Noel Monahan is a bilingual writer in English and Irish. He has five collections of poetry all published by Salmon Poetry; the latest, 'Curve of the Moon'.
Academic Record:
• Former Teacher & Deputy Principal.
• His academic qualifications are: B.A., M.A., H. Dip. Ed.
Poetry Publications:
Noel Monahan has five collections of poetry all published by Salmon Poetry:
• ‘Opposite Walls’, 1991
• ‘Snowfire’, 1995
• ‘Curse of the Birds’, 2000
• ‘The Funeral Game’, 2004
• ‘Curve of the Moon’, 2010
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 moon- land of dreams. In section three the poet realises that the threat of extinction 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, create bridges that give access to a youthful reimagining of the past and raises the voices of a forgotten community to full poetic chorus.
National Literary Awards:
Noel Monahan has won several literary awards:
• Poetry Ireland Seacat National Award 2001
• The P.J. O’Connor, RTE Radio Drama Award 2001
• The A.S.T.I. Achievements Award 2002
• The Hiberno-English Poetry Award 2004
• The Irish Writers Union Poetry Award 2005
• The Kilkenny Prize for Poetry
• The William Allingham Poetry Award
Prescribed Text for Leaving Certificate English:
Noel Monahan’s work is prescribed text for The New English Leaving Certificate English Course to be examined in 2011 and 2012.
Editor:
Noel is co-editor of Windows Publications since 1992. Together with Heather Brett they have published several Emerging Writers and Visual Artists in their series: Authors and Artists Introductions.
Drama:
Noel Monahan’s plays include:
• Half A Vegetable, (a dramatic presentation of Patrick Kavanagh’s poetry)
• Talking Within
• Feathers of Time
• Broken Cups
• Where Borders Begin
• The Hidden Child
• To Walk on the Wind
His play, ‘The Children of Lir’ was directed by Padraig McIntyre and performed by Livin Dred Theatre. His most recent play, Lovely Husbands, based on Henry James’ work was commissioned and performed at the inaugural Henry James Festival in 2010.
Radio Broadcasts:
Noel Monahan has read and performed his work on several programmes on RTE Radio 1, including: Sunday Miscellany. His work has also been broadcast on RTE Lyric FM and a number of local radio stations including: Shannonside/ Northern Sound.
Literary Festivals at home and abroad:
Noel has participated in several festivals and Summer Schools including: Clifden Arts Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, William Carleton Summer School, The Patrick Kavanagh Weekend, Goldsmith Summer School, Dublin Writers Festival, Dublin Book Festival, Boyle Arts Festival, Strokestown International Poetry Festival, Caomhnu Literary Festival Cavan, The Flat Lake Festival Clones, Scriobh Sligo, Shorelines Arts Festival Portumna, Henry James Literary Festival, Framingham State University Massachusetts USA, The Forge at Gort Literature Festival.
Noel is available for readings, workshops, presentations and adjudication.
Contact: noelmonahan@oceanfree.net