University of Limerick’s own Professor Eoin Devereux launched his debut poetry collection ‘Gardening Leave’ at the Bourn Vincent Gallery on Tuesday, November 11.
Devereux teaches Cultural Sociology at the university and also leads the ‘Creative Writers in the Community’ module for the UL Masters in Creative Writing.
The event, organised by UL Creative Writing, was hosted by fellow UL professor and poet Dr Emily Cullen, with an introduction from Professor Joseph O’Connor.
O’Connor described Devereux as “a deep thinking, passionate person” who’s poetry contains “profound insight.”
Devereux read poetry from the collection to an enthusiastic audience of students and fans alike.
The first poem read was ‘Foxes’, and it soon becomes clear what O’Connor meant. Written from the perspective of an upper-class person worrying about their way of life being threatened by those in the working class and migrants, his work explores key issues.
Devereux explains; “This poem is a reflection of wider processes that are happening, not just in Ireland. Class is one of those words people are no longer comfortable with talking about, but people and places become so easily stigmatised, and they can often internalise and believe that.”
Devereux’s style seamlessly blends political commentary with humour.
Such juxtapositions of the ‘foxes’ “travelling by E-Scooter, bus, bicycle or stolen car” with “our designer chickens, de-luxe wheelie bins, or bespoke angora rabbits” allow for his point to be communicated more effectively than through academic writing.
“So much academic writing is so dry and banal,” he says. “The experience of what it feels like to actually be working class, or homeless, or marginalised or whatever it is you’re talking about is missing in that kind of writing.”
“I feel a strong need to engage with issues about class and it’s important that we have these discussions. I still have that strong sense that I occupy a quite privileged position being a professor in a university, and all my life, what I have tried to do is use that position to raise awareness about things that impact on people who don’t have a voice.”
Another poem that stood out was ‘Murder in the University’, which describes his frustrations with the increasing bureaucracy and privitisation of universities around the world.
“Universities all around the world are under threat. If you see education as a public good, as something that everybody should be entitled to engage with and benefit from.”
Aside from poetry, Devereux is also a huge fan of music, particularly punk rock, having co-edited books on iconic artists such as David Bowie and Morrissey (whose t-shirt he sported at the launch)
In September, he released his first single ‘Welcome To The Sharktank’ as one half of the post punk duo Dopamine Fix.
The single is available to stream now on Spotify and YouTube. Their next single ‘Real’ releases in January. The band’s first album, which Devereux says they have just finished recording, comes out in March 2026.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do in my life. I only wonder why I didn’t do it a long time ago.”
Devereux says the band has also helped to improve his poetry, by making him more patient.
Devereux’s poetry comes from his own lived experiences, with a uniquely sharp wit and important political themes prevalent throughout his works. His personality and strong sense of justice shine through, making Gardening Leave really stand out.
The book features 48 poems including new works and previously published material in journals and anthologies in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Gardening Leave is available to purchase now in O’Mahony’s Booksellers on O’Connell St or online.
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