Pulitzer prize winner to attend literary festival

PULITZER prize winning US poet Jorie Graham will lead distinguished literary figures who will take part in a festival to honour Co Limerick poet, Michael Hartnett.

Éigse Michael Hartnett takes part in Newcastle West from April 22 to 24.

Michael Hartnett who wrote in English and Irish died in 1999. He is regarded as one of the most significant voices in late 20th century Irish writing.

Other confirmed participants of the 2010 literary and arts festival include: Fintan O’Toole, author, and political commentator; Mark Pollock, adventure athlete, author, broadcaster, and the first blind man to reach the South Pole; Patrick Hederman, author and Abbot of Glenstal Abbey; Eileen Sheehan, Kerry poet; Gearóid Mac Lochlainn, performance poet and Rita Ann Higgins, poet and dramatist.

Limerick County Arts Officer Joan Mac Kernan said: “Hosted throughout the town of Newcastle West, the programme features readings by leading Irish and international poets and playwrights, workshops and dramatised works.

“A particular element of the festival will be the integration of music and song with noted singers performing with the guest’s poets. Reflection and inspiration are the two words that best describe this year’s programme.

“Leading poets, writers and thinkers jostle with musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers, for what Michael Hartnett termed ‘the harp side of the Irish coin’.”

The festival will be launched at Newcastle West Library on April 22 by keynote speaker Abbot Mark Patrick Hederman OSB.

Fintan O’Toole will deliver this year’s Michael Hartnett Memorial Lecture, Secular Prayers: Michael Hartnett, Enchantment and Disenchantment.

Other events include an open mic session where prizes will be awarded for the best original poem.

* Full details from 061 493498/496300 or www.lcc.ie.