About the book (from the Salmon
Poetry website)
With poetry and fiction from: Adam White, Aideen Henry, Aileen Armstrong, Alan McMonagle, Brendan
Murphy, Caoilinn Hughes, Celeste Augé, Dave Lordan, Deirdre
Kearney, Donna L. Potts, Eamonn Harrigan, Edward
Boyne, Elaine Feeney, Fiona Smith, Gary King, Ger
Burke, Geraldine Mitchell, Gerry Galvin, Grace
Wells, Jarlath Fahy, Jean Folan, Jenny McCudden, Jim
Mullarkey, John Corless, John Walsh, Kate O’Shea, Kevin
O’Shea, Lorna Shaughnessy, Martin Dyar, Mary Madec, Miceál
Kearney, Michelle O’Sullivan, Nicki Griffin, Noel
Duffy, Órfhlaith Foyle, Paul Casey, Pete Mullineaux, Sandra
Bunting, Sarah Clancy, Sarah Griff, Seamus Scanlon, Seán
Kenny, Sheila Phelan, Stephen Murray, Susan Lindsay, Tom Duddy,
and Trevor Conway.
“Over the
Edge provides a unique support and showcase opportunity for emerging writers.
Often, the talent is there before the confidence and Over the Edge nurtures
that voice and gives it a space to be heard. Whether it is on a Cúirt
stage or in the back of a library, this moment is truly special, and so many
wonderful writers have emerged from these beginnings.”
Dani Gill, Director of Cuírt International Festival of Literature
Dani Gill, Director of Cuírt International Festival of Literature
“Over
the past 10 years, Susan Millar DuMars and Kevin Higgins have established the
Over the Edge readings not only as the main regular literary event in Galway
but also as one of the leading venues in Ireland to hear new writers read their
work. There were readings in Galway before Over the Edge of course (and plenty
of them) but perhaps what made Over the Edge important is that it became a
fixture; writers and audience alike have come to depend on something new being
served up each month and, unlike many readings, audiences are consistently
good. These readings have brought writers from all over Ireland to Galway every
month, not just during festival season. It has become bigger than Galway, the
West and Ireland though: they also present writers from around the globe,
acting as matchmakers for audiences and writers to connect for the first time
in some Galway establishment.
While its reach is broad, Over the Edge is still a resolutely
Galway event – each reading will include a local writer who is making a name
for themselves. The boon provided to emerging writers by this opportunity
should not be underestimated. In the 10 years of Over the Edge, Kevin and Susan
have become sort of literary godparents to a host of Galway writers. That many
of the names in this anthology are instantly recognisable to anyone who has
even a passing interest in contemporary Irish literature is testament to
that.
This anthology represents another milestone for Over the Edge and
it probably won’t be the last. Along with everything else, they are to be
applauded for their endeavour, perseverance and patience. The habitual
hospitality that has greeted us all over the years, whether on cold Atlantic
nights or sunny afternoons, battling the odours of obscure cheese in Sheridan’s
or in the more serene environment of the City Museum, now awaits the next 10
years’ worth of poets, novelists and performers who venture west and Over the
Edge.”
Alan Jude Moore, Poet and editor of Burning Bush 2
Alan Jude Moore, Poet and editor of Burning Bush 2
