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Literature and Publications

  The Arts Office were involved in a number of recent publications and also provide support for a large number of writers groups and individuals in the County. 

  • The seventh Laois Anthology of Literature "Leaves 2011" was launched as part of the 2011 Leaves Literature Festival. This is the culmination of several months work throughout the county, where contributors attended workshops arranged by the Laois Arts Office.  Congrulations to Ann Egan and Jean O'Brien, the writers who conducted the workshops.
  • The sixth Laois Anthology of Literature “Laois Echoes with Fionn MacCumhaill” was launched as part of the 2010 Leaves Literature Festival.   Edited by the Laois Writer-in-Residence Ann Egan, this is an excellent publication filled with works from all ages and types of writers.  During her time in County Laois Ann travelled the length and breadth of the county giving creative writing workshops in 23 schools, including primary and secondary.  She hosted workshops for young people and adult groups in Libraries and in Áras an Chontae.    She gave inspiration, encouragement and assistance in a very kind and quite manner to writers of all ages and abilities.  
  • The fifth Laois Anthology "Gold" was produced during the Writer-in-Residence programme of writer Caroline Barry from Tyrellspass, County Westmeath.  Special focus for the residency was writing with younger people and Caroline worked with schools, also emerging writers, community groups and local organisations during he time in Laois which culminated in the production of this wonderful book.  Copies are still available from the Arts Office.  T:  057 8674342.

  • The third Laois Anthology of literature entitled “From Margy to the Sieve Blooms” was produced during the residency of writer Jean O’Brien.  Jean  was appointed Laois Writer-in-Residence in January 2005 for a period of six months.  During the residency, Jean worked with existing and new writers groups, with schools, also emerging writers, community groups, the prison community and local organisations. The residency aspired to be The Birth of a Voice, for writers who would otherwise be afraid, or too self-conscious of putting their thoughts on paper.  Helping the individual to re-discover their true inner/outer voice.

  • Leabhar Bheag Laoise Following on from the visit of the Great Book of Gaelic to Laois in March 2006, a book of poetry, art and calligraphy entitled “Leabhair Bheag Laoise” was published and launched in Áras an Chontae  in March 07 and  the event included readings by students featured in the book.
  • Patrick Kavanagh Workshops and Book The Arts Office hosted writing workshops in Stradbally National Schools in May. In conjunction with the installation of the Patrick Kavanagh Commemorative seat near the canal in Vicarstown organised by  the Laois Patrick Kavanagh Appreciation Society.  Workshops were held in three National Schools in Stradbally and a wonderful book of poetry and photographs entitled "O Commemorate Me Where There Is Water"  was published and limited copies are available on request.  The book and Commemorative Seat was launched in Vicarstown on 20th October by local writer Pat Boran.
  • A Midland Collaborative Creative Writing Project entitled “id” A Collaborative Creative Writing Project by young people from Mountmellick, Granard, Edenderry & Castlepollard. The project focused on creative writing, artwork and photography and culminated in the publication of a full-colour book that portrays what its like to be a teenager in rural Ireland. « id » is now available on request from the Arts OfficeThe Midlands Arts Offices:  Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford have come together to produce a regional Arts Journal three times a year to be circulated throughout this region.  It is a good opportunity to publicise any arts events that will be happening in your area.  Copies are available free of charge from the Arts Office.