Longford Writers' Group event hears that St Brigid could 'guide us to a much better world'

Longford Writers Group gathered in Torc restaurant for an event to mark St Brigid’s Day, on Friday, January 30.

During the event, many members of the group gave intimate readings of prose and poetry. Supported by the Longford Night Time Economy initiative, the evening included writers from Longford, Granard, and Westmeath, as well as trad music.

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The music was by Newtownforbes-Longford CCÉ Branch, which includes students from all over Longford.

Altogether, there were fourteen individuals who did readings, with the mixture being between poetry and prose. Some were traditional about the life of St Brigid, while others addressed more personal themes.

Shelley Corcoran, local photographer and a member of the Longford Writers Group, explained that it was a lovely and enoyable evening.

She outlined, “St Brigid of Kildare is the patron saint of new mothers, which brought a tear to the eye of a new mother who read her poem.

“Some referenced St Brigid's strong connections to county Longford, and others were quite tongue-in-cheek, such as Seamus Finnan's, about St Brigid possibly advising Trump in the future.

“I think that is something we would all love to see; I think she would guide us to a much better world. Deirdre Orme, who also facilitated a St Brigid's cross-making workshop, gave a wonderful theatrical performance with her work.”

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This was a first St Brigid’s themed occasion for the group, and they hope to make it an annual event to celebrate her like how St Patrick is, as St Brigid was a strong woman for both Celtic pagans and Christians.

The next major event is the Maria Edgeworth Festival in May, an annual event that the group loves participating in. Other events can be found on the Longford Writers Group website.