New collection of poetry from Noel Monahan

THE latest collection of poetry by well-known writer and poet Noel Monahan entitled 'Curve of the Moon' was launched in the Courthouse, Cavan on Thursday night last by Joe Woods, director of Poetry Ireland and officially opened by the chairman of Cavan County Council, Winston Bennett. The attendance also included Jessie Lendennie from Salmon Publishing, publishers of this Noel's first book in six years. Curve of the Moon is a haunting exploration of individual and collective voices. Divided into four sections, this new collection deals with life as lived at the edges, where myth and reality overlap in an untamed landscape, where earth-mother sonnets curve around a moonland of dreams. In section three, the poet realises that the threat of distinction has kept the Irish language alive. Monahan's belief that we are essentially alone prevails throughout the collection and the truths of yesterday are questioned alongside the false gods of modern times. The final section 'Diary of a Town' follows a storyline through seasonal changes to the outspoken roads of his imagination. Monahan enters a psychic wasteland, creates bridges that give access to a youthful reimagining of the past and raises the voices of a forgotten community to full poetic chorus. Reaction to collection Maureen Gallagher, Poetry Ireland says Monahan's voice is shimmering with light, at his best when writing about life in the country. Noel Monahan is a poet with a strong track record. Helen Dwyer, Irish Writer's Unions, says Noel Monahan has transformed the base metal of words, through the crucible of wisdom and experience, into the molten gold of poetry. Ruth Kelly, Giving Voice, Contemporary Cavan Writers; Monahan cares for his place...the dark days and the moon filled nights, the sullen earth and the sparkling dewdrops on a five-barred gate. Official welcome Cathaoirleach Winston Bennett said Noel's book was questioning, haunting and challenging. He holds up a mirror to society in this collection. The book is a chronicle of our time and he has noticed the Buskins at Cavan County Museum, that's the Bishop's boots to you and me. Among the collection is The Calf-Bearer. (See above) Exhibition of paintings To coincide with the launch, there is an exhibition of paintings in the Courthouse by Padraig Lynch whose work is associated with some of the greats of Irish literature. Padraig who designed the cover for Curve of the Moon has been painting for over 40 years and will hold two free demonstrations on painting for art lovers as part of his contribution to Cavan Bealtaine Festival, which takes place throughout May. • Curve of the Moon by Noel Monahan and published by Salmon Poetry is priced at €12 and available from all good bookshops locally.