It’s time to start memorising and practising the effective recital of poetry. Here are the details of what’s required if you wish to enter this worthy and rewarding competition:
Two poems to be spoken by each student – one chosen by student from the prescribed anthologies and one poem prescribed for their category.
Anthologies:
The Rattle Bag edited by Seamus Heaney & Ted Hughes (Faber & Faber, 1982)
Lifelines: Letters from Famous People About Their Favourite Poem edited by Niall McGonagle (any edition)
Something Beginning with P edited by Seamus Cashman (O’Brien Press)
Categories:
Junior: 1st and 2nd Years
Your chosen poem – not less than 14 lines (not more than 35-40)
Prescribed poem – TBC
Intermediate: 3rd and 4th Years
Your chosen poem – not less than 18 lines (not more than 35-40)
Prescribed poem – TBC
Senior: 5th and 6th Years
Your chosen poem – not less than 23 lines (not more than 35-40)
Prescribed poem – TBC
Key Dates: (TO BE CONFIRMED)
Regional Heats: End Oct (Venue to be confirmed – probably NLI)
Semi Finals: End November in NLI
Final: Early December in NLI
Prizes:
Winner from each category receives €300 and books for school library
Overall Winner receives a further €200 and the Seamus Heaney Perpetual Trophy
Runner up in each category will receive a book token
For more information and the latest 2014 competition details keep an eye on nli.ie
Or see your English teacher 🙂