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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 February 2022
kilkennyobserver.ie
Feature
Poet Martha Woodcock (centre) with Edward Hayden, who launched the poetry book and publisher Angela Keogh (The Harvest Press)
New book of poetry from Martha Woodcock
“SPEAK, only if it improves on the silence.” So said Mahatma Ghandi .The words rang clear as a group of fifty plus gathered at The Kilkenny Book centre for the launch of Martha Woodcocks poetry book ‘We say we will’. The book of poems is a first collection from Martha which takes us on a journey through the everyday, the exotic, the lifechanging and the heart breaking. Her work has a deep integrity and the poems are filled with an honesty and directness that makes them immediately familiar, yet deeply personal It is a first collection of poems from Martha, and one would surmise that more is to follow. According to former member of the Dubliner’s singing group John
Sheahan who contributed a cover note, “Martha is a gifted and wellcrafted story teller, who lures you into her word pictures, until you become enthralled as a fireside listener.” A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR MARTHA Speaking at the launch, publisher Angela Keogh from The Harvest Press expressed delight at the opportunity to actually attend a launch. “With all that has happened over the last two years it is wonderful to see things returning to some normality”, said Angela. Angela, who along with her husband John Mac Kenna , run the independent publishing company ‘The Harvest Press’, said it was a delight to work with Martha, and to witness the publication finally sit on the bookshop shelf was very special. She congratulated all who
