"The hundreds of photographs of the numerous poets reading at the 3,000 year old Labbacalle wedge tomb in Glanworth, at Glanworth Mill and at Blackwater castle in Castletownroche as part of the festival poetry bus that have been posted on numerous online social sites, will undoubtedly bring more tourists to north Cork and to next year's festival."

So said Gene Barry, the principal organiser of the second annual Fermoy International Poetry Festival this week. Reviewing the festival a week after the event, he deemed it 'a tremendous success for the town and indeed Ireland'. "As a Gathering event, it certainly achieved its aim," he said, "bringing visitors from all over Ireland, the US, Europe and as far away as India to partake in and listen to fellow poets read."

There were many firsts at the festival this year, including a simultaneous broadcast between Fermoy and Dallas which was held at The Wagon Tavern. The technology provided by Tom Aherne ensured that the four-hour live broadcast was hitch-free and, Gene revealed, has resulted in a committment from nine of the Dallas poets to travel for next year's festival. Four poetry books were launched over the festival weekend, two by Rebel Poetry and two by Doghouse Books.

With the Grand Hotel as the official meeting place, festival visitors were ensured good food and drink from early morning. The various facilities provided by Joe and Cliona enabled the festival to hold two of the events there, Gabriel Fitzmaurice's reading and the presentation of the Dick Barry trophy to winning student Cliodhna Condon from Loreto, Fermoy.

Judge for the Blue Max Review, poet Noel King from Doghouse Books expressed delight at the facility Kieran Barry provided at the Community Youth Centre for the launch of Gene Barry's own book, 'Unfinished Business' which was published by Doghouse.

Daniel at The Forge restaurant hosted Doghouse Book's first launch of the festival. It was attended by over 20 Doghouse poets.

Gene Barry this week paid tribute to local shops, business premises and hostelry owners who had hosted events, saying their support and enthusiasm had added greatly to the festival atmosphere.

"Both the space and facilities at Cheers Bar were so impressive that the venue will see Paul and Mary McNulty host a poetry 'slam' there during next year's festival," he pointed out as an example. He said all of the overseas poets had also commented positively on the addition of poetry readings at three traditional style pubs in the town, Crowley's, Lombard's and Charlie Mac's, the latter being the venue for the closing ceremony.

"Another first for the poetry world were the readings in Bermingham's Pharmacy, The Barber Shop, the AIB, Ulster Bank, Cafe Mocha, O'Briens Sandwich Bar and The Torten restaurant," Gene explained.

Visiting poets were also loud in their praise of those who put them up during their stay, extending thanks for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.

The arts office at Cork County Council has asked the Fermoy Poetry Festival to take part in a culture night on Friday, September 20th. A simultaneous broadcast with Dutch, American and English poetry groups will be hosted by Tom Aherne at The Wagon Tavern. An open invitation is being issued to all to go along and enjoy the evening.

blog comments powered by Disqus