At the recent launch in Trim of the Boyne Writers Group's 'Boyne Berries 7' international collection of poetry and prose (from left) were: Tommy Murray, Trim; Ciaran Mangan, Meath County Librarian, who officially launched the booklet, and Matt Gilsenan, Trim.

Diva to add colour to Trim's Boyne Readings

Published: Wed 14 Apr 2010, 4:50 PM

A flamboyant poet living in Co Kildare will be the featured reader at tomorrow (Thursday) evening's Boyne Readings and Open Mic, which will take place in the Village Hall in the Knightsbridge Retirement Village on the Longwood Road, Trim, starting at 8pm. Kate Dempsey is originally from Coventry, England, and now lives with her family in Maynooth. Her poetry and fiction have been widely published in Ireland and the UK. She has been nominated for, and won, many prizes including The Francis MacManus, Cecil Day Lewis and Hennessy awards for Poetry and for Fiction. "Kate loves to blur the wobbly boundaries between page and stage," said Paddy Smith, chairman of the Boyne Writers' Group, which organises these monthly readings on the third Thursday of each month. "She is a member of the Poetry Divas, who read at festivals and events countrywide," he added. "The divas in their coloured wellies have appeared at events such as the Electric Picnic at Stradbally, Co Laois, and they add a much-welcomed dash of literary colour to the often po-faced image of poetry and poets." Her performance will be followed by an open mic session where everyone is welcome to read their own work. Time is allocated according to the number of readers. Non-reading visitors are also very welcome. Admission of €5 includes tea/coffee and biscuits. Enquiries to Paddy Smith on (086) 157 7526 or Michael Farry (086) 828 3314.