THIS YEAR marks the centenary of the birth of one of Ireland’s greatest poets, and arguably the greatest Irish language poet of the 20th century - Máirtín Ó Direáin from Inis Mór in the Aran Islands.
To mark the occasion there will be a new book from Cló Iar-Chonnachta and an new CD from Gael Linn, both of which will be launched this Saturday at 2pm in the Galway Arts Centre, Dominick Street.
Na Dánta - Máirtín Ó Direáin 1910 – 2010, edited by Eoghan Ó hAnluain and published by Co Galway’s Cló Iar-Chonnachta, features Ó Direáin’s collected poems as well as some previously unpublished works. The book also features original artwork by fellow Aran islander Seán Ó Flaithearta. Gael Linn will launch a remastered CD of Ó Direáin reading from his poetry.
As well as the book and CD, the event will also see the official opening of an exhibition by Seán Ó Flaithearta which will display 40 pieces by the artist inspired by Ó Direáin’s poetry as well as three new portraits of the poet.
The events are in conjunction with The Merriman Winter School which runs in the Hotel Meyrick from Friday to Sunday 31, featuring lectures and talks on Ó Direáin’s life and work. For more information see www.merriman.ie
