The reading by Paul Durcan from his new collection, The Art of Life on Wednesday, March 9th, was an intimate affair, attended by an enthralled group who enjoyed an informal chat with the poet over tea and coffee afterwards.

The poor turn-out notwithstanding, Professor Durcan did not disappoint the gathered few, who were expecting his usual bravado performance, and got it.

Durcan was inaugerated as the Ireland Chair of Poetry on World Book Day (March 3rd) at a ceremony at Queen’s University, and was accompanied and introduced by Sir Donnell Deeny at the reading here. Sir Donnell is the Chairman of Trustees of the Chair of Poetry, and has long been associated with the arts in Ireland. He paid tribute to the significant international reputation of Irish poets, especially in relation to the size of the island of Ireland, and in particular to Durcan’s contribution to this.

This event was the first of the new 2005 programme, and proved unforgettable for the lucky few who attended due to the impromptu post-event gathering during which Durcan answered questions, signed copies of his book and chatted to his audience.