Young Mayo writers team up with writers from Gaza and Cairo to publish book

Sixteen young writers from Ballinrobe, Gaza and Cairo have come together to launch A Spinning Tyre, an anthology of work celebrating youth voices, international connection and the power of creative expression.

The book emerged from a series of online and in-person writing workshops led by Liam Horan as part of the University of Limerick’s Creative Writers in the Community (CWIC) programme. Developed in partnership with the Hands Up Project – a UK-based charity that promotes connection through storytelling between young people worldwide and those in Palestine – the project sparked a collaboration across three communities.

The featured writers are: Ben Egan, Caoimhe Macken, Dominic Brennan, Donal Lenihan, Jessica McMurray, Nathan Loughrey, Stephen John Feerick (Ballinrobe, Ireland); Alaa Kamal, Hala Aqel, Islam Kamal, Jaber Hammam Basal, Lama Ehab Sadi Kuhail, Leen Ehab Sadi Kuhail, Malak Basal, Marah Kamel Abu Shamla and Wadee Nasser Ahmed Shabat (Gaza and Cairo).

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Writing in both English and Arabic, the students explore themes such as war, identity, resilience, loss and belonging. Their words are raw and imaginative, reflecting their individual experiences and cultural contexts. The bilingual format underscores the project’s ethos of empathy and shared understanding.

A Spinning Tyre is available for €10 at Martin Murphy’s Newsagents, Ballinrobe. The initiative was supported by Mayo Mental Health Association, whose advocacy for youth wellbeing and artistic expression made the project possible.

“This book is more than a collection of poems and stories. It’s a testimony to the imagination, courage and emotional intelligence of our students – and a reminder of the power of creative writing to break down borders,” said Ms Lisa Connaughton, the coordinating teacher at Ballinrobe Community School.

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“This project proves that even in the most difficult of circumstances, young people have powerful stories to tell. It’s been a privilege to help bring these voices together through creativity and compassion,” said Nick Bilbrough, the Hands Up Project.

“The students worked hard to shape their ideas into strong, honest writing. What they’vecreated is an anthology that explores a wide range of topics,” said Liam Horan.

Photo Caption: Back row, l to r: Nathan Loughrey, Stephen John Feerick, Dominic Brennan, Ben Egan, Donal Lenihan, Liam Horan, editor/facilitator. Front row, l to r: Ms Lisa Connaughton, teacher, Caoimhe Macken, Jessica McMurray,
Ms Julie Anne Collins, Principal.