Maya Ní Mhóráin, one of the contributors to Those Who Listen, an anthology of new Irish writing on the bog, in the Wild Atlantic Words Festival dome on Bridge Lane, Castlebar, on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Maya's piece also provided the title for the book. Photo: John Mee
Young Mayo poet Maya takes pride of place at local literary festival
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A young Mayo poet has provided one of the highlights of the second day of the Wild Atlantic Words Festival in Castlebar.
Maya Ó Mhóráin, Westport, was applauded for her contribution to a collection of original poems and prose, edited by acclaimed Mayo-based poet Alice Kinsella, entitled 'Those Who Listen: New Irish Writings on the Bog'.
Maya's contribution, 'Those Who Listen', inspired the title for the lovely publication.
Alice Kinsella, writer, editor, and creative writing teacher at the launch of Those Who Listen, an anthology of new Irish writing on the bog.
Photo by
John Mee
The book explores the ecological, historical and cultural significance of the Irish bog.
With contributions from award-winning authors and first time writers, the anthology showcases how bogs connect us to our natural and ancestral roots while also exploring themes of heritage, the rural working-class and ecological and historical conservation.
Carmel Ryan and Laura Healy pictured at the launch.
Photo by
John Mee
The bog is depicted as a place of heritage, of nature, of inspiration; an energy source, a way of life, an ecosystem and a place filled with childhood memories for many.
Christina Hennemann and Niall Scully at the book launch.
Photo by
John Mee
Caitriona Flanagan and Elenor de Eyto at the book launch.
Photo by
John Mee
Michael McLaughlin, Westport, reading the collection at the launch.
Photo by
John Mee
Pictured at the launch were Mayo poets and writers Sean Lysaght and Terry McDonagh at the Wild Atlantic Words Festival dome on Bridge Lane, Castlebar.
Photo by
John Mee
Michelle McCarrick, Michelle Hughes and Kevin O'Callaghan.
Photo by
John Mee
Sinead Grimes reciting her poem at the launch.
Photo by
John Mee
Jane Clarke reciting her poem.
Photo by
John Mee
Niall Scully, one of the contributors to Those Who Listen, reading his work.
Photo by
John Mee
Dublin poet and playwright Daniel Wade and Claremorris novelist Elizabeth Reapy at the launch.
Photo by
John Mee
The festival continues tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. with the launch of the book, Never Stop Dreaming, Mayo's story of All-Ireland SFC glory by Anthony Hennigan and Edwin McGreal with images by photographer Michael McLaughlin.
This will be followed at 8.30 by 'A Poem and a Pint' hosted by Ken Armstrong.
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