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About Éigse Michael Hartnett

Poetry, Arts & Literary Festival

April 14th to April 16th 2011

Newcastle West, Co Limerick

Éigse Michael Hartnett Poetry, Arts and Literary festival is a celebration of the word in all its guises; poetry, song, drama, stories and conversations. This festival is an exciting weave of Irish and international poets and writers, singers and storytellers.

The Éigse Michael Hartnett festival, which vibrantly honours the poetry and memory of one of Irelands most esteemed poets Michael Hartnett, comprises a weekend of readings, lectures, concerts, dance and theatre performances. The best of contemporary Irish culture is on show, what Michael Hartnett would have termed the 'harp side of the Irish coin'. Irish poets and writers collide with international literary guests creating a festive weekend that lends itself to lively gatherings, easy conversations and spirited debates. Events sprawl over the town of Newcastle West, a medieval town described as the heart of Desmond country. Bustling and energetic, the town's library, court house, medieval castle, shops, pubs and streets become ad hoc performances spaces. The festival's outreach programme extends into all the town's primary schools, a wide number of the county's post primary schools, the community hospital for the elderly, day care centres and the local Cheshire Home.

Éigse Michael Hartnett Poetry, Arts and Literary Festival commenced in 2000 following the untimely death of poet Michael Hartnett in 1999, one of Ireland's greatest and much loved twentieth century poets. The festival was initiated by Limerick County Council Arts Office which continues to organise and fund the Éigse. Funding support is also gratefully received from the Arts Council. An enthusiastic small committee of local people, writers and poets, has been integral to the flourishing and development of the Éigse festival.

In tandem with the Éigse Michael Hartnett Festival initiative, Limerick County Council organises the Michael Hartnett National Poetry Award which vibrantly links the writing of contemporary poets with Michael Hartnett. The aim of this award is to support poets at mid career in their writing endeavour and to ensure that Michael Hartnett's memory lives on through his association with the best of Irish poetry writing. As Michael Hartnett said of his own work 'thinking in English, dreaming in Irish' and wrote in both languages, the award alternates each year between Irish and English. The prize of €6,500 is substantial and much sought after by poets not only for its monetary value but because of the link with Michael Hartnett.

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