'A Gathering of Poems' in Athlone later this month

Athlone’s Aidan Heavey Library will come alive with voice, song, and music as it hosts A Gathering of Poems later this month.

Curated by Athlone poet Amy Abdullah Barry, the event, on Tuesday, April 21, from 5–7pm, will include readings from Kerry poet and children’s novelist John W. Sexton and visiting Canadian poet Josephine LoRe, with performances by local artists Liadh, Ciara Lawless, and Anthony Merrigan

John W. Sexton is no stranger to Athlone. “I’m delighted to be returning to Athlone after too long an absence. I have very fond memories of the town, having read poetry there in the past and visited many times as a children’s novelist. This visit has a special resonance for me, as the last time I was there—at the Dean Crowe Theatre in 2013—was at the kind invitation of fellow poet Amy Barry, who has also organised this event. It will be wonderful to read with Amy again.”John has published eight poetry collections and several chapbooks, including Futures Pass (Salmon Poetry) and Visions at Templeglantine (Revival Press). His poem The Green Owl won the Listowel Poetry Prize for Best Single Poem, and in 2007 he received the Patrick and Katherine Kavanagh Fellowship in Poetry.

Josephine LoRe is the author of four poetry collections, including In My Father’s House and The Moon and All Her Faces. Her work explores themes of family, relationships, ancestry, and the natural world. She was nominated for the Pushcart Poetry Prize in both 2025 and 2026.

Amy Abdullah Barry’s collection Flirting with Tigers (Dedalus Press, 2023) is also supported locally at The Athlone Bookshop and Magico Café. Amy’s work has appeared widely in journals such as Cyphers, Southword, RTÉ, and Trumpet, and has been translated into several languages. She has performed both in Ireland and internationally.

Amy extends her heartfelt thanks to Poetry Ireland, Aidan Heavey Library, and the Athlone Springs Hotel for their continued support. An open mic session will also form part of the evening.