Derek Mahon talks about descriptions of identity and the publication of his third book of poetry.
Derek Mahon speaks to fellow-poet and presenter Eavan Boland about his collection 'The Snow Party' shortly after its publication in this radio interview from 'The Arts'. Among the new poems were 'A Disused Shed in Co. Wexford', which is now regarded as a classic. It was one of ten short-listed for RTÉ's 'A Poem for Ireland' campaign in 2015.
Eavan Boland begins by asking Belfast born Derek Mahon if he is ever irritated by being described as being a northern poet?
I think it would be a great pity for anybody to think of himself as a northern poet exclusively. Or indeed as an Irish poet exclusively.
Derek Mahon was born in Belfast in 1941. He studied Modern Languages at Trinity College. Afterwards he travelled and taught. He has worked as a freelance journalist and writer-in-residence. Derek Mahon now lives in Kinsale, Co. Cork.
This edition of 'The Arts' was broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on 14 October 1975. The presenter is Eaven Boland.
