Kerry poet, actor and publisher Noel King, took up residence last weekend at the Blackwater Castle in Castletownroche at the invitation of Fermoy-based Elbow Lane poets. King's collection 'Prophesying the Past' published by Salmon three years ago was widely acclaimed. Afric McGlinchey's review of the collection spoke of the strong sense of the past frequently symbolised by objects in the work.

King hosted poetry workshops and held his pupils spellbound over the weekend with readings and a discussion on a number of poems from his forthcoming collection which will be launched in Tralee in mid March. South African poet Christopher Azzie and Meath poet Polly Munnelly travelled from Navan to attend. Azzie read poes from his collection and was joined at the open mic by all who attended.

"The majestic setting undoubtedly added to the quality of the work produced at the workshops," organiser and local poet Gene Barry told the Avondhu.

It was the first of a series of such monthly events to take place at the Blackwater Castle. Poet in residence at UCC Matthew Sweeney will be the next King of the Castle in March when he'll hold workshops and read from his new collection which will be launched in Cork next month.

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