Limerick poet wins first prize at Listowel Writers' Week
Mícheál O’Siochrú is a native in Kerry, has been a teacher in Limerick for many years and lives in Castleconnell. He won first prize at Writers’ Week in Listowel
POET Mícheál Ó’Siochrú, originally from Baile an Sceilg in Kerry and living in Castleconnell, has scooped the first prize at Writers’ Week in Listowel.
His winning poem is a tribute to his fellow writer and member of Aos Dána, Paddy Bushe.
The poem, ‘Ploughman’, delves into the huge volume of cultural, historical and folkloric wealth which Bushe has unearthed in Uíbh Ráthach, and evaluates the deep love he cherishes for his adoptive place, continuously keeping its richness at the forefront of his writings.
The author says that this prestigious prize has given him immense satisfaction because of Writers’ Week’s high regard for his writings through previous awards, and due to his great respect for Paddy Bushe as a scholar, as an outstanding poet and as a good friend.
Mícheál has had a long teaching career in the Limerick area, teaching Gaeilge, English and other subjects in Castleconnell, Villiers, St. Clement’s and in Mary Immaculate College.
Just as Paddy Bushe had fallen in love with Uíbh Ráthach, so too did Micheál take instantly to Limerick. For his first five years here he lived in the New Road, Thomondgate and he has fond memories of the friendship of the people there and, especially of the wonderful singing sessions in the Ardnacrusha Bar.
He attributes his love at first sight for Limerick to the fact that he was befriended earlier on by the renowned local journalist and Irish language enthusiast, Séamus Ó Cinnéide who immediately presented him with a copy of the Bard of Thomond’s Drunken Thady and the Bishop’s Lady; to the present day he recites long extracts from it, describing it as one of the finest epics ever written.
Today, Mícheál Ó Siochrú, bilingual poet and novelist, lives with his family near the picturesque village of Castleconnell which he has lovingly described in his writings as “an enchanted haven nestled in the leafy embrace of sylvan splendour, dancing all day to chirping melodies until lulled at twilight by Shannon’s somnolent murmurings.”
“Nature has been generous to Castleconnell,” he notes, “as if having adorned the rest of the world, it had chosen it as home.”