The Clonmel Writers' Group

The ultimate tonic - Writers' group meeting and a pint of the black stuff

For someone who aspires to be a writer there is nothing better than getting together with other like-minded people for inspiration and a lifting of the spirits. On Tuesday evening I went along to my first meeting of the Clonmel Writers Group. I had had a truly miserable day and was feeling deflated by a horrible interview at a call centre. The interview was a partial success as they called me back for a second interview, but by then I had decided I would rather sell one of my kidneys than work in some a hideous environment. I almost didn’t go to the Writers’ group as I was in such a blue funk. However, I knew that if I didn’t go then I would regret it later, probably half-way through a football match that I would probably have to endure as the evening’s alternative entertainment.

I had trouble finding the venue. The meetings are held in St Mary’s Pastoral Centre, which is confusingly close to St Mary’s Parish Hall which was hosting a Karate class. I finally found the Pastoral Centre, hidden in the grounds of St Mary’s primary school. It was locked and all the lights were off. I was only 5 minutes early so with nobody around I started to think I had got the day wrong. The rain was lashing down and I was about to go home and sulk when a group of people approached me. All budding writers; and one of them had the key to the hall.

I was made to feel very welcome and had a very enjoyable evening, listening to a diverse variety of poetry, short stories and the continuation of one person’s draft novel. After the meeting we adjourned to a nearby pub, and continued the discussion about writing, books and local community life. It was a great craic and I went home feeling a million times better. And to top it all, they meet up every two weeks, so I know that I don’t have to wait too long until the next meeting.