Waterford poetry press launches first two pamphlets

Three Pillars Press, Waterford’s first dedicated poetry press, will celebrate a significant milestone this week with the Waterford launch of its first two poetry pamphlets, showcasing the winner and runner-up of its 2026 Poetry Pamphlet Competition.

The event will take place at The Book Centre, Waterford city, on Friday, November 6, at 6pm, where poetry lovers will have the opportunity to meet the authors and hear readings from the newly published works.

The two debut publications are Ghost Moth by Niamh Twomey and M(other)ing by Tramore poet Elaine Westnott-O’Brien.

Twomey’s Ghost Moth explores themes of anxiety, loss and environmental concern. The collection weaves together personal grief, reflections on the natural world and childhood memories, bringing life to seemingly ordinary objects and overlooked moments. 

Originally from Co. Clare and now based in Belfast, Twomey is currently completing a PhD at the Seamus Heaney Centre. Her poetry has appeared in a range of respected literary journals, including Poetry London, The London Magazine, Southword and Banshee.

Meanwhile, M(other)ing by Westnott-O’Brien offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of family life, charting both the challenges and rewards of parenthood. Through poems rooted in everyday domestic experiences, the collection examines the struggles, resilience and triumphs of two women raising their children.

Westnott-O’Brien, who is from Tramore, has previously been published in The Storms Journal, The Waxed Lemon and Wexford Bohemian, with further work forthcoming in Southword. Her achievements also include a Pushcart Prize nomination and a poetry mentorship award from the Munster Literature Centre.

The launch will be led by local poet Mark Roper, who will formally introduce both publications on the evening. Mark was recently elected as a member of Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland.

Copies of Ghost Moth and M(other)ing will be available to purchase at the event.

Organisers are encouraging members of the public, poetry enthusiasts and supporters of local literature to attend what promises to be a landmark occasion for Waterford’s growing literary community.

The launch takes place at The Book Centre, Waterford, on November 6 at 6pm. All are welcome.