Windows Editors Heather Brett and Noel Monahan were delighted with a huge turnout for the 27th Annual Windows Poetry Awards on 19th May 2019 with an audience of two hundred and fifty children and adults at the Cavan Crystal Hotel.
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Over 1000 entries were received from Ireland and the UK. The editors launched an anthology entitled ‘What’s Going On’, that included many poems and illustrations by the children and young adults who won prizes and certificates of commendation in the 2019 competition. “There were no silly poems, all entries were thoughtful, exciting in their use of language and imagery”, said editor Heather Brett.
While the Young Adult and the Senior prizes went to students from Cork and Dublin, the Junior category was won by Aisling Flynn from Castletara NS Cavan. Aisling has four poems in the anthology and her haiku entitled Cep Maiku was particularly strong.
Cep Maiku
The beige bulging cap
‘Little Pig’ lying in grass
A comely fungus
Aisling Flynn (age 12)
St Patrick’s NS Castletara Cavan
Mayo based student Kate Gaughan – for the third time in a row won the Irish Category with her beautiful flawless delivery of Drúcht.
Drúcht
Ba mhaith liom dúisigh leatsa
Ríomh atá an drúcht imithe.
Tá do theas uaim,
An grian ag cur geasa ar do dhuala,
Taim i dtámh.
Má chuidithe mé mo shúile dúnta
Beidh tú ann
Le do meanga gáire leithscéalach
Agus do fhbhra fada ag mealltach.
Ach nuair a dúisíom
Tá an taobh eile don leaba folamh-
Agus fuair.
D’imigh tú leis an drúcht.
Ní raibh tú liom
Ach amháin i mo bhrionglóidi.
Kate Gaughan (age 18)
St. Joseph's Secondary School. Foxford
In the Heritage Category – supported by Cavan Heritage Office, there were several great poems about ‘Pastimes and Past Times’ from extinct animals to horse riding. The winner was Niamh Meharg from Milltown NS.
Forgotten
As I look through the glass,
I see what was once flesh and blood,
But has been reduced to bones and claws.
What was once almighty, feared and respected
Is now barely acknowledged
By people who pass.
Scientists found it, named it assembled it.
For millions of years had scattered parts about.
How it was destroyed, nobody knows,
But here it shall lie forever.
Allosaurus is its name
Engraved upon a plaque
And that is its lasting fame.
As it lies gathering dust
Only some Shall remember;
This creature was more incredible than any.
Niamh Meharg (age 9)
Milltown NS Cavan
Windows Publication acknowledged and thanked Cavan County Council arts and heritage offices for their support and the financial support of the local authority and Cavan Crystal Hotel for their continued sponsorship.
‘What’s Going On’ is available from Eason’s Cavan or directly from Cavan County Council, arts office 049 4378549 €10 postage additional, cheques payable to Heather Brett, Windows Publications