The Bard of Armagh

The Bard of Armagh Competition of Humorous Verse sends out a challenge to all aspiring bards to start composing with a view to becoming Bard of Armagh 2012

Most humorous poems are uncomplicated, yet clever and underpinned by first class talents of composition and delivery.  Styles of presentation vary as do the limitless  themes ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime, from the battered husband to the obsessive veterinary surgeon, from the Y factor to the mid-life crisis, from the recession to the credit crunch, from the poteen well to the surrogate father, from water problems to HRT and from wedding invitations to shopping blues.   Lawyers, lorry drivers, doctors, dancers, plumbers, plasterers, teachers, typists, care assistants, couriers, farmers, foresters, surveyors and sailors among others have all thrown caution to the wind and have become established yarn spinners and bards.

 Dormant in the subconscious mind is a craving to compose and recite.  Something miniscule, fleeting and irrelevant could activate this.  The product could be a lasting manifestation of one’s inner self.  It is powerful and uplifting to have an ode in the memory bank, as the call to recite can happen in the very strangest circumstances and can have a profound and transforming effect on many.  One should always be ready!  Never let it be said that you missed the boat!

The poem should be at least 200 words in length and should not exceed 10 minutes performance time.


There will be an entry fee of £2.00 for each poem.

Deadline: 1 October  

The finals take place in Armagh City Hotel on Friday 16 November.  

Details can be found on the Bard website, www.bardofarmagh.com