Event
In celebration of All Ireland Poetry Day on Thursday 4 October, the Waterford Healing Arts Trust (WHAT) is delighted to host a lunchtime reading by Waterford-born poet Shirley McClure entitled Waiting List in Waterford Regional Hospital.
Shirley McClure is winner of the Cork Literary Review’s Manuscript Competition 2009, was runner-up in the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award 2009 and was shortlisted for the Strokestown International Poetry Prize 2012.
During her treatment of breast cancer, she was encouraged by her surgeon to write about her experience. Her debut collection of poetry, Who’s Counting? (Bradshaw Books), recounts the highs and lows of breast cancer treatment and recovery with humour and sensitivity.
Also on All Ireland Poetry Day, the Waterford Healing Arts Trust will circulate Menu of Poems a short anthology of poetry compiled by Mai Leonard in partnership with the Naas General Hospital Arts Committee and Poetry Ireland and featuring poetry by Tony Curtis, Noel King and others. These will be distributed to patients of Waterford Regional Hospital via their meal trays. In the words of WHAT’s Arts Director Mary Grehan, ‘This is the fourth year we have hosted the Menu of Poems which provides a short poetic reverie for patients on All Ireland Poetry Day.’
Shirley McClure’s poetry reading will begin in the church of Waterford Regional Hospital at 1.15pm on 4 October. All are welcome and admission is free. For more information contact 051 842664.
