Coronavirus 2020

‘Only Connect’ – An Anthology of Poetry Written During the Pandemic

This week on Trasna we feature a new publication by Beir Bua Press, ‘Only Connect,’ an anthology of poetry and prose written during the pandemic and shared weekly with a group of writers on Zoom sessions led by Margaret O’Brien. Featured here is the introduction to ‘Only Connect’ and four…

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The Mask of Sorrow, a Tragic Face Revealed

Some observations on contemporary American politics – and life – from our Central European correspondent, Malcolm Sharps. The Mask of Sorrow, a Tragic Face Revealed By Malcolm Sharps Here’s a name: Wolski. Veronica Wolski. An American with Slavic roots, you might conclude, not rare in itself. It’s a name that,…

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‘A Morning Walk’ from “Intimate City: Dublin Essays” by Peter Sirr

Featured in today’s Irish Times is a collection of essays by prize-winning poet, Peter Sirr: “Intimate City: Dublin Essays.” This week, Trasna is pleased to present ‘A morning walk,’ one of the essays from this brilliant collection.  Sirr’s essays explore Dublin’s past and present; travel its narrow lanes; meditate on…

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Pandemic Music

Welcome to Music Week on richardhowe.com. We occasionally bundle blog posts of a common theme together and today starts such an effort. For the next two weeks our contributors will share stories of music, in the broadest sense of that word.  Pandemic Music By David Perry Pandemic, insurrection, loss, isolation.…

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CATHERINE DREA “Beginning Again”

In this photo essay, Beginning Again, contemplative photographer, writer and award-winning blogger, Catherine Drea reflects on the experience of being in lockdown during COVID-19. Her place is rural County Waterford in south-east Ireland and her reflections and stunning photographs show us the art of paying attention, always with an eye…

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JEAN O’BRIEN Reads a New Poem, “Rupture,” Along With Two Others

This week Trasna is pleased to feature a new poem by Jean O’Brien, “Rupture,” and present two other readings. Jean is an award-winning poet residing in Dublin. She was a founding member of the celebrated Dublin Writers’ Workshop, and has taught in numerous other creative writing programs. She is the author…

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