Today on My Poetic Side, we look at the winner of the 2024 Michael Hartnett Poetry Award and a plaque for Benjamin Zephaniah.

2024 Micheal Hartnett Poetry Award

The poet Tara Bergin, who is from Dublin, has been announced as the writer with the winning collection of poetry for this years Michael Harnett Poetry Award.

The collection, Savage Tales, which was published by Carcanet in 2022 was described by the judges as

There were a number of incredibly strong collections submitted for this year’s award; however, the judges felt that Bergin’s collection really stood out amongst the other entries and showed immense courage.

The book was also described as “ingenious” by the judges who felt that the poems described contemporary life in a way that was fierce, incredibly smart and yet inquisitive.

Bergin, who is now based in the North East of England was delighted to have been named the winner of the award. She said that where Michael Harnett saw the act of poetry as a rebel’s act, she was in complete agreement and the award was a clear signal that she should keep going – something which is incredibly important for any poet to understand. She was happy to have received an award which is given for a “third or subsequent collection” something which encourages those poets who may have become disillusioned with their chosen art form. It helps a poet to celebrate the longevity of their creative process.

The award will be presented to Bergin on the opening night of Eigse Michael Harnett which will take place in Limerick from 3^rd to 6^th October. It has a value of €8000 and is supported by both the Arts Council and Limerick City and County Council. The award is one which is awarded on alternative years for a collection of poetry written in English or Irish.

Michael Hartnett died in October 1999 and this year marks the 25^th anniversary of his death. There will be a special Walking Tour taking place this year and a commemorative plaque to Harnett will also be unveiled.

Benjamin Zephaniah Plaque Unveiled

A commemorative plaque to the poet, actor and musician Benjamin Zephaniah who died earlier this year has been unveiled at Brunel University in London.

The plaque, dedicated to the dub poet, was unveiled in the redeveloped outdoor community space of the university which will now be named the Benjamin Zephaniah Square.

During the unveiling ceremony, the vice-chancellor and president of the university spoke about the posts time as the chair of creative writing at the university. This was his first academic position and one which he took up in 2011. The role was one to which he brought his own very unique voice, commitment to social justice and desire to ensure that words made a difference.

Bernardine Evaristo, the Booker Prize wining poet introduced a poetry anthology during the ceremony which had been written by students in tribute to Zephaniah. All profits from the book will be donated to Inquest, a charity which the poet was a patron for.