At the Carlow arts festival poet Deirdre Brennan talks about how she takes inspiration from daily life.
Éigse Carlow (an Irish word meaning 'an assembly of poets') has been running since 1979 and has established itself as a bilingual arts festival enjoyed by everyone in the local community, and those who come from further afield.
The ten day programme includes live music from Ireland and abroad, art exhibitions, theatre, poetry and book readings, events for children and a race around Carlow town.
Many events are being held in St Patrick's College Carlow, where poet Deirdre Brennan lectures in English. A founder member of Éigse Carlow, she is also launching her second collection of poetry 'Scothanna Geala' in the college.
Deirdre Brennan started to write poetry only when her five children were older. She takes inspiration from her own life experiences and interests as well as the world around her,
Is rud cruthaíoch é, a thagann asat.
With imagery strongly rooted in the Carlow area, her poem 'Bruacha’ is based on her younger self and a more recent memory of walking along the river Barrow,
Aislingíocht m’óige ag siúl idir rósanna agus cuinse,
Milseáin geal an tsamhraidh ag leá ar theanga...
Crainn ag scúbadh uisce is do bhád ar shnámh trí cheó...
This report for ‘Iris ‘89’ was broadcast on 1 July 1989. The reporter is Maireád Ní Nuadháin.
