By Dan Walsh in Gorey
It was an occasion of poetry, celebration and song as Gorey teenager Éire Ní Fhaoláin, (17), who is a 6th year student at Meánscoil Gharman, Enniscorthy, launched her first Irish language poetry collection, called ‘Tuigim’ at a pleasant launch held in the Book Café, Gorey, last evening (Friday).
The official launch was performed in front of ‘a packed house’ by well-known local poet and traditional singer Máire Ní Bhriain who sang the praise of Éire’s exceptional talent at a very young age and praised her gift of contribution to the Irish language and congratulated her on a wonderful achievement in publishing her first collection of poetry.
Éire acted as master of ceremonies and concluded by reading the longest poem in the book, and the title poem, Tuigim. She thanked everybody who helped along the way from teachers, family, close friends and, especially, all who attend her launch.
Contributors on the night, who read their favourite poems from Éire’s collection included Colm Brennan, Stephen James Smith, Álanna Hammell, Rachel Uí Fhaoláin and Culainn Ó Faolain. A traditional music session followed.
The cover, design, layout and illustrations for Tuigim are all the work of talented Éire Ní Fhaoláin and the book is available at The Book Centre, Wexford town, Eason branches at Wexford, Enniscorthy and Gorey, Red Books, Wexford and Gorey, and the Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig. The book is also available through Dublin’s main Irish language bookshop, An Siopa Leabhair, located in Conradh na Gaeilge’s premises on Harcourt Street.
WexfordLocal.com 