Athlone poet's book is presented to Prince Charles!

It has not yet been officially launched, but a local writer's new poetry collection has already found its way into the hands of royalty! 

'The Wounded Stork' by Jackie Gorman was yesterday gifted to Prince Charles by local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. 

'Boxer' said it was an honour to welcome the Prince of Wales during his visit to Kilmacurragh Gardens in Wicklow. 

Jackie Gorman is a native of Abbey Road in Athlone. She has earned a series of accolades for her writing, including the 2017 Listowel Writers' Week Single Poem Award for her poem, ‘The Blue Hare'.

She was also part of the 2017 Poetry Ireland Introductions Series and was commended in the Irish Poem of the Year Award at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards.

Her book, 'The Wounded Stork' was recently published by The Onslaught Press, Oxford, UK. 

It will be launched at Listowel Writers Week by poet Thomas McCarthy on May 30, and a local launch by poet Noel Monahan will be held in New Venue, Bastion Street, Athlone, on June 15.