L to R: Deirdre McClay, Maureen Curran and Nick Griffiths
Sometimes an opportunity falls your way, that you just can't refuse. So it is, when you are asked to read your work in Rathmullan. Readings by the seaside, good food in An Bonnan Bui - heavenly, historical and beautiful Rathmullan, Co. Donegal.
Flight of the Earls, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal
The weekend of 04th-6th August was the Rathmullan Community Festival, and three members of Garden Room Writers, Maureen Curran, Nick Griffith and Deirdre McClay read at North West Words at the festival. In the beautiful setting of An Bonnan Bui restaurant, the readings attracted a lovely audience of both locals and visitors. We had to keep running out to get more chairs.
Maureen Curran reading
Maureen Curran was first to read, and she treated us to some recent poems and some old favourites - she made us ponder, laugh and cry, and all in her lovely lyrical style.
Anyone who has heard Nick Griffiths read, will know to expect quick wit, humour, and as often as not, a twist in the tail. He did not disappoint. And, he read the only poem I've ever heard about Midsomer Murders.
And then for something different, I read my one published poem, and two flash fictions featuring an exploding mother in law and a three foot statute of the Virgin Mary (not in the same story - although that's an idea).
Then, of course, we just had to have lunch with friends downstairs.
Thank you to the Rathmullan Community Festival for inviting us, to Maureen Curran for all the arrangements, to a lovely audience, and to Monica and Martin (An Bonnan Bui) our lovely hosts. And to Rathmullan, for just being so incredibly beautiful, as always. Go visit it - it's a treasure.
