It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of one of Strokestown Poetry’s longterm friends and supporters and one of the richest voices in Irish poetry, Macdara Woods. We will miss him greatly as a mentor and contributor to Strokestown.  With Eiléan, Macdara published many new voices, and we are honoured to have had him visit every year to launch Cyphers at the festival. To Eiléan, Niall and family we offer our sincere condolences.  R.I.P June 15th 2018