Acclaimed local poets celebrated at Esker Arts Centre

Poetry lovers gathered en masse in the Esker Arts Centre Tullamore to celebrate the works of Offaly poets Anthony Sullivan and Cormac Lally on Thursday last.

Esker Sessions VI was a vibrant celebration of local talent headlined by the two acclaimed poets.

The sold-out event marked one of the series’ most successful nights to date, reaffirming the region’s thriving literary culture and the community’s appetite for live arts.

From the outset, the evening promised, and delivered, a dynamic exploration of contemporary poetry through two contrasting but deeply complementary voices.

Cormac Lally, a Tullamore native, renowned for his high-energy spoken-word performances, brought a rhythmic immediacy to the stage. His delivery, playful, poignant, and unmistakably rooted in the oral tradition, captivated the audience and demonstrated why he has become a defining voice in modern Irish performance poetry.

In contrast, Lusmagh man Anthony Sullivan, known primarily as a page-poet, offered a quieter but equally compelling presence. His work, recognised for its lyricism, depth, and careful craftsmanship, invited listeners into the stiller spaces of the imagination. Sullivan’s readings showcased the precision of his written work while still maintaining the warmth and accessibility that has earned him a dedicated following.

While the evening highlighted the differences between the two poets, the extemporaneous pulse of Lally’s spoken word versus the meditative clarity of Sullivan’s page-based approach, it was the obviously deep connection between them that ultimately shaped the event. Their mutual respect was clear from the outset as each man offered heartfelt reflections on their shared creative journeys.

Both poets spoke fondly of their early days as members of the Tullamore Rhymers’ Club with Ken Hume and Banagher poet Thomas Carty, the grassroots collective that nurtured their voices and helped spark a renewed interest in local poetry more than a decade ago.

That in turn helped to spark the creation of the long-standing monthly 'Scene Of The Rhyme' night in Joe and then John Lee's, which featured poets, musicians, and comedians from all over the country, and was organised and curated at different times by fellow Rhymers' Club members Richard Brennan, David Hynes, and David Mallaghan. Sullivan made a point of warmly welcoming Brennan, who was in attendance, and of sharing his admiration for his fellow poet's talent.

This shared history infused the night with warmth and camaraderie, with Cormac recalling how the Club first began meeting in a room in the family home of the aforementioned Tullamore poet Ken Hume, while Anthony later recited his touching piece, simply entitled 'Camillus', in honour of the late Camillus Boland, another member of the Tullamore Rhymers' Club collective.

Audience members were treated to individual performances filled with humour and honesty, as the pair shared the spotlight in a manner that effortlessly underscored the poets’ long-standing friendship. The interplay between Lally’s performative storytelling and Sullivan’s introspective lyricism created a unique dynamic—one that celebrated the full spectrum of poetic expression.

Esker Sessions VI also demonstrated the growing cultural impact of the Esker Arts Centre, which continues to provide a vital platform for emerging and established artists across the Midlands. As the applause swelled at the close of the evening, it was evident that the centre had once again succeeded in bringing the community together in a spirit of artistic appreciation, even on a night that would otherwise have been made for being home beside the fire!

With its sold-out attendance, enthusiastic audience engagement, and unforgettable performances, Esker Sessions VI stands as a testament to the power of poetry to unite, inspire, and entertain. The event not only celebrated two of Offaly’s strongest contemporary literary voices, but also reaffirmed Tullamore’s role as a vibrant hub for the arts.