Workshops were held at The Thatch Bar, Lisselton and at Lisselton Primary School on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019.
Thank You All for Participating and Making Our Workshops a Wonderful Success.
See You All Next Year!
As with last year, you are asked to book your place in advance as numbers are limited, but you can pay workshop fees when you arrive on the day.
Workshops were offered as follows:
Advanced Poetry 10 am to 12.30, 1.30 to 4 pm – Paddy Bushe €25
Paddy Bushe lives in Waterville, Co. Kerry. He is a renowned prize-winning poet who has published several collections in Irish and English. His most recent collection, On A Turning Wing, was published in 2016 and won the 2017 Irish Times Poetry Now Award. Paddy Bushe is a member of Aosdána.
Short Story Writing 10 am. to 12.30 – Neil Brosnan €12.50.
From Listowel, Ireland, Neil Brosnan’s stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies in Ireland, Britain, and the USA. A former winner of The Bryan MacMahon, and Ireland’s Own short story awards, he has published two short story collections: ‘Fresh Water & other stories’ (2010) and ‘Neap Tide & other stories’ (2013)
Neil will ask participants to read a selection of short pieces (100-150 words), followed by a brief discussion on the different styles of the writers. Participants will then be asked to write 150/200 words on a prompt (given before break, but not to be discussed during the break!) The group will then be invited to share their creations and discuss the various interpretations of the prompt. Topics such as writing in first/third person, past and present tense, etc. will also be covered and Neil will offer tips on submission of your work and on useful websites.
Humorous Poetry 1.30 o 4 pm – Seán Lyons €12.50.
Seán Lyons, past Chair of Listowel Writers’ Week, has published two collections of poetry, a novel and many short stories. His poetry has appeared in several journals. He is an exceptional communicator and a very funny man!
Seán’s workshop will look at what constitutes a funny poem. Is the process of composing different to more popular forms of poetry? Participants will evaluate what subjects are appropriate for humorous treatment. Where can we find acceptable material? Each participant will be invited to write a piece and read it within the group. Seán is a long-term member of Toastmasters who has spent many years running communication workshops all over the world, so he is also well equipped to provide tips for more memorable delivery.
Sean- Nós Singing – 1.30 to 4 pm – Martina Ryle O’Sullivan Lisselton School Children €5; Adults €12.50.
Martina from Rathmore is an All-Ireland champion traditional singer who has worked for several years as singing tutor with Kerry Education and Training Board, teaching children and adults to the highest standards. She currently teaches traditional singing for Kilcummin Comhaltas.
Martina’s Workshop will cover fast, humorous songs and slow love/historic songs; also some of the important elements of traditional singing i.e. breathing techniques, ornamentation, phrasing, expression, variation, etc.
Traditional Music Masterclass – Lisselton CCE with Katie McNamara Purcell and Kevin O’Neill
This was an all-day Traditional Music Masterclass at Lisselton School.
Conor Moriarty, All-Ireland Champion on Accordion, held a workshop in Accordion and Concertina, with Suzanne Curtin, All-Ireland Champion on Flute, who shared the finer points of Flute and Fiddle-playing.
Contact Kevin O’Neill on 087 935 5824 to book a place.
Book your place by emailing John McGrath at ballydbardfest@gmail.com
