Weekend of international poetry and music in honour of Dennis O;Driscoll.
CIRCLING THE SQUARE is back. And if you like a poem and a bit of fine music, this is the event for you.
Now in its fourth year, the poetry festival has established itself as one of the premier arts events in the country. It will take place at The Source Arts Centre in Thurles from October 31st to November 2nd, and will feature some of the best poets from Ireland and abroad, along with a host of musical performances.
The event honours the late Dennis O’Driscoll, one of Ireland’s most esteemed poets, essayists, and critics. Born and raised in Thurles, Dennis was internationally recognised for his significant impact on poetry. He was a renowned advocate for poetry in his hometown, and the weekend is named after his autobiographical essay “Circling The Square: A Thurles Prospect. ” An excerpt from the essay will be read during the festival. This year’s event will also remember Dennis’s friendship with Nobel-winning poet Seamus Heaney, with a discussion hosted by Dennis’s brother, Declan.
Fourteen poets from Ireland and beyond will feature over the weekend, including Polina Cosgrave, Séan Lysaght, Moya Cannon, Mary O’Donnell, and the excellent Mark Roper. Many years ago Mark attempted to teach me the mechanics of poetry, and though his work might have been in vain, he deserves a sainthood for his valiant efforts.
There will also be a be an eclectic mix of music between the poetry readings. This year’s guest performers include uillean piper Brendan Collins, saxophonist Pat O’Callaghan, and jazz guitarist Hugh Buckley with the great Leslie Dowdall — who those of us in our advanced youth will remember as the lead singer of the band In Tua Nua. There’ll also be music from Hidden Highways, Ed Dwan’s classical trio, and flautist Emma Roche from the RTE Concert Orchestra — both of whose parents are from Thurles.
And one of the undoubted highlights of the weekend will be Friday evening’s performance by mezzo-soprano Gina Oberoi-Engela. I’m not saying you haven’t lived until you’ve heard Gina sing but…well, that’s exactly what I’m saying.
One of the many other fine guests to look out for over the weekend is the American writer and poet Joseph Bathanti, who will give a talk and poetry reading at Bookworm on Friday October 31st at 4 pm. Joseph is the former Poet Laureate for North Carolina, and anything that comes out of North Carolina is always fine by me. He is also professor of creative writing at Appalachian State University, where my daughter was once a student. I don’t know if Mr Bashanti ever had the dubious pleasure of trying to teach her, but I do know that the one lesson she was most eager to learn up there in Boone was how to intimidate the opposition at college football games. I know this because her mother and I were treated to a demonstration when we went to see a match, and it is a thing of sheer terror. You might have dodged a bullet there, Joseph. (Beautiful part of the world, though. I highly recommend a visit.)
Circling The Square will also include a poetry workshop at The Source at 10:30 am on Saturday November 1st, and a heritage and history walk guided by the brilliant Jimmy Duggan on Sunday 2nd at 11.30 am. Later that day, there will be readings by ten other recently published poets at The Monks on Mitchell Street , along with an open mic event.
The Monks will also host free Après Festival gatherings on Friday and Saturday nights at 10.30pm.
So whether you are a seasoned poetry enthusiast, a music lover, or a curious first-timer, the festival promises something fine for everyone.
Tickets for the Source events are €17.50 (concessions €14.00). The guided walk and the readings at Bookworm and The Monks are free.
Tickets available on The Source website, and can also be booked at the box office.
For full details on the Circling The Square festival, please visit their Facebook page.
WATCH: In Tua Nua — Seven Into The Sea
Leslie Dowdall and the lads at Self Aid in 1986. With a brief cameo by the great Vincent Hanley.
Loughtagalla Times 
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