,” said Máire.

“Over the last two years this group never missed an online session with me so it was great to meet them in person.”

Ms. Holmes also hosted a creative writing workshop with the Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival at the end of March.

Scríbhneoirí Sliabh Luachra

“The buzz in Ballydonoghue has stayed with me,” she says. “The festive atmosphere was a celebration of past, present and future literature in Kerry.”

Her most recent in-person event was with Scríbhneoirí Sliabh Luachra Writers Group in Castleisland.

“The fáilte was memorable – this group is a family of poets and writers and on my visit I felt like one of the family,” said Máire.

Máire’s Aim for 2022

Máire’s aim for 2022 is 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.

“Máire was absolutely fantastic during lock-down,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer Kerry County Council.

“She took to online workshops and remote mentoring with a heart and a half and it was so valuable to give people a chance to engage creatively during that time.

We are delighted she is now back meeting people in person as well,” said Ms. Kennelly.

Want to Start Writing ?

Anyone who wishes to start writing, continue writing, or intends to join a writers group can contact Kerry County Council’s Arts Office on arts@kerrycoco.ie Tel: 066 71 83541 and they will be put in touch with Máire, either by email, phone or post.

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