Damn Borders

Everyone knows the horrors that have arisen from the existence of borders: Cambodia/Thailand, Ethiopia/Eritrea, Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland. The list is long; borders always impinge on someone’s sensibilities.

My problem has arisen since since undertaking the compilation of a Roscommon Anthology. Criteria for inclusion in some respects can be simple enough; I’m using literary writers, they must have be published by a publisher of standing, they must have a significant connection with Roscommon etc. Not to have clear criteria is a recipe for a disaster, and disappointment to a lot of writers. (As it is, disappointment to some is inevitable.)

But those damned borders. Born or reared within spitting distance of Roscommon are Vincent Woods, John Broderick, Desmond Egan, Jack Harte and others. It would be tempting to call it Anthology of Roscommon and Environs but I’d have to draw the borders myself then and that would put me right up there with some serious trouble-makers.

Roscommon Anthology

Well, today marked the first day of real work on a Roscommon Literary Anthology. A number of meetings, some useful contacts made, and names to follow up on. A member of Roscommon Library for the first time in ** ( not tellen) years and the map ahead is becoming clear. Clearer too for having verbalised the whole plan to a number of people and got their initial and very positive reaction. The list of possible authors takes firmer shape in my head, and lists are materialising in my hands. It’s exciting.

A bit of good luck too: met by good chance an avid collector of Roscommon books, documents, ephemera etc. A lot of this material can be seen at http://www.roscommonhistory.ie/ It’s a very interesting website which I’m looking forward to exploring and at first glance can recommend strongly to anyone with a fondness for the county.

Summer-time

Looking forward to having a few pints in
















Biddy’s in Barnesmore, and walking in

















the Bluestacks, getting started on a Roscommon anthology and lots and lots of eeeeeeease.