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It Reeks of Radio: the launch / the exhibition / early responses / a reading for Joseph M Hassett

The Old Physics Theatre at Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) was nicely full for the launch of my fifth book of poetry It Reeks of Radio (BLR Editions) on 26 September 2023, where I was in public conversation with this year's UCD / Arts Council of Ireland Writer in Residence, Victoria Kennefick. It was lovely to see many old and new friends and colleagues attend what was a lunchtime event on a weekday. Victoria's astute reading of the book, her skillful hosting of the conversation and her probing questions facilitated a dive into several of the strands explored in the book. I was happy to read excerpts and respond to questions from the audience.

photo: Nessa O'Mahony

The following day, a 14-panel exhibition that visually contextualises the book and overall project was installed on the walls of Newman Building (Arts Building) at University College Dublin. The exhibition was proposed and managed by Emer Beesley, Marketing And Communications Manager at UCD College of Arts and Humanities, with the panels designed by the co-designer of the book itself, David Donohoe. The panels showcase selected pages from the book, and collectively represent a vital accompaniment to it as an acknowledgement of the visual and public dimension of the project. The exhibition will remain in situ for at least one year before potentially travelling.


The first public responses and mini-reviews of It Reeks of Radio include some kind words from Joseph M. Hassett, sponsor of the bursary that made the commission possible, who has called it "addictive", and "beautiful and inviting. I'm proud to be associated with this remarkable work." Writer Mia Gallagher described it as "a gorgeous mash-up of fragments sourced from RTÉ Radio Scripts documentation," and "clever, provocative and beautiful." And in her presentation at the Poetry as Commemoration project's 'Creative Archives' symposium on 12 October 2023 - as part of which I also led a half-day workshop on making poetry collaboratively with archives - UCD Principal Archivist Kate Manning said that "Christodoulos found inspiration in a collection that never would have occurred to me as one which would inspire other artists [...] his poetic eye and ear saw and heard something else. It's a fascinating work."


Finally, I was delighted to receive an invitation to read from the book for a special private event in honour of Joseph Hassett, which took place at MoLI on the afternoon of 10 November 2023 and which celebrated his various contributions to the University over the years. The event was co-organised by UCD Library and UCD School of English, Drama and Film, and also included a musical performance, introductory words from Theo Dorgan and Paula Meehan, and a small selection of guests reading excerpts from his book Yeats Now: Echoing into Life.

photo: Sandra Collins

It Reeks of Radio is available from the MoLI shop, which also facilitates online ordering. It is also increasingly available from other outlets, including the UCD Campus Bookshop, and Books Upstairs in central Dublin.

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