Strokestown in Co Roscommon is to host a new international poetry competition later this month. The guest list includes such poets as Brendan Kennelly and Rita-Ann Higgins.
The poetry competition and festival takes place over the weekend of April 16th-18th. Traditional music will be central. Some 1,250 entries have been received, some from Germany, Belgium and even Brazil. The overall winner will receive u £3,000.
Mr Brian Dolan, chairman of Strokestown Community Development Association, said the event was a way of attracting people. "We are situated at the gateway to the west of Ireland, and we are trying to put the place on the map."
Readings will be given by RitaAnn Higgins, Mary O'Donnell, Brendan Kennelly, Thomas McCarthy and Patrick O'Brien. Music sessions will be led by Patsy Hanly and Noel Carbery.
Matt Molloy of the Chieftans will play a flute owned by Oliver Goldsmith, which is being brought to Strokestown from the Irish Traditional Music Archive. It is planned the recital will accompany a reading of The Deserted Village.
Information can be had from 078 33759.