Matt Mooney, a distinguished poet from Galway, Ireland, has carved a unique space in contemporary literature through his evocative poetry and deep-rooted connection to his heritage. Now residing in Listowel, a town renowned for its literary legacy, Mooney continues to contribute to the Irish and global literary landscapes with his profound and lyrical verse.
His literary journey is marked by the publication of six poetry collections, including five in English and one in Irish. His works include Droving (2003), Falling Apples (2010), Earth to Earth (2015), The Singing Woods (2017), and Steering by the Stars (2021), all of which resonate with themes of nature, heritage, and human experience. His Irish-language collection, Éalú (2021), demonstrates his commitment to preserving and celebrating the Irish literary tradition.
Mooney’s poetry has earned him well-deserved recognition. In 2022, he secured third prize in the Irish-language poetry competition at the Ballybunion Arts Festival, and in 2018, he won the Pádraig Liath Ó’Conchubhair Award at the Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival. His poetic brilliance has also been acknowledged through longlist nominations for prestigious competitions such as the Fish Poetry Prize and The Francis Browne Poetry Competition.
Beyond his own writing, Mooney plays a vital role in fostering literary culture in Ireland. He organizes the Cúirt Filíochta at Listowel Writers’ Week, a premier literary festival that celebrates poetry and creative expression. Additionally, as the Deputy Editor and Poetry Reviewer for The Galway Review, he actively engages in shaping contemporary poetry discourse and supporting emerging voices.
His influence extends beyond Ireland, with his work being featured in literary journals and anthologies such as Howl, The Stony Thursday Poetry Book, The Blue Nib, Feasta, The Mill Valley Literary Review, Vox Galvia, and Live Encounters. His poetic voice also transcends linguistic boundaries, with multilingual publication credits in international anthologies such as The Amaravati Poetic Prism, I Can’t Breathe, Immagines & Poesia, Canto Planetaria, and Ukraine: An Anthology of War Poems.
Mooney’s poetry is characterized by its deep emotional resonance, striking imagery, and a profound connection to place and memory. Whether exploring themes of nature, identity, or human resilience, his verse captures universal truths that transcend borders. As a featured reader at renowned literary events such as Ó Bhéal in Cork, The West Cork Literary Festival, Féile Raifteirí, and On the Nail in Limerick, he continues to enchant audiences with his powerful recitations. He has also been a guest on Lime Square Poets and Cultivating Voices Live Poetry, further amplifying his reach in the global literary community.
Through his dedication to poetry, Mooney not only enriches Irish literature but also contributes to the broader dialogue of cultural and linguistic exchange. His work serves as both a tribute to the past and a beacon for the future, ensuring that the poetic tradition remains alive and thriving in Ireland and beyond.