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29 Sept 2025
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29 Sept 2025
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Poetry Day Ireland was celebrated in style in a Laois library with a stellar line up of proud and talented local poets sharing poems inspired by the county.
The beautiful Mountmellick Library played host on national Poetry Day, March 21, with Dr Arthur Broomfield, Ann Egan, Declan Furlong and Laura Murphy all reading their work to an appreciative audience.
More below gallery of photos.
Amanda Hyland, Assistant Librarian and Mountmellick library manager, opened the event by welcoming everyone and explaining how the library service promoted the love of reading for pleasure across all age groups.
Dr Arthur Broomfield read two poems including “The Spirit of Mountmellick Speaks”-which honours the heritage, history, people and spirit of Mountmellick. The poem was written in 2021 when Arthur was appointed Poet Laureate of Mountmellick for the Poetry Town initiative.
Next was Ann Egan, another Laois Native and former writer in residence. Ann spoke very fondly of her Mountmellick connections through her mother. Ann spoke of the origin of St Brigid’s cross before reciting her poem St Brigid’s visit along with other work.
Declan Furlong is a well-known Mountmellick native who has recently launched his first collection of poems “The Exquisiteness of Ladders”. Declan read the title poem of his book and the entertaining “Lemmingism”.
Laura Murphy, another Laois poet and activist recited her tribute to Laois “In Laois I Fly Free”, which has received many plaudits along with other work. Laura explained that her work is centred around the ancient Irish poetic practice of ‘Imbas Forosnai’, which means ‘inspiration that illuminates’ and was used by the ancient poets of Ireland to bring healing to society and truth to power.
Olivia Murray, Library Assistant and host then invited any contributions from the audience.
Declan Molloy, Ann Marie Foley, Sheelagh Coyle and Frances Harney all shared some of their work which was well received.
Diane Seale representing Laois Arts Office then made a presentations to Dr Broomfield and Ms Hyland of framed copies of
Arthur’s poem, The Spirit of Mountmellick Speaks.
Mountmellick Library intend putting this framed poem on permanent display in the library.
The event showcases the breadth and depth of talent we have in our county and the power and relevance of poetry to our daily lives. This event was made possible by funding from both Laois Arts Office and Poetry Ireland.
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