Two venues, Preston House and the Palace Bar, were a buzz with banter, lilting with laughter, sizzling with songs and stories and poets in motion for two wonderful evenings offered up to the power of words, and the launch of a new poetry collection, Stoked.
The poems, a debut collection by John Whelan writing under his penname, Johnny Renko were only half the story as he was joined by The Power of Words Open Mic ‘family’ in Abbeyleix for a memorable evening of shared storytelling, poignant prose and powerful poems, with songs and tunes for good measure.
Among those contributing in the wonderful setting of Preston House were Arthur Broomfield, Paula Byrne, Mark Clancy, Mairéad Connell, Siobhán Hoy, Johnny Thompson, Noelle O’ Connell, Shea McCaughley, Mick Morrissey, John Purcell and Cathal Kelly.
Curating matters with typical aplomb and good humour was Amanda Kelly, the founder and driving force behind the increasingly popular and highly regarded Power of Words Events.
Setting the stage for Whelan’s alter ego Johnny Renko to take the floor, in the style of his mischievous poetic influences Paul Durcan and John Cooper, Amanda delivered high praise indeed.
She said: “It is hard to believe that this is John’s first venture into poetry as it seems like he has arrived, as a fully formed accomplished poet.
“To me, it feels like John is truly ‘in his element’ as a poet. The incredible image of Irish surfer, Fergal Smith, taken by photographer, Mickey Smith, used on the cover of ‘Stoked’ is so fitting, as each poem has us ride the wave of John’s imagination.
“Every page is filled with high energy movement, fully alive characters, and vivid imagery evoking laughter, tears, and something to think deeply about.
“The playfulness of John’s writing is perfectly balanced with a depth of natural empathy and profound emotion.”
It was a roller-coaster reading by Whelan as he delved into an ode to the joys of surfing, a tribute to the back breaking work of turf cutting families, a love of the landscape, our relationship with ‘man’s best friend, the loss of loved ones, the uplifting power of a smile and a diverse range of devilment around a broad range of other topics.
There was a big bualadh bos too for Cormac O’ Dúlacháin who translated two of the poems and delivered powerful and passionate versions of them as Gaeilge.
It was a similar lively affair in The Palace Bar on Fleet Street for a further reading and Dublin launch event.
This time the attendees were joined by enthusiastic tourists at the popular city tavern steeped in literary tradition.
‘Stoked’ is now available from All Books in Lyster Square, Portlaoise and online from www.thelastbeekeeper.ie.
If all this has whetted your appetite, the next Power of Words Open Mic event takes place in Mooney’s Pub, Abbeyleix from 7pm on Friday, December 5.
A Creative Writing Retreat will be hosted in Preston House with author Niamh Boyce on the weekend of February 20.
A further such retreat will be held there with author John McKenna, midweek from May 11 to 13, 2026.
Both events have residential and non-residential options. Further details and updates available from www.powerofwords.ie or on Power of Words social media platforms.
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