Kate Beagan exhibition at Doorway Gallery Photo: © Michael Fisher

As the capital prepares for a Monaghan invasion for the return match against the Dubs at Croke Park on Sunday in the National League football semi-final, tonight (Thursday) was also an important (and busy) night for Monaghan folk in Dublin in the arts world. Donaghmoyne artist Kate Beagan was launching a new exhibition of her paintings “I Came Upon A Place” in the Doorway Gallery at South Frederick Street. Mary O’Donnell from Monaghan town was celebrating the publication of a new collection of poetry, “Those April Fevers” by Arc Publications. There were many familiar faces in the Benedict Kiely room at the Irish Writers Centre in Parnell Square, including several supporters of the William Carleton summer school such as poets Maurice Harmon and Iggy McGovern.

Mary O’Donnell Photo: © Michael Fisher