It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the nineteenth edition of The Wine-Dark Sea. This year we have taken a more streamlined approach, which I hope you will enjoy. These pages abound with deep thinking and some no thinking, something for everyone as it were. The range of subject matter, voice, style and humour is eclectic and engaging. It has been wholly exasperating, but not without a little joy to edit what you find in these pages, I hope your experience of the magazine is more joyful than exasperating. The aim of this magazine has always been to provide a platform for our students to showcase their creative talents. Thus, whether it is through poetry, prose or art, each piece bears witness to the flourishing myriad talent that exists within our school. That the students have this springboard and are encouraged to avail of it, is thanks to the teachers and parents that inspire them to create and have confidence in their creations. What is also unique and wonderful about this magazine is the inclusion of all students and all ages from the Junior to the Senior school. The key to fostering talent is to catch it early. Therefore, I would like to thank all those who gave generously of their time this year. Thanks to Mrs. Kirby for her continued support of the arts in the college. Thanks to the English department for supporting their students in their desire (and need) to write. Thanks go to the Irish department for similar dedication. Thanks also to all the Junior School staff for providing wonderful encouragement to their students and ensuring that the entries from the Junior School are of the high standard to which we have become accustomed. Thanks go to the Art department for the wonderful images on display in this edition and which make the magazine visually exciting. The Wine-Dark Sea owes its design to the skill of Michelle Owen whose gifted vision and refined sense of style makes this a stunning and professional publication. Every year the artwork seems to get better and to complement the written word so perfectly. Significant congratulations to all whose work appears within these pages. We hope you will continue to express your talents in future editions of this magazine. On a personal note I would like to say farewell to the 6th year contributors (many of whom have given regularly to this magazine), keep writing, it’s not a bad way to spend your time. Robert McDermott
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