My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh

Declan Walsh

My Poetry Readings is a podcast of poetry, from Ireland and elsewhere.Presented by Sligo based, Declan Walsh, (who is neither a poet or English literature scholar!) , it is a podcast of his journey to revisit the poems that may have shaped our lives and perhaps discovering new ones along the way.Each episode in this series includes an introduction to a popular poem, it’s this writer and the actual reading of the poem - leaving the interpretation of the poem to yourself.Check it out on https://mypoetryreadingswithdeclanwalsh.buzzsprout.com/ read less
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Episodes

'On Raglan Road' - by Patrick Kavanagh (Last in Series - S1E13)
Mar 28 2021
'On Raglan Road' - by Patrick Kavanagh (Last in Series - S1E13)
About the Poem'On Raglan Road' was written by a 40 year old Patrick Kavanagh for a young 22 year old medical student, Hilda Moriarty. It was first published in the Irish Press newspaper in 1946 under the title ‘Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away’.    The song we all know as Raglan Road combines the lyrics of Kavanagh poem to the air of the song ‘The Dawning of the Day’. Kavanagh approached , Luke Kelly, from the Dubliners,  in the Baily Bar in Dublin in 1966 and asked him would he sing something he had written back in the 1940’s The rest, as they say , is history ____________________________________About the PoetPatrick Kavanagh was born in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, in 1904 and is generally regarded as one of Ireland most eminent and favorite poets. His first collection of poems was published while he was still working on the farm, and first appeared in 1928 in the Dundalk Democrat and Irish Independent. He died , aged only 63, on 30 November 1967 and is buried in his birthplace  - Inniskeen, in Monaghan____________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Other linksOn Raglan Road - Luke Kelly (Song and meeting Kavanagh) On Raglan Road - Tommy Macken (Poem)On Raglan Road - Dermot KennedyOn Raglan Road - Glen Hansard Declan O'RourkeOn Raglan Road - Mark KnopflerOn Raglan Road - Van Morrison & The ChieftainsThe Patrick Kavanagh CentrePatrick Kavanagh - The Pincer Jaws of Heaven (Short Film)
'The Song of the Wandering Aengus' - by WB Yeats (S1E12)
Mar 20 2021
'The Song of the Wandering Aengus' - by WB Yeats (S1E12)
About the Poem'The Song of the Wandering Aengus' is told from the point of view of an old man who, at some point in his past, had a fantastical experience in which a silver trout fish he had caught and laid on the floor turned into a "glimmering girl" who called him by his name, then vanished; he became infatuated with her, and remains devoted to finding her again.  It has been claimed that the poem's story is based on the Irish god Aengus, and specifically the story of the "Dream of Aengus", which had first appeared in the 8th century, in which Aengus falls in love with a woman whom he sees only in his dreams. It’s more likely that Yeats got a basic idea from the story of how Aengus fell in love with a girl he saw in a dream and then spent years searching for her – a theme Yeats knew only too well, having loved and unsuccessfully pursued the beautiful Maud Gonne for most of his life.____________________________________About the PoetWilliam Butler Yeats, more commonly known as, W.B. Yeats, was born in Dublin, in 1865 and is wildly regarded as one of the influential poets on both the national and international stage.   A pillar of the Irish literary establishment, he was one of co-founders of the Abbey Theatre and  became a Senator in the Irish Free State in 1922 .He died, aged 73, on January 28 1939 in France and was later buried in Drumcliffe Churchyard, Co Sligo____________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Other linksReading - Michael GambonReading - Sam NeillSong - Christy MooreSong - The WaterboysSong - DonovanSong - Judy CollinsSong - 10,000 Manics
'You Don't Get to be Racist and Irish' - Imelda May (S1E11)
Mar 13 2021
'You Don't Get to be Racist and Irish' - Imelda May (S1E11)
About the PoemYou Don't Get To Be Racist And Irish" documents Irish people's history of immigration and emigration and May says that it is now time for Irish people to return the favor.The poem also touches on Ireland's history and heritage, pointing out the hypocrisy of singing songs glorifying Irish freedom, the Famine, and martyrs in the struggle for Irish independence while simultaneously ignoring or looking down on people who are now suffering. The poem took centre stage on 200 billboards across the country in 2020 and coincided with the launch of Rethink Ireland, a new Government backed  equality fund set up to help those most affected by inequality.____________________________________About the PoetImelda Mary Clabby, professionally known as Imelda May, is an Irish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday. Born and raised in The Liberties area of Dublin in  1974, May began her career in music at 16 by performing with a number of local bands and musicians. She formed her own band in 2002, and released her debut studio album, in 2003 and has released a further 4 albums since then, Her next album, 11past the House is due for release in April 2021 Although known primarily as a singer, she also plays the bodhrán, guitar, bass guitar and tambourine. And Most recently, she has been sharing some of her poems, Her debut spoken word EP of 9 poems set to music  - "Slip of the Tongue" was released in 2020.____________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Other linksReading by Imelda May - RTE for Culture June 2020
'The Planter's Daughter - by Austin Clarke (S1E10)
Mar 6 2021
'The Planter's Daughter - by Austin Clarke (S1E10)
About the PoemThe society depicted in the poem , The Planters Daughter,  is one reminiscent of images of Ireland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. A planter was usually an English or Scotsman, brought in by the British, who bought  confiscated land in  Ireland  quite cheaply , who then employed local people to work on it In effect, he was the local landlord, living in the ‘Big House’ , often seen as people of wealth and be of  higher class – and would certainly not mix with the lower classes. However , in this poem, Austin Clarke portrays the planter's daughter, rather than being aloof, as a down to earth and approachable person who certainly doesn't see herself as above anyone else. The most interesting feature of ‘The Planter’s Daughter’ is the indirect way in which Clarke presents the subject of the poem and this indirect treatment creates a certain mystique around her.____________________________________About the PoetAustin Clarke was born in Stoneybatter, Dublin in 1896He was one of the leading Irish poets of the generation after W. B. Yeats  and  he also wrote novels, plays and memoirs. His main contribution to Irish poetry was the rigour with which he used technical means borrowed from classical Irish language poetry when writing in the English language.In addition to some twenty volumes of poetry and numerous plays, Clarke published three novels  and two volumes of memoirs, and while all of these prose writings are of interest, Clarke's reputation rests firmly on his poetry.He dies in Dublin in March 1974____________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Other linksBord Na Mona Advertisement
'Begin'  - by Brendan Kennelly (S1E9)
Feb 27 2021
'Begin' - by Brendan Kennelly (S1E9)
About the PoemCommunicated through the description of a morning walk across the Grand Canal in Dublin, the poem is a philosophical reflection on starting something new again. It starts off as a celebration of a new day, full refreshing opportunity, and goes on  to examining the harder things in life. It is filled with the sense of determination to be grateful for everyday experiences. Even though the poem is full of hope, it acknowledges that promises and beginnings are “born in light”, only to die “in dark”. The themes of loneliness and persevering in the face of adversity are both very much evident in this poem.____________________________________About the PoetBrendan Kennelly is one of Ireland’s most distinguished and best loved poets, as well as a renowned teacher and cultural commentator.He was Professor of Modern Literature at Trinity College,  in Dublin until 2005 and since his retirement he has been titled "Professor Emeritus" by the same university. A prolific and fluent writer, he has more than fifty books of poetry to his credit, and his poetry, at times, can be quite down-to-earth and colloquial.  He is popular and controversial, and sometimes quite irreverent and avoids intellectual pretension.  His vision defies any attempt to impose strict categories on the world. As a native Irish speaker , he has translated and published many Irish poems into English and in 2010 he was awarded the Irish PEN Award for his contribution to Irish Literature.  He now lives in Listowel, Co. Kerry. ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Other linksBrendan Kennelly - Begin - Listowel Writers Week 2017In Conversation with Brendan Kennelly
'Lament for Thomas McDonagh'  - by Francis Ledwidge (S1E8)
Feb 20 2021
'Lament for Thomas McDonagh' - by Francis Ledwidge (S1E8)
About the PoemLament of Thomas McDonagh is a poem written by Francis Ledwidge for his close friend, Thomas McDonagh, who was executed for his role in the Easter Rising in 1916 in Ireland. The Easter Rising was often called a poet’s rebellion because so many of the organizers were writers, such as Thomas McDonagh & Padraic Pearse.  Similarly, Francis Ledwidge’ s poem blends natural imagery with political sentiments.  Lament for Thomas McDonagh explores the theme of rebirth throughout, bringing in images of springtime, the Christian resurrection, and political renewal. ____________________________________About the PoetFrancis Edward Ledwidge was an Irish war poet and solider.He was born in Slane, Co Meath in 1887  and one of a family of 9. He one of the co-founders of the Slane branch of the Meath Labour Union and a found member of Slane Branch of the Irish Volunteers. He remained a member of the Irish volunteers but with the outbreak of WW1 in 1914, Ledwidge nonetheless, enlisted in the British Army joining Lord Dunsany’s regiment – the 5th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers- Sometimes known as the Poet of the Blackbirds,  he died in July 1917 – just aged 29, during the Third Battle of Ypres in Belgium during WW1 ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Other linksGrace - Jim McCannGrace - The CoronasGrace - Rod StewartThe Francis Ledwidge Museum RTE Nationwide Documentary
'The Cure at Troy' - by Seamus Heaney (S1E7)
Feb 13 2021
'The Cure at Troy' - by Seamus Heaney (S1E7)
About the PoemThe Cure at Troy  was  written in 1990 for the Field Day Theatre Company,  and  is an adapted version of the ancient tragic Greek play, Philoctetes, written by Sophocles – which takes place in the closing days of the Trojan War.The resonance of this ancient tale with that of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and perhaps the struggle of the Apartheid movement in South Africa, was a major attraction to Seamus Heaney, The poem, at its heart, addresses questions of personal morality, deceit and political expediency, suffering and healing. ____________________________________About the PoetSeamus Justin Heaney was an Irish poet, playwright and Nobel Laureate.He was and is still recognised as one of the principal contributors to poetry in Ireland during his lifetime and often described as  "the most important Irish poet since Yeats" HE won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995 – with what the Nobel committee described as "works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past’’. His epitaph is taken from one of his poems ‘The Gravel Walks’ and reads  "Walk on air against your better judgement”. ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit!I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have .If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Favorite Reading Versions  (YouTube Links)Seamus Heaney - The Cure at Troy  (V1)Seamus Heaney - The Cure at Troy (V2)President Joe Biden - The Cure at TroyPresident Joe Biden/Lin Manuel MirandaPresident Bill Clinton - Derry 1995Other linksSeamus Heaney - WebsiteSeamus Heaney HomePlace Website___________________________________
'Mirror in February' - by Thomas Kinsella  (S1e6)
Feb 6 2021
'Mirror in February' - by Thomas Kinsella (S1e6)
About the PoemThis short poem,  'Mirror In February', which was included for study on the former Leaving Certificate English syllabus, is familiar to generations of Irish schoolgoers.  It first appeared in the 1963 collection Downstream, is in many ways typical of Kinsella’s poetry in general.The poem, set in February as the natural world begins to slowly wake and renew itself, presents the speaker as a humble and solitary figure suddenly overwhelmed and reflecting on the significance of the passing of his own advancing years.Near the end of 'Mirror In February', Kinsella does ask and enquire of us an interpretation, that of course, I will always leave open to yourself. ____________________________________About the PoetThomas Kinsella is an Irish poet and was born in Inchicore in Dublin in 1928.He belongs to a generation of writers whose main concern as a poet was not to limit themselves  to Irish topics but to explore a wider range of ideas and themes. In 1965, he become writer in residence at Southern Illinois University, in 1970 he became a professor of English at Temple University in Philadelphia and was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts on two occasions in 1968 & 1971 In 1972, he started Peppercanister Press to publish his own work.  He received the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin in May 2007 and most recently, in December 2018, received and honory Doctorate of Letters from Trinity College of Dublin, having also taught the Irish Tradition Programme at the same university. ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit! I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have . If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Favorite Musical Versions  (YouTube Links)Thomas Kinsella - Gate Theatre Thomas Kinsella - Lifetime Achievement Award___________________________________Tags#february #spring #mirrorinfebruary #poetry #Dublin&
'The Stolen Child' - by William Butler Yeats  (S1E5)
Jan 30 2021
'The Stolen Child' - by William Butler Yeats (S1E5)
About the PoemWilliam Butler Yeats  wrote ‘The Stolen Child’  in 1886 and is considered to be one of his more notable and popular early poems.Based on Irish Legend, 'The Stolen Child'  concerns captivating faeries beguiling and charming a young boy to leave the tough modern day ‘weeping world’ and run away to live a more enchanting and mystical life with them. The main theme of 'The Stolen Child' would suggest the struggle to maintain the innocence of childhood against the realism of having to experience the reality of life – certainly, a theme that transcend the passing of time!  ____________________________________About the PoetWilliam Butler Yeats, more commonly known as, W.B. Yeats, was born in Dublin, in 1865 and is wildly regarded as one of the influential poets on both the national and international stage.   A pillar of the Irish literary establishment, he was one of co-founders of the Abbey Theatre and  became a Senator in the Irish Free State in 1922 . He died, aged 73, on January 28 1939 in France and was later buried in Drumcliffe Churchyard, Co Sligo ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit! I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have . If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Favorite Musical Versions  (YouTube Links)The Waterboys - The Stolen ChildLoreena McKennitt - The Stolen Child___________________________________Tags#wbyeats #poetry #sligo #ireland #williambutleryeats #thestolenchild #mypoetryreadings #culture
'She Moved Through the Fair' - by Padraic Colum (S1E4)
Jan 23 2021
'She Moved Through the Fair' - by Padraic Colum (S1E4)
About the PoemShe Moved through the Fair was written by Padraic Colum - with an original musical version composed by Herbert Hughes.  It was first published by Hughes in 1909 , with a revised version published by  Colum in 1916 in his works – Wild Earth and Other poems. One may think, it is , after getting family approval for the wedding, a somewhat joyous tale of two people about to get married - however, it belies the tragedy that the girl may have died, returning as a dream and hints rather at a potential reunion in the afterlife.About the PoetPadraic Colum was an Irish poet, novelist, playwright, children's author and collector of folklore was born in Columbkille, Co Longford in 1881 and was a leading figure of the Irish Literary Revival in the early 20th century. He was President of the American Poetry Society in the 1950's and later became a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He died, aged 90, in 1972  in Connecticut is buried in Sutton in County Dublin.  The Padraic Colum Cruinniú  (or Gathering) - is now an annual festival in Longford celebrating the life and work of one of its famous sons. ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above.You can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:- Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit! I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have . If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________Favorite Musical Versions  (YouTube Links)Dervish - She Moved Through The Fair (feat. Andrea Corr)Sinead O'Connor - He Moved Through The FairFinbar Furey - She Moved through the FairArt Garfunkel - She Moved Through the FairRory Gallagher - She Moved Through the Fair
'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' - by William Butler Yeats (S1E3)
Jan 16 2021
'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' - by William Butler Yeats (S1E3)
About the PoemThe Lake Isle of Innisfree’ is one of W. B. Yeats’s first great poems. The poem conjuring up a longing to go back to nature and live a self-sufficient life, and examines the themes of nature peace, wisdom and truth. Written over 130 years ago – it appears more relevant today than ever – but will let you make your own interpretation.  __________________________________________About the PoetWilliam Butler Yeats, more commonly known as, W.B. Yeats, was born in Dublin, in 1865 and is wildly regarded as one of the influential poets on both the national and international stage.  A pillar of the Irish literary establishment, he was one of co-founders of the Abbey Theatre and  became a Senator in the Irish Free State in 1922 .He died, aged 73, on January 28 1939 in France and was later buried in Drumcliffe Churchyard, Co Sligo ___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan Walsh___________________________________Now for the promotion bit! I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have . If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________
'A Christmas Childhood'  - by Patrick Kavanagh  (S1E2)
Jan 10 2021
'A Christmas Childhood' - by Patrick Kavanagh (S1E2)
About the PoemIn this episode, Declan reads  the classic poem by renowned Irish poet,  Patrick Kavanagh -  A Christmas Childhood. In this poem Kavanagh describes a magical memory from his childhood - a Christmas when he was six years old. At Kavanagh’s funeral in 1967, Seamus Heaney read ‘A Christmas Childhood’ at his graveside graveside.     _____________________________________About the PoetPatrick Kavanagh was born in rural Inniskeen, County Monaghan, in 1904, was an renowned Irish poet and novelist.  He is known for his accounts of Irish life through reference to what was everyday and commonplace.  When the Irish Times compiled a list of favourite Irish poems in 2000, ten of Kavanagh's poems were in the top 50, and he was rated the second favourite poet behind W. B. Yeats.___________________________________How to Listen and followYou can listen to the podcast , My Poetry Readings, on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts by clicking on any of the links above or on the podcast websiteYou can also subscribe and follow the podcast on social media by clicking on the links either on the top banner or the links below:-Facebook -   @mypoetryreadingsInstagram -  @mypoetryreadingsTwitter:-       @mypoetryreadin1Youtube:-      My Poetry Readings with Declan WalshNow for the promotion bit! I hope you enjoy and looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions that you may have . If you have enjoyed , please spread the word , like , share  (etc!)  -by  clicking the 'Share  Episode' link above.   If you can, please leave a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts. This will help others to also enjoy the podcast.Thanks for listening  - Till next time..Slán go fóillDeclan______________________________________________