Tuesday 20th November: The Grand Salon, King House was the elegant and warm setting for a special event. ‘New Roscommon Writing 2014-2018’, an anthology of Contemporary Writing featuring the work of 49 writers with Roscommon connections with special guest Charlie McGettigan.
Gerry Boland, Roscommon’s ‘Writer In Residence’ acted as MC for the night and in the Anthology’s Editorial wrote: “Fifty-seven contributions from forty-nine writers, all with a connection to the county of Roscommon, combine, in these pages, to make NEW ROSCOMNMON WRITING 2014-2108 an absorbing, deeply satisfying and frequently thrilling read.”
The event was introduced by Cllr Ivan Connaughton, Cathaoirleach Roscommon Co Council.
Majella Hunt, Creative Ireland Director, and Roscommon County Director of Services spoke of her delight that Roscommon CoCo will continue its support for Creative Projects in the county
On the acknowledgements page we read “Roscommon writers owe a debt of gratitude to Mary Mullins, Arts Officer for the county.” “Thanks also to Averyl Dooher, Acting Arts Officer, for the latter half of 2018, for helping us to keep things on track and for her support throughout”
The capacity audience was treated to poetry and prose readings by the writers of ten contributions to the book, followed by encouraging, appreciative words, and a song from Charlie McGettigan.
I am delighted to note that realboyle.com correspondent John Mulligan could write “Delighted to be included in three different places in this book.”