I’m thrilled that Matthew Sweeney chose my poem Self Portrait in the Convex Bulge of a Hare’s Eye as the winner of the Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition. The winner – that’s me! – receives a cheque, a travel allowance, meals and accommodation during the Cork Spring Poetry Festival, and all-events pass, a 4-day workshop with poet and editor of Poetry journal, Don Share and publication in Southword. I’m looking forward to reading at the competition award ceremony and Pre-Booked Readings at Cork Spring Poetry Festival on 14 February. Yes, Valentine’s Day, but it’s at 4.00 pm in the Cork Arts Theatre, which leaves plenty of time for more traditional celebrations with your Valentine; and you might even buy him or her a book of poetry instead of a big, soppy ribbons-and-roses card!