For many primary school children, English lessons can bring dread as essays, grammar and syntax take centre stage. However there is a place in Dublin that welcomes the most wild and imaginative tales that can be dreamed up. Structure and rules of the language take a back seek as all emphasis is put on the story.
Fighting Words was set up by author Roddy Doyle and Sean Love in January 2009 on Russell Street in the shadow of Croke Park. Since then, 40,000 people have come through the door. The centre welcomes children and teenagers as well as adults with special needs. There is no charge for any participants and there are a number of programs to cater for different age groups and media forms. However, the primary focus is to foster creative writing.
I spent a morning at the centre where 4th class in Scoil Thomas from Castleknock, Dublin, went through the revolving magical door and created their own unique story of adventure and intrigue.
You can listen to the full report here:
