From Kilkenny to the Page: A New Poetry Collection
Irish queer woman and advocate Ciara Foskin has released her first poetry collection, a work born from personal trials with cancer and the resilience that follows. Based in Kilkenny, Foskin channels vulnerability, hope, and a fierce commitment to community into verses that speak to anyone facing illness, loss, or uncertainty. The collection marks a notable entry into Irish literature, where personal experience is often transformed into timely social commentary and healing prose.
A Voice for Cancer Patients and Their Families
Foskin’s poems do more than describe illness; they illuminate the emotional and practical realities of living with cancer. By weaving intimate moments with broader social reflections, she offers readers a compassionate lens on patient journeys, treatment challenges, and the daily acts of courage that often go unremarked in medical headlines. The collection also serves as a beacon for families and friends who navigate the ripple effects of a cancer diagnosis, emphasizing solidarity, empathy, and the importance of listening.
Partnership with Marie Keating Foundation
In tandem with her creative work, Foskin is an ambassador for the Marie Keating Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their loved ones with information, advice, and practical services. Her advocacy underscores the role of art in public health—how poetry and storytelling can educate, destigmatize, and connect people to essential resources. The collaboration highlights Foskin’s broader mission: to transform personal hardship into communal strength and accessible knowledge.
A New Chapter for Irish Queer Voices in Poetry
As an openly queer artist, Foskin’s collection contributes to a growing tapestry of Irish poetry that centers diverse experiences. Her work challenges readers to consider intersectionality—how sexuality, illness, and cultural identity intersect and inform one another. This book invites conversations about visibility, representation, and the healing power of art in communities that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream literary spaces.
What Readers Can Expect
Fans of contemporary verse and memoir-like storytelling will find the collection resonant and accessible. Each poem balances lyric intensity with clear narrative threads, making the book suitable for both poetry lovers and readers seeking honest, human stories. The collection encourages readers to reflect on questions of mortality, hope, and the things that anchor us when life feels uncertain.
Looking Ahead: Impact Beyond the Page
Beyond the page, Foskin’s work as a Kilkenny-based poet-advocate is shaping conversations about cancer awareness and support systems in Ireland. By pairing creative expression with practical advocacy, she exemplifies how artists can contribute to public health dialogues, destigmatize difficult experiences, and inspire action—whether through fundraising, information access, or community events.
Why This Book Matters
In a literary landscape hungry for authentic voices and timely topics, Ciara Foskin’s collection stands out as a meaningful, human-centered project. It invites readers to witness the courage it takes to face illness, to celebrate resilience, and to recognize the essential support networks that sustain people through their toughest moments.
