Carlow was the capital of Ireland once upon a time. You wouldn’t hear much about that nowadays. You’d be more likely to hear about the fact that Carlow had a thriving sugar factory but that too has passed.
It’s a town surrounded by rich agricultural land, a glacial hill and a Dolmen. It’s the home of Teagasc, two significant third level colleges, a state of the art gallery and theatre and an entrepreneurial community with international players in the mix.
In 2014, I moved back to Carlow from the city, all set to inspire self-care and the pursuit of authenticity. But Carlow wasn't ready for all that. In general the mood was low.
Four years on, things have changed and I know I played my part. It's possible too, that I entered the scene when Carlow was on the rise.
My arrival in Carlow co-incided with the launch of a new Local Enterprise Office, through which I availed of networking opportunities and learning supports for my business. Their #makingithappen hashtag certainly applied to my initiatives in the next few years.
Creative initiatives were springing up. I dived right in. Within a year, a portrait drawing of mine was being displayed on the outside of the Post Office building alongside the work of local artists.
By establishing a close relationship with Carlow Library, I exhibited my art in their beautiful Shaw Room many times and launched two books.
By 2017. I had RTE inviting me to showcase my work and my journey on their Nationwide TV programme.
By 2018 Carlow had become a bit of a curiosity. Walk through Tullow Street you'd be likely to hear the most unusual snippets of conversation and witty remarks between passersby. There's more of a stir and a sense of things about to happen any minute.
Things certainly happened when author Peter Murphy came to town to take up a writer’s in residence position. I signed up to avail of Peter's expertise and wisdom with the aim of being a better writer.
Peter put me through my paces. I absorbed every bit of his critique with the view to handing in a better piece next time. Within, two months I was a different writer, still with a lot to learn but a good deal better than at the start of our work together.
Never did I expect to be on stage in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre reading a chapter of my work in front of a live audience. That was exciting.
Nine of us had taken part in Peter’s workshops. We were proud to share the stage with our rebellious-spirited tutor as he performed his spoken word show to the title of Cursed Murphy and The Resistance.
Through Peter's residency in Carlow, I discovered another layer of creatives all as madly passionate about writing as myself. Carlow was not only rising it was starting to rock.
Peter Murphy is set to return to Carlow in 2019, for the launch of Dr. Derek Coyle's book of poetry entitled Reading John Ashbery in Costa Coffee, Carlow. I highly recommend putting the date in your calendar (April 10th, 7.30pm in Carlow College).
Peter Murphy is the author of several books including Shall We Gather at the River and John the Revelator.
Take a break from the chaos and dip into some inspiration from my travels and walks in nature or get some insights on achieving calm.
My books are available on through my online shop. Dare to explore more.
Through my art and writing I share stories and inspiration for transformation, healing and dreams turning to reality. When you visit my gallery you glimpse my journey, my authentic path. It took a ‘Break True’ moment to point me towards developing my artistic talents. It’s never too late to make a new start. I’ve achieved a lot in a relatively short time. My work has been presented in New York as part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, has been displayed on county Post Office and has been show-cased on National TV. Read more about my art journey here.
Maintain calm this Christmas with this helpful arty gift guide. Choose from top picks, price range, recommended order dates to avoid unnecessary stress while giving the gift of original Irish artwork.
Finding light in darkeness, a search for beauty and hope, art meets mental health with The In Between.
One dream, one leap of faith inspired by the sacred tree wisdom, and one truly grateful artist reflecting on the success that is 'The Sacred Lives of Trees'. Tour Launch | 2016 The Sacred Lives of Trees exhibition tour launched at Carlow Library in winter of 2016. This collection of colourful paintings is my way […]
