Book of artwork and poetry features Trim 'car graveyard'

A humorous story based on a visit to Jimmy McLoughlin's old car graveyard at Clonfane, on the Trim-Athboy Road, is featured in a new anthology of artwork, poetry and prose which is being launched in Trim tomorrow (Thursday). The story, entitled 'The Man With Snow On His Chest', is by Paddy Smith of Saint John's, one of two Trim writers whose work appears in the book. The other Trim writer is poet Michael Farry, Avondale. The Meath launch of the book will take place in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim, tomorrow evening at 8pm. Both Trim writers will be among the readers who will read from their works at the function. The high-class, glossy 'Authors & Artists Introduction Series No 9' is being published by Windows Publications, based in Cavan. It will be on sale in bookshops nationwide and is being launched over the coming week at a total of six venues: Belfast, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cavan and Longford, as well as Trim. Michael Farry and Paddy Smith are both members of the Meath/Cavan LitLab initiative started two years ago in a joint project of the Meath Arts Office and the Cavan Arts Office to foster new writers. More than half of the 30 contributors to this new book are members of the LitLab. Michael and Paddy are also members of the Boyne Writers' Group. Also featured in the book will be LitLab members Mairead Donnellan, Bailieborough, who works in Navan, and Honor Duff, Virginia, formerly of Townley Hall, Drogheda. David Rowell, the Dubliner who won this year's Boyne Writers' Group international satirical writing competition, is also included. Michael Farry has three poems in the book: The Ball of Twine, Fuerteventura 2008, and Surrender. "These are a selection of different styles and themes," Michael says. "Among other things, they're about the frugality of the old days, modern tourism as neocolonialism and coming to terms with retirement and old age." Paddy Smith has two prose pieces in the book: The Man With Snow On His Chest, and Left Right. "The first is a humorous account of a visit to a car graveyard that I originally wrote as a piece for radio, based on conversations I had with Jimmy McLoughlin," said Paddy. "I rewrote it this year as an exercise for a LitLab workshop I was on. The other story is a disturbing look at the everyday male ritual of shaving." The joint editors of the new book are Canadian-born poet Heather Brett, who now lives in Co Cavan, and Longford-born poet and playwright Noel Monahan, who also lives in Co Cavan. Thursday's launch is open to everyone, admission is free and refreshments will be served. Music will be provided by a two-person group, Emily's Eldest.