Novelist, playwright, documentary film-maker. Adjunct Professor Creative Writing UCC 2017. Culture Ambassador Cork City 2020. Eric Hoffer Award. IP Book Award
Jude died yesterday.
Known as Dogeen - but her name was Jude.
Fully aware of the pain of human suffering across the planet.
But, anyone who has lost a little dog will know the score.
Thought I'd let ye know - Jude died in her Laffin' Place - wrapped in a blanket in Fiona's arms.
Driving back from a glorious weekend in West Cork listening to brother John
@johncreedon
on the car radio with Brendan O'Connor - mighty company for the road home ...
"Bow-fronted facades are a notable feature of Georgian architecture in Cork city, and they contribute to the unique character of the city, as this particular housing form is not found to the same extent elsewhere in Ireland."
[National Inventory of Architectural Heritage]
The 'boat arches' of Cork
A brainy woman I know told me that the arches around the town were ricer-side access to houses - echo to a time when the city streets were rivers - fed by an the Great Lee Delta - of Corcach Mór na Mumhan - when Venice was known as The Cork of The South
Here the thing: me & my siblings don't plug each others work on social media etc. But I have a chicken going into the oven - and I haven't met my brother since before Christmas - and I'm so looking forward to seeing him on Creedon's Atlas RTE TV 6.30 this evening.
@johncreedon
Inchydoney. West Cork. Ireland
Who ever thought washin' d'aul cup 'n' saucer could be such a joy. And I looking out the window and it crosses my mind that there's nothing out there to see - and it crosses my mind - how bad... How bad indeed ...
Lest we forget
Pubs were not all about drink.
They were for when the legs needed a rest
and the mind need exercise.
And the way you might wander in and –
catch a song, a tune, a story
'tis there you'll find me,
having a laugh and telling few lies.
Happy Daze in Dick Macks
So Here's My Plan -
#keepingitpositive
I'm gonna put a fiver into the inside pocket of my good coat every friday for the next 9 weeks.
Then come that friday in May - Me and Dogeen are gonna go on a massive scove and blw the lot.
Had heard it announced earlier that
@johncreedon
show would be beginning at the earlier time of 7.30 for the summer months - so I tuned in my bedside clock-radio last evening. Hadn't heard the sad news - What a special and most fitting tribute to
#Sinead
.
#SineadOConnorRIP
A Great honour to be appointed Culture Night Ambassador for Cork –
It's A magical atmosphere envelops the city as Corkonians of all ages, new and old entertain and are entertained. A festival of colour, theatre, music and food- a celebration of Cork itself
Living in Downtown Cork - Is a bit like living in a Musical.
Maybe it's the sing-song sound of people talking, or the way relative strangers engage in a deep & meaningful way about nothing at all.
Cork: The sorta town that always seems like it's just about to break out into song
And so it begins.
Up to me elbows in giblits, stuffing and vegetables I can't pronounce – Early morn
@Lillylatelee
on the radio. I'll be here in the bunker listening to the wireless 'til the brother
@johncreedon
sets the scene as Fiona sets the table. Love Christmas Tradition.
On this very night in 1920. The British forces of 'law and order' ransacked and burnt my home city of Cork. I made this documentary back in 2005 - in an attempt to get my head around the events of that night -
What a lovely surprise to get the call from City Hall.
Good News & Good Will – are two great things.
Feeling very privileged to have so much good will.
Most of you young kids ...
won't remember The Swan.
Probably the most unique ale house on the planet.
And maybe it's the curse of Nostalgia - but sometimes I sorta miss the Holy Hour.
Every Saturday the Abbot's Ale House, down the street, transforms into a very nice niche market - collectors books, Stamps & Coins, interesting bric-a-brac, collectables - and Anton's very special wood carvings
This side of the River is fast becoming at the happening side of town
Rory Gallagher an inspiration for us kids growing up on this side of town –26 years gone such a loss.
A mention to my sister Geraldine who made this sculpture – he captures that sense of creativity of swirls and continuity of music and lyric and Rory's ever-present guitar -
It was a great honour to be invited to read [this evening] at the Centenary Commemoration of The Burning of Cork. With – An Taoiseach, The Lord Mayor, The Chief Fire Officer and Liam Ronayne on Terence MacSwiney Quay - on the steps of Cork City Hall.
A bit of GOOD NEWS –
It was announced today that my novel
BEGOTTEN NOT MADE by Cónal Creedon
Is one of the 5 Finalists – NGIB BOOK AWARDS USA.
Gala Awards Ceremony in Washington DC, USA. June 21st.
I'm a believer
Santy or Santa?
depends on what side of the river you're on. This side of the river it's Santy Claus. I met him on this very day 56 years ago. Cork was in dire recession that year, but he managed to set up a grotto in Buckley's Academy Street, how cool is that,like
How's that for service - my cousin Paul [in Dublin] - had this scanned and ready to send to me -
Love that photograph of me and Jude in Dick Mack's - Thank Paul [Reardon]
The Crawford Gallery
Re: recent controversy surrounding the reworking of a classic by Adam 'Spicebag' Doyle.
Well the original 'The Eviction' atrb: Daniel McDonald. on view here in Cork since 26 November I think the show ends Monday {?}.
Do get in to see it over the weekend.
Sad news – Frank Twomey took his final curtain call today.
Such an entertaining and gentle person.
Frank a leading light in my - Under The Goldie Fish - 1994-99. Mighty performances over the years - a great talent. Always a pleasure to meet - such a sad loss. [2nd from left back]
Sometimes - and you'd be wandering around West Cork - and you get this overpowering sense that you're in a John Hinde postcard.
[a few weeks back down west]
The Bridges of Cork City.
Over the past weeks I've been re-introducing myself to aspects that are typical of Cork. Today it was the Bridges. Most agree we have approximately 30 bridges spanning the River Lee in Cork city. So this morning I went off on my amble - and here goes...
How nice,
Me and Dogeen out for a wander up the street this bright December morn – and how nice to come across my plays up in lights. I think if the Early Mornings were open these days - I'd have been over to Charlies for d'wan on the strength of that...
[Thank you
@EverymanCork
]
Met Mick - my friend and neighbour - up the street for a teatimer. You'll be delighted to hear that between us we sorted out all the problems of the world.
No problem.
THE BURNING OF CORK. I made this TVdoc 2005. Back then this event had been more or less lost to the collective memory of the city. I visited retirement homes to speak to elderly who still carried vague childhood shocking memories. For the week that's in it
GoodFriday - 21 Years Ago
Me & Pat Kiernan- Corcadorca mounted a massive spectacular re-enactment of the crucifixion on Good Friday to mark 2000
Jerusalem rebuilt on Patrick's Hill. Bell's Field was Golgotha - Cast of Thousands -pix of Mark D'Aughton as Jesus. Happy 21st, Pat!
A swim in beautiful Ballyrisode, delicious crab salad ai O'Sullivans Crook Haven, stopped off to spot the rabbits at Barley Cove Beach, and came across this lady above the road as we drove home near Goleen - all in all - a Class A Day.
I don't eulogise on the passing of those not known personally to me.
But am very saddened by the unexpected news of Paul O'Grady's passing. An activist, a ground breaker and a very special talent with a warmth that shone through.
Me Under The Goldie Fish.
Remember The Old Days
And you'd say nothing to no-one about nothing.
And you'd go on the lang - of an afternoon.
And it would cross your mind - that life's not bad at all.
ThanX Maureen
FYI - 'on the Lang' has nothing to do with drinking alcohol at all
Father's Day ...
Me and my Da, Connie Pa and Bran. The three musketeers. BTW my Da looks stern in this photo - but anyone who knew him will agree he was the funniest man on the planet - always a smile on his face - [Obviously this pic caught him in a split second between smiles.
Yesterday was our 2nd Wedding Anniversary.
Did what we do best: Went for a walk and had a most succulent Sunday roast
Our wedding day pic. with Terence & Murial McSwiney.
Cork's second Republican Lord Mayor he died in Brixton Prison Oct 1920 after 74 days on hunger strike.
It was a great honour to be invited to read [this evening] at the Centenary Commemoration of The Burning of Cork. An Taoiseach, The Lord Mayor, The Chief Fire Officer and Liam Ronayne spoke this evening on Terence MacSwiney Quay - on the steps of Cork City Hall.
Cumann Iarscoláirí na Mainistreach Thuaidh.
Person of The Year - 2021.
[President Paul Moynihan, Cónal Creedon, Lord Mayor Colm Kelleher]
Genuinely the greatest honour bestowed is when it comes from your own - deep, meaningful and personal.
It means so much to me - Thank you Cx.
OK - one more holiday snap – but that's the end of it.
Only because Klyemore is such a beautiful place
And we had such a wonderful day wandering around the grounds.
Here's the thing
I'm from pre-social media world.
When all politics & religion was private & intimacy of the ballot box was sacrosanct.
So, I keep my politics private.
In this current storm in a teacup I'll break my silance
I'm with President Michael D Higgins.
Michael D. Abú!
6.14am - Sunday Morning.
Fire lit, coffee brewing, tapping on the all Remmington, and
@Lillylatelee
on the transistor
@RTERadio1
. Does life get any better? I don't think so. Mighty Sounds Going Down. Cx
#Cork
6.26am Sunday morning.
Courgette & garlic nicely taking on colour in the olive oil.
Poached eggs - almost there .
Pig's Back brown in the toaster.
A pot of Barry's best on the brew.
@Lillylatelee
on the radio....
Dose life get any better?
I don't think so.
Suddenly Dawned On Me.
Every single morning back into the last century. I look out my bedroom window. This view has not changed since the early 1800s. Consistancy in a world gone mad. It suddenly dawned on me the inspiration for my novel, Begotten not Made. Flash! Flash! – Flash!
Met Shane & Toby of Ardú Street Art up the street.
A painting of our 1st Republican Lord Mayor Tomás Mac Curtain playing the fiddle [a well known musician in this neighbourhood] murdered in front of his family by Crown Forces March 1920
Check it out here:
Thanks for posting, Hilary Bookclub Abú!
Sweet Gathering at Crawford Gallery yesterday to receive Lord Mayor Culture Award 2020
Lovely covid-comfy gathering: Lord Mayor John Sheeehan and Aedamar, Claire Keogh [she of keen eye and steady hand] Aoife from City Council and Fi and me
Today marks the centenary of the killing of Tomás McCurtain [Lord Mayor of Cork] by forces of the Crown - Shot dead in his home on the evening of his 36th birthday in front of his family.
I made this documentary I made back in 2005. The Burning of Cork.
27 years ago this week. since this memorable night – the details of which I can't seem to remember – It's been a long and winding road, making it up as I go along, Thankfully, a learning curve paved with mistakes, happy memories and kind people.
Handel's Messiah - St Finbarre's Cathedral
Last night was a magnificent gathering of homegrown talent The best of company at the full house Cathedral. Chuffed and proud to see my nephew - Ed Creedon - on Viola.
Followed by dancing in The Abbey.
An Arts highlights of my year.
Up Date
Me, Fee & Dogeen met Peter & Toby - Ardú Art Project - Shane on coffee duty
Tomás McCurtain - Lest we Forget.
Cork's first Republican Lord Mayor murdered in his home in front of his wife and children by Crown Forces March 1920
Check it out here -
Came across this bit of Handiwork on Patrick Street - this day last year - during one of my epic Lockdown 1 walks around the town.
Tell you the truth it sorta got under my skin -
But this year these days I wouldn't even notice it - Guess it's called the Covid-calm.
Meself and Dogeen out for a scove.
Checkin' out the murals.
This one on Anglesea Street is magical.
BTW - dropped in to say hi to the new Coffee Roasters - gorgeous shop – and didn't Morgan give me a sample of Pizza hot out of the oven - well impressed.
All in all a grand day out
Love this photo - no only my sweet neighbour Maureen outside her pub with my little dog- not even that my book is centre place in the window. But it reminds me of a time back at the beginning of all this when we contemplated the disaster of pubs being closed for a week or two -
The penny just dropped this minute ...
Me and Dogeen up the street early this morning and a total stranger [if such a thing exists on Devonshire Street] asked, – "Do you two go to the same stylist and colourist?"
You know the way sometimes it all gets too much and you realise you can't fix the world ...
So, I'm walking down Pana and I come across this and it dawned on me that this IS something I could fix.
But then thought -
Naw - There's nothing wrong with a wonky world.
Cx
Johnny Timmy Johnny's
The Ponte Vecchio of Iveleary - In the heart of Inchigeela.
Sending Happy Birthday Greetings to Cousin Joe - the beating heart of Inchgeela.
Creedon's Inchigeela Home of the World's Best Apple Crumble.
BURNING OF CORK
I made this in 2005
11th Dec 2020 the 100th anniversary of The Burning of Cork by Crown Forces
BURNING OF CORK broadcast by RTE & Public Screenings including Irish Pavilion Shanghai China, World Expo 2010 and most recently at NYU New York
So here's something you might not know ...
Denis The Menace was 72 years old this week.
Born in the pages of the Beano St. Patrick's Day 1951.
Mini the Minx didn't arrive until Christmas week 1953.
And there's something timeless about the intensity of the blue, red and black ink
Waterstones Cork.
Blessed Be The Book Sellers.
Without them where would Book Writers and Book Readers be.
Me and my Marketing Manager will be closing down for the Season - see ye in the New Year.
Season's Greetings - Keepin' it Local.
Crawford National Gallery -
Ah - delighted to see Eileen Healy's portrait of me included the current exhibition at The Crawford Gallery. The portraits of the Crawford permanent collection are on display to coincide with the Zurich Portrait Prize Exhibition 2019.
Delighted with the news that Doireann Nī Ghríofa - has been inducted into Aosdána. Well deserved – Power Poet - Class A All the Way. Beir Bua, Doireann.
Full-House at Everyman Theatre this Covid-tide.
For Second City Trilogy
Just popped the head in to the Everyman a few minutes ago - to pass on my best to the cast and crew of AlSA Productions.
First up - THE CURE - Curtains up at 8.00pm This evening.
A few weeks back- I was asked to recommend my favourite bar and restaurant in Cork.
Too many says I - it would have to be a selection instead of a choice - and still there's be many omitted.
It will be printed in today's Herald - here's a jpeg- will give you a link when available
Switched the car to Auto Pilot
Found myself among my own.
Cúpla focal le Peadar Ó Riada i gCúil Aodha.
All in all - what a wonderful day.
Creedon's Top of Coom.
Highest Pub In Ireland.
1045 ft above sea level - who could argue with that.
[1046 ft if you stand on the flower pot]
Feckit – I'll go on.
It must be worthy of at least footnote in the Guinness Book of records.
During the month of December: I've had 3 live stage plays , presented a speech from City Hall steps & featured in a live concert - but without one living - live audience member present.
Town buzzing even on the fringes of the Cork International Poetry Festival. Always nice to meet up with Camera-slinger John Minihan - for a cup of Cork's finest. Congrats to the Munster Lit Centre & Pat Cotter & Co.
Remember the days when you'd stick your beak into the coffee shop up the street to catch up with who ever was around -- -seen here with my pal the Barry man.
Won't be long now ...
I've been writing books & plays and all sorts of things about this neighbourhood since back in the last Millennium.
It's a great honour to celebrate the rejuvenation of our neighbourhood with a special reading Saturday afternoon
@cork_coffee
@corkcitycouncil
@market1788
@corkbeo
Home.
You Know The Way
You'd slip the car into auto-pilot
And you find yourself in Glengarriff
Yer mother's people to the West
Yer Father's people to the East
And you sit down - totally at ease among yer own
and the only question on yer mind is
Why you didn't do it sooner ...
I made this documentary in 2005.
With the current commotion surrounding the announcement of the 1920 Irish War of Independence Centenary Commemoration - this documentary offers insight into how 'loyal' Cork of 1900 became the cock pit of violence in 1920.
Reared behind our shop counter, it's the shopkeeper in me. Social media suits me.
I don't do political campaigns, canvassing, gossip or smart-ass put downs. What happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen
I have an amazing ability to talk about nothing - weather a speciality
A Tourist In My Own Town.
Confident that I knew it all - I never actually took the time to stop and read the tourist trail at the top of my street. But for some reason this morning I did - and surprised am I by what I found (BTW, this sign has been there for maybe twenty years ?
I had very sweet encounters with my nieces, nephews - Ellen, Alexandra & Philip & co
Put a spring in my step & a glow in my cheek. The world is in safe hands if these are representative of the generation coming down the tracks.
CP & Siobhan would be very happy
Ar aghaidh linn!
RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents the live world premier of Paul Frost’s, The Burning of Cork
Back in 2020, during Covid, Paul sent me links to this work-in-progress, such a very kind gesture and nod of recognition to my documentary – The Burning of Cork. Seen here with Paul Frost.
What A Difference A Year Makes
I dashed around the corner for a a bottle of milk.
St. Patrick's is buzzing town is bananas.
I'll take a photo tomorrow evening.
Meanwhile - this iconic photo of around the corner Patrick's Night during the darkest days of Covid.
Tx Alison O'Flynn.
Over the past while [since Covid] me and my Head Chef - have been expressing our creativity in the kitchen.
We invented Pan-au-Flake-a-lot an ultra mega filo with a Flake centre. And our Truly Scrumptious! soaked fruit Danish. Today we went savoury - Gourmet Chunky Shepherd's Pie
Me and my Marketing Manager had a busy schedule planned today.
McCarthys James on the Coal Quay for a pair of shoes, drop into Bauhaus in TK MAXX Arcade for a chat with Ruby, Noelle & Jill, Waterstones to sign a few books - Hot Chocolate & chocolate mousse tart at Farmgate Cafe.
Me & my Marketing Manager went for High Tea this afternoon. And you don't get much higher than - The Farmgate Café.
Who did we meet only my old school buddy: Gerry the Poet. A round of Hot Chocolate & Tea Cake & the Best of Company.
Does life get much better? I don't think so...
This photo just popped up this minute over on Book Face. A lovely memory - before the days of social distancing - of a wonderful afternoon when President Michael D and Sabina Higgins dropped in to the Farmgate Cafe Restaurant for lunch.
Had a Pre-Christmas meeting with my Marketing Manager.
She suggested we sell books like hot cakes & recommended that first we should bake hot cakes.
They mightn't look great - but the proof of the pie is in the eating, and you can't judge a book by the cover.
Truly Scrumptious!
Sometimes you just have to listen to the voices.
Ambling along Shoreditch High St. in London town – catch a glimpse of the stunning window display in The House of Hackney. And a voice in the head says: Photograph!
Well sometimes you just gotta listen to the voices.