Karl & Groucho, et al

Karl & Groucho, et al

Writer and poet Eoghan ‘Gino’ Mac Cormaic* reviews a new book of poetry by north Belfast man Scott McKendry which is published today. -oo0oo- By way of introduction to Scott McKendry’s first full poetry collection Gub, the author offers a dictionary-style definition...
I COULD READ THE SKY

I COULD READ THE SKY

Tim O’Grady and Steve Pyke’s photographic novel, I Could Read the Sky, first publsihed in 1997, has just been reissued in a brilliant new edition, along with an audiobook which combines O’Grady’s reading with a score created by fiddler Martin Hayes (who in a concert...
Shorty & Sinead

Shorty & Sinead

I told Sinead O’Connor this story in 1997 in London–and she teared up. I had written it in 1992 in H-3, Long Kesh, for An Phoblacht/Republican News. The next day she gave me a miniature Madonna and Child statuette. SHORTY We had an Irish juke-box in...
Whatshisname?

Whatshisname?

Joe Dwyer, the political organiser of Sinn Féin in Britain, reviews the latest volume of diaries by the former Labour Party politician who campaigned on behalf of the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four: LAST WEEK saw the release of Chris Mullin’s latest volume of...
A Fine Novel – The Liar

A Fine Novel – The Liar

Today’s Irish Examiner carries my review of The Liar by the late Danish writer, Martin A. Hansen, translated by Paul Larkin. I love European literature written just after the ending of the Second World War and this translation is a literary treat. -oo0oo- The...
Guests of the Nation

Guests of the Nation

My review of Conal Creedon’s book, Art imitating Life imitating Death, was published in the Irish Examiner last Saturday (17 December).* Here it is: One of Ireland’s greatest short stories is Frank O’Connor’s ‘Guests of the Nation’ about two British soldiers...