(April 27
th 2023) To mark Poetry Day Ireland, Arts & Health at TUH in collaboration with Catering Services are delighted to distribute a
Menu of Poems throughout the Hospital for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.
Menu of Poems takes the form of a short anthology of poetry selected by renowned Poet Theo Dorgan. The 2023 anthology includes Mary O’Malley’s poem ‘The Hare’, Pat Boran’s poem ‘Hedge School and Mary O’Donnell’s poem ‘Unlegendary Heroes’.
Produced by Saolta Arts on behalf of Arts and Health Co-ordinators Ireland (AHCI) this initiative is supported by Poetry Ireland and HSE Health Promotion and Improvement. Over 10,000 people in healthcare settings will receive the Menu on Poetry Day Ireland. The poets involved have kindly recorded the poetry and it is available at https://saoltaarts.com The Menu is also available for colleagues to print and distribute in their own locations.
Since its inception in 2008, Menu of Poems has been a positive development in the lives of both patients and those who work in healthcare settings across Ireland. Theo Dorgan, Poet and Editor of the 2023 Menu of Poems, said: “This is a marvellous venture and it's a pleasure and an honour to contribute to it. Now more than ever we need words that speak to us in the direct language of the heart. I chose these poems in the hope they will help steady the hearts of readers as they have steadied mine.”
Arts and Health Co-ordinators Ireland is an all-Ireland support network of professionals who are responsible for managing arts and health initiatives.
Downloadable version and recordings available at: https://saoltaarts.com
For further information on Poetry Day Ireland visit http://www.poetryday.ie/
