My Limerick Town

I was, I am hesitant to admit, like many of Desmond’s old school friends aware - yes - of Desmond O’Grady the Limerick poet - but was unaware of the extent, depth and importance of his work to contemporary poetry and of this great poet’s work and his contribution to the art of poetry over the past fifty years.

That he is, in the words of Seamus Heaney “one of the senior figures in Irish Literary life - exemplary in the way he has committed himself over the decades to the vocation of poetry and has lived his life selflessly for the art” is further emphasis on our necessity immediately in Limerick to respect this poet and his work. That this should be done in a greater singularly emphatic manner domestically is an immediate necessity. To create a Limerick domestic intellectual implement by which we can develop this relationship around the world to complement the poet’s association with his native city is represented in this publication by Revival Press.

I had suggested to my good friend Desmond, on one of his visits to Limerick, that he consider putting all his poems, which related to Limerick, in a specific volume – a special Limerick book. This would be for students of contemporary poetry, lovers of poetry generally and especially lovers of Limerick. Equally this book should be seen on the desks of all those people and associations who desire to elevate and promote Limerick and its beautiful city across the world for its historical, cultural and modern economic, social success and achievement.

............ Each one of the poems in My Limerick Town refers to a very personal moment with a Limerick connection - be it family, personal friend, place, or occasion during his long career and colourful life as a respected poet.

These are my invitation to the reader of My Limerick Town to become a greater part of the poem and the poet. These are my invitations that you enjoy the read that bit more than one would normally - if you were just reading the poem on its own.

................. I hope it will be a source of pleasure, create pride, further curiosity and cause enjoyment to many Limerick people and their friends at home and overseas.

I have always maintained that Desmond O’ Grady’s poetry is accessible to everyone both the ordinary man in the street like myself, who just loves poetry for poetry’s sake and to the high-brow academic who looks much deeper into the technical working of the poem.

Here is a selection to suit everyone’s taste. I am proud to be Desmond’s friend and hope this book introduces him to many more new friends. I wish the book every success.

Barney Sheehan, Editor of My Limerick Town
Limerick 2009