Gorey poet recalls childhood trauma

By Dan Walsh

Regina Redmond from Gorey follows the publication of her first book of poetry Buried Deep is the Child with Warrior Woman Truth Teller which be officially launched by Colm O’Gorman, founder of One in Four and former executive director of Amnesty International Ireland in Gorey Library tonight (Thursday).

The event will be hosted by Hot Press writer Jackie Hayden who lives in the south of the county. He will introduce several guests who will recite a selection of poems from Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

Already confirmed are Regina Redmond herself, her daughter Orla, Clare Williams (Manager, Wexford Rape Crisis Centre), poet and filmmaker Odhran Somers, Carol Boland of Boland Press, and close friend and confidante Anita Carroll. 

Music will be provided by Aileen Mythen (former singer with the acclaimed Remedy Club) and Ian Doyle (highly regarded singer-songwriter who recently performed as The Man Whom).

Several poems from Warrior Woman Truth Teller have already been recorded by Regina as part of a separate project, with atmospheric music added by local musicians.

Regina has also expanded her artistic activities to take in painting, and some of her visual works are included in Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

“Buried Deep is the Child was subtitled A Healing Journey, and the title reflects how my writing has helped me deal with trauma suffered during my childhood,” Regina told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “Warrior Woman Truth Teller shows me having become stronger and much more confident about facing my future. I think of my poems as shedding light on the path I’ve taken from deep darkness into the full light of recovery.

“Writing has a therapeutic value for me and publishing them has been enormously liberating. I have also recorded some of these poems for the BandCamp and YouTube platforms, and, since the healing power of music has long been established, adding music is a logical and valuable step for me as I continue onward on my exploratory journey with Warrior Woman Truth Teller,” she concluded.

Warrior Woman Truth Teller is published by Carol Boland of Boland Press and, like Buried Deep is the Child, is expected to resonate deeply with those who love poetry that comes straight from the heart. Her work has also attracted a very positive and appreciative response from others who have suffered childhood trauma.