QUIPS AND CHORDS

In loving memory of my father Patsy Hanratty, late of Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, who died 13 March 2005.   The slippers lying empty under the bed; The shovel lying idle in the shed; The numbers scribbled beside the telephone. A new reminder every day Brings you close from far away. You're not here now… but…

I was delighted to be recently invited to do a reading at the launch of Orla Grant-Donoghue's new collection of haiku and micropoetry. The book launch took place at The Irish Writers Centre.

  A Sunday dinner, then tea and cake, Ties that bind and cannot break. A story told, a laugh or smile, Or gentle silence for a while. A special gift, now and then. Now she has gone home again. Someone to talk to any day, Someone to help in any way. A warm fire on…

13th ANNIVERSARY   In loving memory of my father Patsy Hanratty, late of Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, who died 13 March 2005. The slippers lying empty under the bed; The shovel lying idle in the shed; The numbers scribbled beside the telephone. A new reminder every day Brings you close from far away. You're not here…

In memory of my mother A Sunday dinner, then tea and cake, Ties that bind and cannot break. A story told, a laugh or smile, Or gentle silence for a while. A special gift, now and then. Now she has gone home again. Someone to talk to any day, Someone to help in any way.…

On 6 April, the Dublin launch of Talkin' Squirrel Blues took place at the Irish Writers Centre. The IWC provides an amazing venue for book launches and other literary events. And tonight the spotlight was on my surreal comedy novel. I felt like I had finally grown up as a writer. Indeed, I almost felt like…