What does Ireland’s official Professor of Poetry do?

In September of last year, WFU Press’s very own poet, Paula Meehan, was appointed to serve as Ireland’s newest Professor of Poetry. This prestigious position, which is Ireland’s equivalent to the U.S. Poet Laureate, was founded by an independent Board of Trustees in response to Seamus Heaney’s 1995 win of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Of the six individuals (including Meehan) who have had the honor of fulfilling the role of Professor of Poetry since its establishment in 1998, we are proud to say that 5 have been poets closely affiliated with WFU Press.

As Professor of Poetry, Meehan’s responsibilities range from delivering inaugural speeches to participating in events like Dublin’s first spoken word poetry competition next week, which keeps the poet and playwright out and about. Similar to the U.S. Poet Laureate, Meehan is given funds to share and promote a passion for poetry throughout the island. Additional information about the position itself, or information about Paula Meehan’s work and upcoming events can be found at the official Ireland Chair of Poetry website.