This week saw the birthday of the poet Brendan Kennelly who has had such an impact on me since I first heard him read during my first year in Trinity College, Dublin in the mid-1970s. I was a young student of Economic and Social Studies then but had heard all about Brendan Kennelly’s brilliance from my brother and sister who had both studied English and were fortunate enough to have him as one of their lecturers.
I wrote about the amazing experience of being at that poetry reading in the early days of this blog and thought I would leave it at that.
But, I just can’t let this week go by without saying Happy Birthday to a man who has brought me such solace, laughter and sheer inspiration. I am delighted to be able to bring you his voice through a short film made by his editor, Neil Astley. Sit back and enjoy it!
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
You have made my day! Brendan Kennelly with his fabulously sexy voice and wonderful ways with words have bewitched me for years. One day at the Marks and Sparks Checkout in Grafton Street Dublin he was immediately behind me at the checkout….I swooned into my trolley and the checkout girl had trouble getting me to pay as I nervously fumbled at my purse, so overcome was I with excitement! I have missed his wonderful voice in recent years. Thanks for reminding me!
Oh SV, all I can think is what if you had swooned backwards …..
What a lovely treat on this beautiful sunny morning. Thank you for sharing, I might listen again as I have my pot of tea.
So glad you enjoyed listening. Thanks for writing.