Harp music meets poetry at free event in Galway library
Award-winning poets Philip McDonagh, Luke Morgan and renowned harpist Lily Neill are promising “uplifting and sonorous musing” on the theme of Pobal (community) at a free event in the city's Westside Library, Séamus Quirke Road, on Saturday, September 12, from 2.30-4pm.
Philip and Luke will read from their poetry, while Lily will perform a selection of music. Reading in English and Irish, the three will present their work in collaboration and dialogue, followed by a Q&A, discussion and book-signings.
The launch of the latest collection, 'Estuary', from Dublin poet, Philip will be a highlight. The retired diplomat and adjunct professor at Dublin City University is director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations. He is also distinguished global fellow at the Centre of Theological Inquiry in Princeton.
US harper Lily Neill performs her own compositions alongside an eclectic mix of ragtime, traditional music, tango and early music. The Washington Times has praised her "tour-de-force" collaborative work, while her solo performances have won many awards. She’s widely lauded among her peers and lists The Chieftains among her fans.
Local man Luke is well-known in Galway as a poet and filmmaker. 'Blood Atlas, his third collection from Arlen House, was published in 2025. His other collections are ‘Beast’ (2022), and ‘Honest Walls’ (2016). He won the Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Award in 2025, an annual award for poets, presented by the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota.
Luke is also part of an award-winning filmmaker duo along with his brother, composer Jake Morgan. Recent work from Morgan Brothers includes ‘The Boat’, on which Brendan Gleeson was executive producer. It was longlisted for an Academy Award.
All are welcome to the event at the Westside Library at which light refreshments will be served.