Calm, objective space . . . but are we our geography? Questions from critic Sarah Hopkins on my new book of poems.

Stride Magazine is an online mag. Here’s another response to “Those April Fevers”. I was happy with the cool tone of the critique. The writer herself is objective and non-agenda-ed in my view, a valuable quality which writers appreciate. From Sarah Hopkins’ review in Stride Magazine (UK): “[Mary] O’Donnells sixth poetry collection shows her experience […]

A response to “Those April Fevers”, from Gillian Drake (Roundyhouse Magazine, June 2015)

As a quick preamble to this review from Welsh poet and critic Gillian Drake, I feel I must mention the fact that this is the third review I’ve seen of my seventh collection of poems “Those April Fevers”. There has certainly been none in Ireland, yet three in England.I’m not sure what this says, if […]

Women of the World Vignettes

WOMEN OF THE WORLD VIGNETTES 1. Valium Jen went to the altar seeing the world through an untroubled haze of valium, delivered an hour before she left for the Mass by the local doctor’s syringe. The doctor was a friend of her mother. It would have sedated an elephant, never mind tranquillising a bride, Jen […]

A Dog Has Died

I thought I should publish the piece below as a blog. It was broadcast on Sunday Miscellany (RTE Radio 1, Ireland) recently, and perhaps it interests dog people . . . so here goes. A DOG HAS DIED Since childhood, you’ve been aware of this fact of life. Dogs arrive, they keep you company for […]

MONAGHAN IN DUBLIN

Originally posted on Michael Fisher's News:
Kate Beagan exhibition at Doorway Gallery Photo: © Michael Fisher As the capital prepares for a Monaghan invasion for the return match against the Dubs at Croke Park on Sunday in the National League football semi-final, tonight (Thursday) was also an important (and busy) night for Monaghan folk…

Eric Ravilious: Sussex and the Downs by James Russell

Originally posted on Book Snob:
I love Eric Ravilious’ paintings. They are so evocative of time and place; their bold and joyful style is charming and cheerful, a representation of a cosy, comfortable world where all is undulating green hills, endless views and traditional, pastoral activity. You can’t help but look at his paintings and…

Unconnected Observations on gay marriage, poetry, people in their 60s . . .

The principle of equality just might be upheld if the gay marriage referendum is passed. Might, I caution. If so, what a new Ireland this will be. It’s not that anything will change on an invisible level, but visibly, officially, a statement will have been made. The paradox is though, that many people who are […]

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