Anne Connolly was born in Ballymena, the “middle town” of county Antrim. During her childhood a love of music and words was fostered at home and at school. Poetry has been an abiding passion. Much of her writing is inspired by the people, the landscape and the diverse history of Ireland.

She and her husband Michael have three children. Anne taught for many years in Ireland, England and more recently in Scotland where she and her family have settled. Latterly she has worked as an independent advocate with older people in long-term care .

Anne writes about her native Ireland with the clarity that comes from a distance of geography and years, yet also with the ease of an ongoing relationship. Her poems tell of an island washed around with water “that may hold the tears/ of Christ himself”, of great banners and kings who still ride on gable ends, a land where nuns play netball and old fishermen catch “gills and tails and flaccid fins”, characters and situations all vividly brought to life. With a surefooted grace she leads us over hills and along coast­lines, from one town to another, exploring on the way small caves and other intimate places and moments. Knitting needles click and dance in and out of these poems creating intricate patterns which sing from the page.

Eleanor Livingstone