Tipperary Excel Writers Group
Tipperary Excel writers group was the brainchild of Mary Alice O’Connor staff member at Tipperary Excel. Having attended a once off workshop with facilitator Margaret O’Brien, the idea was born that this could be a part of the offering at Tipperary Excel Arts culture Centre. Sheila Quealey Based in Charleville agreed to facilitate the group and there followed the most wonderful seven/eight years as Sheila honed and developed the skills of her fledgling writers. With the assistance of the E.T.B. through their adult education module, the writing class developed and evolved in the ensuing years. The participants were drawn from all walks of life, bonded together in a common aim, to tell their story through the medium of creative writing /poetry or memoir. Some had ‘dabbled’ with writing the odd story or account from childhood, some had written a few lines of poetry but never shown in to anyone and others again had never put pen to paper but felt there was a ‘story’ in them. To say the writers group was a success story would be an understatement, the members will attest as Sheila said that first day ’this will change your life and you will never see things in the same way again’. Sheila had to leave us reluctantly a number of years ago when she went to pursue a ‘Masters’ in creative writing in U.l. delivered by distinguished writer in residence Joseph O’Connor & Donal Ryan. Tipperary Excel Writers Group was in a dilemma, who would take up the job of facilitating the group? Fate again intervened and Trish McHale retired teacher was persuaded to take over. Again change, but a new and different approach, always kindness and direction, and total commitment to the group and dedication over and above the call of duty. Tipperary Excel Writers Group has three publications to their credit over the years and has participated in a number of radio broadcasts of their work on TippmidWest Radio. They currently have a framed exhibition of their work in the foyer of Tipperary Excel. They have liaised with other voluntary groups in Tipperary such as ‘Circle of Friends’ cancer care group in a very successful fund raiser and also read their work as part of the twelve days of Christmas at the’ Plan’ The group’s contribution to the literary arts in Tipperary has been considerable, but the most important aspect of this group has been their personal development as writers and their loyalty and friendship to each other. There has been laughter, fun and tears in a caring and respectful atmosphere, ‘long may it continue’ If you would like to join contact reception on 062-80520. |
growing, always growing...As part of the Aontas National Adult Education week 2020 the Excel Writers Group produced an exhibition of poetry for display in the Excel's Foyer.
VISIT THE WRITERS GROUP EXHIBITION here. 
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