Nominate a Poem For Ireland

John Kelly introduces A Poem for Ireland


The past 100 years in Ireland has been one of great social and political change and, with it, came great poetry. In the middle of this Decade of Anniversaries, RTÉ thought that taking a look back at some of these extraordinary poems might well be a pleasurable way to capture and acknowledge, through the words of some of our great modern poets, all that is great and perhaps not so great about Ireland, and mark where we’ve come to, as a people, over this past century.

Between now and 14th November, we’re asking you to revisit the poems of your childhood, dig out your old school anthologies or trawl the poetry section of your local library or bookshop for inspiration and tell us what Irish poem of the past 100 years stands out for you and why: see the “Nominate A Poem” section here.

Next January, we’ll reveal a list of ten poems that represent in some way our experience as a people over this past century, captured in the words of ten of our best-loved poets, and invite you, wherever you are, to read and discuss the poems and tell us which one of the ten you love the most.

A Poem for Ireland is about celebrating one of the things we do best. And as the project reaches out to Irish people and lovers of Irish poetry around the world, we do hope that you enjoy the journey.