Bard of Connacht Competition launched in Creggs

 

The 2026 Bard of Connacht Poetry Competition was officially launched at a well-attended gathering in the Charles Stewart Parnell Heritage Centre in Creggs on Friday, July 10th.

Now in its fifth year, the competition is organised by Kilbegnet Historical Society as part of the Creggs Harvest Festival, which takes place over the October Bank Holiday weekend each year. Guests were entertained on arrival by harpist Caoimhe Heavey.

Master of ceremonies for the evening was Sean Beirne, treasurer of Kilbegnet Historical Society, who welcomed those in attendance before introducing the invited speakers.

Chairman of the Society Seamus Ward spoke about the importance of the Historical Society and the rich history associated with the area, including its connections with Charles Stewart Parnell, Bishop Luke Concannon and O’Sullivan Beare.

He also acknowledged the support received from Galway and Roscommon County Councils, while highlighting the Junior Bard Competition, which runs alongside the senior competition and is aimed at Transition Year students in surrounding secondary schools.

Former Bard of Connacht winner Dominick Tobin recited a poem by the late local poet Vincent Keaveney, who published the collection By The Banks Of Lough Ouver. Mr Tobin also spoke about his own interest in composing and reading poetry.

Cllr Dr Evelyn Parsons, Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District, praised the work of the Society and the wider Creggs community.

Cllr Domnick Connolly, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, congratulated the committee on its work and remembered the late Vincent Keaveney, after whom the perpetual cup presented to the winning poet is named.

Parish priest Fr Pravin Dhason also addressed the gathering, praising the work carried out by voluntary groups in the parish and wishing the competition every success.

Honorary President Larry Kilcommins recalled his involvement as one of the founding members of the Society in 1972 and spoke about its development over the years. He also reflected on the origins of the Bard of Connacht Competition, which he first proposed five years ago, and acknowledged the support of sponsors Ward and Burke Ltd.

Local representative Cllr Michael Connolly praised the continued progress being made in Creggs and at the Heritage Centre, while Cllr Andrew Reddington, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, also commended the work of the committee and local volunteers before formally launching this year’s competition.

Following the speeches, guests visited the nearby Nature Park before returning to the Heritage Centre for refreshments and an evening of song and storytelling.

Jane Tobin acted as Bean an Tí for the evening, with members of the Ballinamore Bridge Singers Circle joining local singers and musicians for the entertainment.