Thurs 2^nd May 2019 at CB1, Central Buildings, 51 O’Connell Street,  Limerick. Start 8pm (note new venue)

This month, our guests are Australian poet Philip Porter, and  writers Tanya Farrelly and David Butler plus OPEN-MIC!

Philip Porter
Philip Porter has spent much of his life travelling for pleasure and work which is reflected in his poetry. A first generation Australian of Greek and British heritage he has never felt entirely “at home” anywhere, a sensation he enjoys very much. Growing up in the Industrial western suburbs of Sydney he became acutely aware of the profound disadvantages that face children who are out of the mainstream of wealth and opportunities Australia offers middle class kids. He is involved with the NGO WestWords which supports young writers in the West and raises funds for it via the Poetry Dinners he organisers through The North Shore Poetry Project which he convened several years ago. As the “poet in residence” at The Willoughby Hotel and The Incinerator restaurant Philip facilitates weekly poetry workshops and monthly readings. He has a modest bundle of poems published in the USA, Australia, Britain and New Zealand and has also co-edited two Anthologies based on readings at the Poetry Dinners. Philip’s earlier degrees were in Political Science and Spanish but several years ago he completed an MA in Writing where he was reintroduced to the power and subtlety of poetry. Currently he is the Special Advisor to the President of Meiji University, Tokyo.

Tanya Farrelly
Tanya Farrelly is the author of three books: a short fiction collection When Black Dogs Sing (Winner of the Kate O’ Brien Award 2017), and two psychological thrillers: The Girl Behind the Lens (US top 10) and her brand new release: When Your Eyes Close. (Harper Collins) She holds a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from Bangor University, Wales, and teaches at the Irish Writers Centre, Dublin.

David Butler
David Butler is a multi-award winning novelist, poet, short-story writer and playwright. The most recent of his three published novels, City of Dis (New Island) was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year, 2015. His second poetry collection, All the Barbaric Glass, was published in 2017 by Doire Press. Arlen House is to bring out his second short story collection in 2019. Literary prizes include the Maria Edgeworth (twice), ITT/Red Line and Fish International Award for the short story, the Scottish Community Drama, Cork Arts Theatre and British Theatre Challenge awards for drama, and the Féile Filíochta, Ted McNulty, Brendan Kennelly and Baileborough awards for poetry.

Everyone is invited to take part in the open-mic after the main event, poets, storytellers, musicians and writers. Even if you don’t write you are welcome to bring something along to read. The night begins at 8.00pm and admission is free. So join us on the night and make this event something special.

NOTE: Our special authors book table will again be in operation, so if you want your book, CD’s etc publicised make sure you are represented on the table. Contact Dominic Taylor at 087 2996409 to make arrangements.