Criterion

For many years, the literary side of this fine society has been sidelined. Most committees simply satisfy themselves with a lone literary evening in the second semester and perhaps a small section in the College Annual. However, this year, thanks in the main to Elaine Dobbyn, the Lit 'n' Deb finally branch out and extend itself into the literary life of the college, with the Literary Evening seeing the re-launch of "Criterion".

"Criterion" was first launched by the Arts Society in 1953, to serve as a forum for new writing both on and off campus. Between 1953 and 1991, the annual published such people as Michael D. Higgins, Fred Johnston, Julian Gough, Ian Kilroy, Olaf Tryanson, the late Caitlin Maude and the Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney. Unfortunately, since 1991 and the demise of the Arts Society, the magazine has lain idle and Galway was deprived of one of its few literary outlets.

Seeing this gaping hole in Ireland's supposed capital of culture, the re-birth of "Criterion" became a Lit ‘n’ Deb priority. Thanks to the Alumni Association, who made monies available for the publication and launch, and the SU publications manager, Anne Marie Carroll, who offered her services to layout and design the magazine, this re-birth was made all the easier. As well as that, perhaps the most important constituent to fit into place were the contributors. From the start, Elaine and I received some breath taking and amazing poetry and prose from students and from those from the literary scene off campus. Not enough thanks can go to these people without whom the magazine wouldn't have been possible.

The launch itself took place, with an obligatory wine reception, on the 26th of March. With all the contributors in attendance, the magazine was officially launched by the president of the college Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh and by the esteemed director Garry Hynes, a one time editor of "Criterion". Proving quite a success (despite some haggling over the bill with a certain catering company), we all retired to the Kirwan, where a Literary Evening was held to celebrate the history of the magazine.

The Kirwan saw readings from most of the contributors to the magazine. David O'Brien read some of his new poetry; Kevin Higgins read excerpts from his short story; while societies officer Riona Hughes gave us a dramatic rendition of her piece "The App!e of My Fathers Eye". For the assembled masses (sic) it was certainly a night to remember. But if you came to the reception in the Skeff afterwards maybe not.....

Declan W. Burke (2nd Commerce)

Literary Officer