Launch of “White Twine and Old Suitcases”

A creative writing group established under the auspices of the HSE Mental Health Services’ Involvement Centre in Kilkenny has recently launched an anthology of poetry and prose.

Titled “White Twine and Old Suitcases”, the publication arranged by the HSE’s Recovery College South East is available in local bookshops and its launch took place in Butler House, Kilkenny.

Including some wonderful images in its 100 plus pages, “White Twine and Old Suitcases” is the result of over a year’s work by 60 writers from the Co. Kilkenny area. The final piece in the book are the lyrics of a song called “The Centre”, written by Joe Murray of Bennettsbridge (and dedicated to The Involvement Centre in Kilkenny). Joe sang the song at the launch, accompanied by a choir of students from Kilkenny CBS secondary school with its musical director Mandy Dowling.

MC for the launch was leading figure in the Kilkenny arts scene Ger Cody and the gathering was addressed by Michael Murphy (the HSE’s Training and Support Kilkenny – TASK), Mary Woods (the HSE’s Recovery College South East) and David Dwyer (the HSE’s Involvement Centre, Kilkenny). Special guest in attendance was outgoing Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr. Joe Malone.   

Six of the poems from “White Twine and Old Suitcases” were read at the launch by contributors Sé Nicholson, Róisín Sheehy, Bob McLoughlin, Claire Mulcahy, Sean Mansfield and Anne Beck.

“White Twine and Old Suitcases” was launched by the poet, writer and storyteller Paddy Doyle from Urlingford.

Speaking about the coming to fruition of the project that is “White Twine and Old Suitcases”, Clare Fitzpatrick (Co-ordinator, Mental Health Engagement and Recovery, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said:

“The Involvement Centre in Kilkenny is a peer-led group, where we offer a warm and welcoming place for people with mental health issues, their families and friends. It’s an informal surrounds for a cuppa, a chat, a laugh and lots more! The philosophy is recovery focused. We hope to create a positive environment where people can support each other in an informal setting.”

“Our Creative Writing has been a wonderful resource. Kept going through recent pandemic times online, when back meeting regularly the idea of putting what has become ‘White Twine and Old Suitcases’ was discussed and we found great enthusiasm for it. We are very grateful to and very proud of all the people who contributed their talents to it. Getting to its publication and launch has been a great achievement for us in The Involvement Centre!”