Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025 Launch Celebrates Local Talent

The Kilkenny Arts Office has unveiled the 25th edition of the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of local literary talent. The launch event took place in the Parade Tower as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival, where poets and poetry enthusiasts gathered to honor the featured works.

During the event, Mary Butler, the arts officer, expressed her congratulations to the poets whose contributions were highlighted. “It was a true pleasure to witness their words brought to life,” Butler stated. She extended special thanks to the editor, Enda Wyley, for his thoughtful curation, which has transformed this year’s collection into a vibrant reflection of Kilkenny’s poetic spirit. This year’s edition is particularly special as it commemorates a quarter-century of the Broadsheet, a cherished platform for writers and poetry lovers alike.

Promoting Local Voices and Artistic Growth

The primary goal of the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet is to provide a dedicated platform for local writers to showcase their work. “This initiative aligns fundamentally with the mission of the Arts Office, which places the practitioner at the core of our work,” Butler noted. The office remains committed to prioritizing artists by providing the necessary time, space, and resources to develop their practices.

This year, the Broadsheet received a total of 133 poems submitted by 73 poets, illustrating the vibrant literary community in Kilkenny. In celebration of the publication’s 25th anniversary, the Broadsheet expanded its offerings to include 25 poems, with one selected for each edition produced over the years. “It has been an absolute privilege to work with such wonderful editors, inspired illustrators, and our incredibly dedicated community of Kilkenny writers,” Butler added.

Accessibility and Community Engagement

Free copies of the Broadsheet are now available at libraries throughout Kilkenny County and at the Butler Gallery. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore this year’s selection, which serves as an inspiring showcase of local literary talent. To further enhance accessibility, poetry from the Broadsheet will be displayed on digital screens across Kilkenny City until September 20, 2025. This initiative invites the public to pause and reflect on the selected works, with QR codes available for those wishing to view the Broadsheet online.

The Arts Office aims to integrate poetry into everyday spaces, making it a visible and integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. In the coming weeks, excerpts from the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025 will be shared across the Arts Office’s social media platforms, providing daily glimpses into the diverse voices represented in this year’s edition.

For further inquiries, interested individuals can contact Mary Butler at [email protected] or Kathy Conlan at [email protected].