By George

A tribute to the poet, wit, father and husband that was George Fennell, 1924 - 2012.

1. Hilary's introduction
2. Resurrection
3. Maura
4. The Professor's Dream
5. The Eye and Ear Hospital
6. The Tavern
7. Sybil's recollection
8. Ivor's speech
9. Macushla sung by John McCormack

Original preface to the poetry collection, 'Resurrection': -

These poems form an important part of Fennell’s canon. Up until now little has been known about this elusive figure, save for the fact that he is sometimes referred to as ‘The Bard of Donnybrook’. A modest man, a medical man, a man of immense talent – that much we knew – but details of his personal life remained shrouded in secrecy. Now, thanks to this collection, we are finally allowed a rare insight into the people, places and events that have helped to shape this artist’s life.

From the haunting lines of ‘Resurrection’, with its religious undertones (which hint at the possible suffering that Fennell may have endured during his time with the Jesuits) to the lyrical strains of ‘Athlone’, (which cleverly convey the conflicting emotions of both love and hate which Fennell holds for his birthplace of the title) this collection is as rewarding as it is revealing.

Fennell subtly alludes to the challenge which he faced as an artist when confronted with the semi-institutionalised world of modern medical science. Works such as ‘The Nose’ capture his passion for his profession but the mood darkens in ‘The Professor’s Dream’ and ‘A Surgeon’s Tale’ - flinging the reader into the Kafkaesque reality hidden behind the seemingly banal.

Things take on an even more blatantly autobiographical nature with the sublime ‘Maura’ - undoubtedly inspired by Fennell’s wife and muse. It is clear that he is strongly influenced by Coleridge and Kipling. A lesser man would try to hide this fact. Fennell is generous enough to acknowledge his debt.

However, Fennell never ceases to surprise. Just as things appear to be blending seamlessly together we are suddenly hit with the refreshingly frank ‘Feck off Bunny’. Another masterpiece, powerful in its directness, which clarifies the poet’s stance on environmental issues.

The words of another literary giant, Oliver Goldsmith, best express my thoughts on Fennell after studying this anthology - ‘And still they gazed and still the wonder grew, That one small head could carry all he knew.’ For what we have here is a veritable smorgasbord of knowledge, ideas and original views. Sheer genius.

H Llennef, December 2009 #GeorgeFennell #Resurrection #ByGeorge #poetry #DeathTribute