Shyness in short supply at Laois open-mic night
John Whelan, Mirek Piecha, Grazyna Rekosiewicz and Stephen Delaney at the open-mic evening in Morrissey's, Abbeyleix. Photo: Alf Harvey
THE transformative power of words and music was celebrated at an open-mic evening in Abbeyleix, when Morrissey’s pub hosted a memorable gathering supported by Creative Ireland Laois.
Shyness was in short supply at the entertaining event on 28 March, when performers included audacious author John Whelan, aka Johnny Renko, who served an intoxicating cocktail of nostalgia, emotion and observation with readings from his upcoming poetry collection .
Stories, poems and tunes collided on a wonderful evening orchestrated by local creative Amanda Kelly, who founded and curated the hugely popular Power of Words festival in Abbeyleix.
After five years running the event each August from 2019 to 2023, Amanda decided to move away from the annual festival and established the boutique company Power of Words Events, a year-round creative retreats and experiences venture.
The vibrant and varied calendar includes exclusive writers’ retreats, writing workshops, open-mic opportunities and other cultural and heritage experiences.
The next big event is a three-day reflective retreat from 12-14 May at the glorious Preston House in Abbeyleix, facilitated by author John MacKenna, which will explore the life and work of American poet Mary Oliver. Full details are available at powerofwords.ie.
