Mullingar Literary Festival – my first time
Aisling Ryan
I entered Caffrey’s pub through the front door into a small bar space, local men lined up at the bar downing the black stuff. It was early in the evening, so talk was still quiet, a murmur here and there. As I inched my way around to the left, I thought it was a quaint pub, but how can we fit a festival into this small space, but I turned the corner and there it was: a whole world had opened up in the back of the pub.
A world alive with song, stories, and rhyme.
A space so full of possibilities, it made my heart dance. This hidden gem, this room was going to hold some of Mullingar’s most talented people over the weekend ahead.
I had recently joined Inklings Creative Writing Group, who were heavily involved in organising and running the Mullingar Literary Festival, so I was looking forward to experiencing what it had to offer.
The interviews with writers were so inspiring; it gave such an interesting glimpse into the world of how a book comes to life, from the first thought concept right through to fruition.
Saturday morning, I wandered over to the library, which was a hive of activity. From workshops on how to get published to the excited buzz of children with fantastically painted faces, all sitting listening to stories volunteer writers brought to life before their eyes.
For some, it may have been an introduction to books. Propped on colourful cushions were future writers, poets and artists. One day they may say that this literary festival experience had planted the seed for them to write.
Over to the Annebrook now and to a spectacular room with big, plush chairs, elaborate chandeliers and bright airy windows. It set the scene for Brian McLoughlin, one of Inklings founders, to draw out the creativity from the fresh new faces of budding writers all eager to sample the workshop. The circle was alive with enthusiasm. One by one, right in front of my eyes, stories, poems and words were brought to life from simple pictures. The standard was fantastic, real and raw.
Back at Caffrey’s, I could hear the music playing before I reached the room. The door swung open and the beautiful, eerie voice of Annie Peter washed over me. Singing Wicked Games by Chris Isack, Annie’s voice matched the mood of the song perfectly. The room was captivated.
Sunday evening one by one, members of Inklings stepped up on stage and shared their pieces with the audience. A feeling of gratitude and pride washed over me that each week I got the chance to spend my Tuesday mornings or Wednesday evenings with such talented, inspiring, raw, funny and true people, each member bringing their own slice of personality to the room.
As the night and the festival drew to a close, my tired eyes and ears had time for one more poem: Kevin’s soft lyrical words turning the Irish language into the most beautiful sounds you could hear.
As he read a poignant poem deep in meaning, his soothing voice drifted through the room and had every onlooker silent in awe.
I slipped out then into the night, my energy spent and my heart full.
Home to dream of poets and storytellers past present and most importantly, future.
Aisling Ryan is a member of Inklings Writing Group, who meet on Tuesdays at 11am and Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Annebrook House Hotel. All lovers of writing are welcome.