Cave Writings returned to Jack Nealon’s pub on Capel St last night for the third iteration of the literary gathering this academic year. The Cave also played host to the launch of the 67th volume of Ireland’s oldest creative writing journal, Icarus.
The old-school northside haunt proved the perfect venue for the event. Its art-deco-styled upstairs room provided an intimate atmosphere and refuge from the bitter cold. As with most events in this city, the 8pm start proved instead to be an “Irish 8pm”, with the first reader starting just after 9pm. Nonetheless, numerous copies of Icarus were neatly scattered across the tables for the oncoming revellers to have a flick through, whilst summoning the courage to read a piece to the group. However, this fear of reading was quickly dispelled as Co-Editor of Icarus and current organiser of the Cave, Leo Dunsker, collected the names of those who wished to read in a thoroughly relaxed manner.
As readings got underway, the 25 guests present created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Those who took to the podium were either Cave veterans, had a piece published in Icarus or had simply turned up for the event. The format for the evening was a particularly laidback, as readers read from the screens of phones and pages of the publication alike, with numerous people declaring that their pieces were still in a “work in progress” stage, highlighting how the Cave also works as a platform for a writers to receive feedback for their ongoing work.
After a 15-minute pint break, the next batch of readers were ready to step up as a slew of new guests poured into the room during the break and settled themselves in for some new writing to be heard. A further six writers held the floor, including Co-Editors of Icarus, Will Fleming and Leo Dunsker. Each piece read stood out in its own unique way, with works ranging from short poems to short stories. Another merit of Cave Writings was highlighted here, as a gathering that is not solely dedicated to one form, like that of a poetry reading.
Rather, all styles are encouraged, even those that defy being labelled as one single form. Those who read from their work published in Icarus included Seán Pierson, Ed Salley and Molly-May O’Leary, offering a great opportunity for the audience to compare works written on page and read aloud. For anyone who had enjoyed particular pieces in Icarus, it was also an opportunity to put a face to a name and commend the writer on their work.
As the last reader finished up, Dunsker thanked everyone for coming, whether they had read out or just listened. Special thanks was also given to the Icarus team which includes Fleming; Deputy Editor and Erchivist, Éabha Jones; and PR Officer, Gillian Murtagh. By the end of the night, the majority of the copies of Icarus were taken, signalling a genuine interest in the work published in the issue and perhaps an uptake for any keen writer who wants to get their work published.
The night proved to be a success, seeing both the Icarus and Cave Writings communities come together to share some of the most exciting new writing in the city. It is hoped that a similar event will take place for the next issue of Icarus, which is expected in the spring. Equally, Cave Writings will continue to provide a laid-back and accessible platform for Dublin writers over the coming weeks.
