It was forty years ago that poet Peter Fallon established what is now recognized as one of Ireland's leading literary presses; The Gallery Press. Throughout this time he has published some of the most eminent of contemporary Irish poets, authors and playwrights. Wishing to mark this significant anniversary, Occasional Press, collaborating once more with Ballynahinch Castle, approached Peter with the idea of making a special book to honour the occasion and asked him if he would be willing to search Gallery's impressive archive and select from it an anthology of poems that had a particular connection with Connemara. He very generously agreed to take on the task and invited Des Lally of Ballynahinch Castle as his co-editor, they together harvested the rich and varied collection of ideas, images and stories that weave through the poems in this book.
The Poets include; Ciaran Berry, Moya Cannon, Michael Coady, Gerard Dawe, Seán Dunne, Peter Fallon, Tom Frence, Eamon Grennan, Vona Groarke, Kerrie Hardie, Michael Hartnett, Pearse Hutchinson, Michael Longley, Seán Lysaght, Patrick MacDonogh, John McAuliffe, Frank McGuinness, Derek Mahon, Paul Muldoon, Richard Murphy, Daniel Reardon, Peter Sirr.
Des Lally has lived and worked in Connemara since 1983 and is a PhD Candidate in NUIG with a Masters Degree in Irish Studies. He has written and lectured on the life and works of MacLiammoir and the Gate Theatre.
Peter Fallon, the founder, editor and publisher of The Gallery Press, lives in Loughcrew in County Meath and makes regular retreats to Ballynahinch. His recent publications include Strong My Love, Ballynahinch Postcards and The Company of Horses.
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