Publish a Poem Project
“In Kavanagh’s Footsteps”. Publication of young Monaghan poets.
Publish a Poem Project
The book launch of “In Kavanagh’s Footsteps” took place on Monday 23rd November at the Hillgrove Hotel. It was attended by most of Monaghan’s newly-published poets from twenty schools across the county, as well as parents and teachers. The evening was hosted by Jimmy McGeough, director of Monaghan Education Centre, and Wendy Flood: co-ordinator of the “Publish A Poem” project. The guest presenter for the evening was actor and dramatist Tommy McArdle who delighted the audience with his readings and comments about a selection of the newly published poems. Having already received their certificates and medals in June 2009, all poets were presented with their own copy of the book which was published in Monaghan by R&S Printers. The book is also available to buy in Easons, Monaghan.
As part of the English curriculum in Ireland, pupils and teachers are encouraged to read from a range of poetic genres, and to make personal responses to what they have heard or read. Often pupils write their own poetry based on a theme or in a particular style of poetry which they have studied.
During the Summer Term in 2009, schools across County Monaghan focused on poetry in class with the aim of encouraging personal and expressive writing. Themes such as Nature, Feelings, and Hobbies were explored, and pupils were then guided in their writing by what they had studied, and by direct conferencing with their teachers.
Twenty schools participated in the “Publish A Poem” project launched by Monaghan Education Centre, which ran from April to June 2009. Poems on a range of subjects were submitted by pupils between 2nd and 6th Class.
Poetry allows people to express thoughts and feelings in as short or long a form as is felt necessary. Some of the shortest poems can be the most effective and can convey depth of feeling or exquisite detail. It is for this reason that poetry appeals to many children as a way of expressing themselves in a written form.
Monaghan has a long tradition for poetry, the most famous poet being Patrick Kavanagh, He is considered by many, to be one of Ireland's most outstanding poets and it is for this reason our anthology of poems has been named after him.
The Monaghan anthology, “In Kavanagh’s Footsteps” showcases a range of poetic styles: from rhyming and list poems, to acrostic, and free verse. All of the Published Poets earned their place in this book, having been selected from over 1,500 applications. An amazing amount of poems were submitted to the project, and it was a delight to see the effort and imaginative ideas that went into each poem. Congratulations to every child who submitted a poem, and well done to the Published Poets of 2009!
Congratulations to all participating schools:
Broomfield N.S.
Clontibret N.S.
Deravoy N.S.
Edenmore N.S.
Gaelscoil Ultain.
Model School Monaghan.
Rockcorry N.S.
Scoil Mhuire, Clontibret.
Scoil Mhuire, Magheraney.
Scoil Naoimh Éanna.
Scoil Phádraig, Garron.
Scoil Rois.
St.Joseph’s B. N.S., Carrickmacross.
St.Louis G. N.S., Monaghan.
St.Mary’s B. N.S.
St. Mary’s N.S., Glaslough.
St.Michael’s N.S., Cootehill.
St.Michael’s N.S., Rackwallace.
St Patrick’s N.S., Clara.
St. Tiarnach’s P.S., Clones.
For further information contact Monaghan Education Centre on 047 74000