Madam, - Hallowe'en was celebrated in an extraordinary and wonderful way in the small village of Gort a' Choirce, Co Donegal this year, where some of the finest Irish poets and musicians gathered for a celebration of language that was both moving and entertaining.
As a visitor flying in from the industrial heartland of England I had no expectations beyond those of the usual literature festivals held in my country, but this one encompassed a whole range of activities which were presented in so warm and friendly a fashion that it has left me glowing.
Hosted by Cathal O'Searcaigh, the events ranged from poetry readings by much admired poets such as Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Joan Newmann, Paula Meehan and Denise Blake, interspersed with music from John Spillane, Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh, Tommy Sands, Aodh Mac Ruairi and Gay McIntyre. Highlights included an inspiring keynote speech by Theo Dorgan, workshops, a fashion show, during which the winners of the Lá/Smurfit Poetry Competition were announced, and an intensely moving church service where the God in Man and the Man in God were celebrated.
I would like to say thank you to the organisers who worked so hard to make this festival such a success. I have returned to England with the prospect of dark winter days ahead, but I shall be content to sit by my fireside and reflect on the thoughts and memories which Samhain has given me, and long will I drink from its cauldron of the very best that Ireland has to offer. - Yours, etc.,
DI NEOH,
Saint Jude's Road West,
Wolverhampton,
England.