The 50th Anniversary Edition of The Stony Thursday Book was officially launched on Friday, 14th November in the Belltable, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick, drawing an audience of almost 200 people to celebrate one of Ireland’s longest-running literary journals.
Founded in 1975 by Limerick poets John Liddy and Jim Burke, The Stony Thursday Book has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s literary landscape, providing a vital platform for both emerging and established voices. Over the decades, it has been edited by some of Ireland’s most respected poets, including Mark Whelan, Kevin Byrne, Patrick Bourke, Knute Skinner, Thomas McCarthy, Ciarán O’Driscoll, Mary Coll, Jo Slade, Paddy Bushe, Peter Sirr, Mary O’Donnell, John Davies, Nessa O’Mahony, Martin Dyar, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Christodoulos Makris, and Victoria Kennefick.
This year’s Golden Jubilee edition brings the founding editors back together, with John Liddy and Jim Burke curating a remarkable collection featuring 157 poets and 10 visual artists. The publication is supported by Limerick City and County Council Arts Office through the Local Authority Arts Council Partnership Programme.
Opening the event on behalf of the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Sharon Benson highlighted the journal’s enduring importance:
“The Stony Thursday Book is a living archive of creativity that has championed poets from Limerick and beyond for five decades. This 50th Anniversary edition reminds us of the power of words to connect communities, challenge perspectives, and celebrate our shared humanity. Limerick is proud to be home to such a resilient and inspiring literary tradition.”
Speaking at the launch, Limerick City and County Council Arts Officer, Etain McCooey paid tribute to the founders, saying:
“Fifty years ago, Jim Burke and John Liddy dreamed of a platform where voices - diverse, profound, and resonant - could join together in creating this wonderful breadth of expression. Their commitment to nurturing creativity and championing the arts has left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless readers and writers, who have found solace, inspiration and connection within the pages of each edition. This anniversary collection stands as a testament to the talent and dedication of those who came before: the founders, Jim and John, who believed in the power of poetry; the editors over the years who nurtured emerging voices; and the writers who entrusted us all with their work.”
About the Founders
John Liddy has published numerous poetry collections with Revival Press, Limerick, including Arias of Consolation (2021/22); Slipstreaming in the West of Ireland (with Jim Burke, 2024); and a short story collection Two in One (with Liam Liddy, 2024). His bilingual collection Spanish Points will soon be published by Huerga y Fierro (Madrid).
Jim Burke is widely recognised for his haiku, featured in Between the Leaves: New Haiku Writing from Ireland (Arlen House, 2016). His works include Quartet (2019), Montage (2021), and Slipstreaming in the West of Ireland (with John Liddy, 2024).
The evening featured readings from contributors and a celebration of the journal’s legacy, reaffirming its role as a vital cultural platform.
Copies of the 50th Anniversary Edition are now available at O’Mahony’s Booksellers, O’Connell Street, Limerick and through the Limerick Arts Office – artsoffice@limerick.ie.
