Offaly poets to feature at Tullamore event this Thursday

The Esker Sessions literary series, which showcases the power of the spoken and written word, returns to Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore tomorrow (Thursday) at 8pm.

This edition, Esker Sessions VI, will feature Offaly poet and songwriter Anthony Sullivan.

The Lusmagh man has become a noted and respected voice on the Midlands' poetry scene, and made his first Electric Picnic appearance this summer, performing on The Word stage in the famed Mindfield section of the festival.

Sullivan will give a special reading from his work on the night, including selections from his previous collections 'Under Star and Under Sun' (2004), and 'Pilgrim in the Heartland' (2009), as well as pieces set to appear in his much-anticipated third collection, 'The Light of Hope’s Ascent', now due for publication in early 2026.

Known for his lyrical and deeply personal style, Sullivan describes himself as being a traditional rhyming and 'page' poet — one whose love of poetry grew from discovering it in print and whose craft developed from a lifelong engagement with, and respect for, words on the page.

His writing, marked by sincerity and musicality, reflects a devotion to both form and feeling.

Writing in the Foreword to Sullivan's 2009 collection, 'Pilgrim In The Heartland', Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan remarked, "Anthony Sullivan is one of the songwriter breed," adding, "In Anthony's book we are reminded of emotions that we have all known at one time or another, and we are consoled by words that are a universal description of these feelings."

He continued, "I've never considered my own songwriting as an art, but as a craft. Anthony Sullivan's song lyrics and poems are most definitely artful, but have that element of craft, which I think makes his work unique."

Sullivan’s influences are as rich and varied as his work itself. He draws inspiration from Irish literary greats such as Patrick Kavanagh and WB Yeats, as well as the romantic lyricism of poets like John Keats and William Wordsworth.

His creative compass also points across the Atlantic, to the storytelling tradition of American country music songwriters including Hank Williams, Harlan Howard, and Guy Clark, along with the timeless and classic beauty of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, and the other masters of Tin Pan Alley and the Great American Songbook.

Speaking ahead of his Esker Sessions appearance, Sullivan described poetry as "somewhat of a personal pilgrimage through word and rhythm — an act of both memory and hope". His forthcoming collection will continue to explore the interplay of love, loss, hope, and renewal, themes that have defined his writing, both as poet and lyricist.

The evening will also feature Cormac Lally, the celebrated and award-winning spoken word and performance poet from Tullamore, ensuring a vibrant blend of voices and styles that capture the living spirit of Irish poetry today. Sullivan and Lally - together with David Hynes, curator of The Word stage at Electric Picnic - have performed together on numerous occasions over the years as members of the Tullamore Rhymers' Club collective.

In addition to his poetic musings, Anthony Sullivan is also the writer of 'That Tune', the latest release from acclaimed Wrafter Family Band, further testament to his gift for bridging poetry and song.

Sullivan is also a well-known face as a long-standing part of the Guy Clothing team in Tullamore.

Esker Sessions VI takes place at Esker Arts Centre this Thursday, November 13, at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm). Tickets available from the venue.