The Arts Office of Kilkenny County Council is delighted to announce the publication of the seventh issue of the very popular KILKENNY POETRY BROADSHEET. The aim of the publication is to give local writers a platform for their work. Each poem selected is included in the broadsheet available from the Arts Office.

This years editor is Kevin Higgins. Kevin is a poet based in Galway City. He facilitates poetry workshops at Galway Arts Centre and along with his wife Susan Millar DuMars they organises the 'Over The Edge' readings in Galway City Library. His first collection of poems, 'The Boy With No Face', was published by Salmon in 2005 and was short-listed for the 2006 Strong Award for Best First Collection by an Irish Poet. His second collection is forthcoming.

From the 203 poems submitted by 79 poets, 14 poems from 10 poets were selected in this year's publication. Editor Kevin Higgins notes that 'Nature and the passing away of loved ones are two themes that do recur but mostly it's a pretty eclectic selection, deliberately so'. Selected poets include previously published broadsheet poets Michael Massey, Gillian Somerville - Large, Maria Casey and Martha Woodcock with new names featuring including Anne O'Connor, Kathleen Phelan, Geraldine Coleman, Brid Ryall, Brid Galway and Kelly O'Brien. The design and illustration of the broadsheet was undertaken by artist Ale Mercado and Marla.ie and are intrinsic to the presentation of the publication.

The launch of Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet Issue 7 will take place on Thursday 19th April at 7pm in No. 72, John Street, Kilkenny.