Sir, - I agree with Mary Shine (November 17th) that generations of Irish school-children of both genders have been denied the opportunity to experience some of the most powerful poetry written in English. It is, however, never too late for change. There are many generous practising contemporary poets, both male and female, in Ireland and abroad willing to help those involved in syllabus reform with suggestions and advice.
Sourcing poetry written in the 19th and 20th centuries by Irishwomen for example, is not problematic. I would like to refer those responsible for bringing about change to the work of the Californian academic, Dr Anne Ulry Colman. Her book, A Dictionary of Nineteenth-Century Irish Women Poets, was published by Kenny's, Galway, in 1996. This book was at first presented as a PhD thesis to University College, Galway, under the supervision of Prof Kevin Barry. It is a treasure trove of biography and bibliography and would prove an essential guide.
Dr Colman's work in turn inspired me to research and present work on 20th-century Irish women poets to UCD as part of an MA degree awarded in 1997. I researched the poetry of all Irish women poets published in book form from 1940 onwards. Eightytwo poets are included and happily, with three exceptions, all still live, write and publish their poetry in Ireland and abroad. Just as these poets co-operated with my research with generous spirit, so too would they respond to anybody committed to even beginning to give our children a more balanced experience of poetry.
Writing in his fine introduction to Sounding - Leaving Certificate Poetry Interim Anthology, the late Prof Augustine Martin wrote: "Between the covers of this book there is a splendid body of poetry, some of the finest poems from one of the greatest literatures of the world." This is indisputable; but let us now include other voices, always of course, bearing in mind that no anthology which includes the work of living poets, male or female, can be anything but provisional. - Yours, etc., Joan McBreen,
Tuam,
Co Galway.