Young Waterford writer to officially launch deeply personal poetry 

Eighteen year old Waterford writer Darragh O'Dempsey will officially launch his poetry anthology, 'The Serpent's Hiss', during this year's Culture Night.

The evening will feature a live reading, book signings, an open Q&A, a chance to connect with the words, the writers and the stories behind them.

Local writer and poet, Wayne Power will introduce and launch Darragh's debut collection of poetry.

Darragh O'Dempsey is an eighteen-year-old writer from Waterford. 

Earlier this year, he announced and released his debut poetry anthology, 'The Serpent's Hiss'. 

The collection captures intimate snapshots of memories and emotions drawn from the past two years of his life. 

With a writing style that leans heavily into the confessional and vulnerable, Darragh weaves raw feeling and personal reflection into each piece, shaping a voice that is both honest and haunting. 

His debut work marks a bold and thoughtful entrance into the world of poetry.

In 'The Serpent's Hiss', Darragh shares a deeply personal view into his experience of adolescence in Waterford.

The poems delve into the often turbulent journey of youth, navigating identity, rebellion, love, and loss.

Speaking on the work, Darragh said that creating the collection became an important emotional outlet for him during a difficult time in his life.

“It’s very autobiographical, full of feelings that I’ve felt of heartbreak and grief and the loss of identity. 

"They’re all etched into the pages.

"I find it a way to process and put my emotions into words. 

"I think we’d all combust if we kept it all inside, so it became a very important outlet for me."

'The Serpent’s Hiss' by Darragh O’Dempsey will be launched in Ardkeen Library on Culture Night, September 19, at 6pm.