When Castlefinn woman Priscilla Kee was planning the artwork for her first poetry collection, she was delighted to source a photo of Fanad Lighthouse from Mr Michael Sugrue.
Weeks later, she found herself in the North West Breast Care Centre listening to Mr Sugrue, both a consultant surgeon and photographer, deliver her sister’s cancer diagnosis.
Inspired by her sister’s courage and the work of the breast clinic, Priscilla decided to delay the launch of her poetry book until October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Writing For My Life, out on the 9th of October, features 40 poems drawn from everyday life.
The meaning of Priscilla’s collection and its importance is growing each day with €5 from every sale going directly to the North West Breast Care Centre at Letterkenny University Hospital.
A powerful photo by Michael Sugrue of Fanad Lighthouse now graces the cover of ‘Writing For My Life’ by Priscilla Kee
“I was always planning on putting together a collection, I just didn’t imagine it would be in this way,” says Priscilla, a theatre operative at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“You do feel hopeless in these situations but this makes me feel like I’m doing something for my sister, to have something to look forward to, and to give back to the clinic.”
Priscilla’s older sister is now halfway through her chemotherapy and is looking positively towards the future.
“She’s happy now to raise awareness and tell women to go and get checked,” Priscilla adds. “Early detection is what it’s all about.”
“It is one of those stories, she was afraid to go to the doctor to get it checked, like a lot of women who are afraid because of what they might hear. We never had any cancer in our family before, and you don’t really think about it until it comes to your own door.”
Priscilla added, “I didn’t know much about the breast clinic but when you see someone you love going through the treatment, you realise how amazing it is. From Mr Sugrue to the doctors and nurses, the plan of action they have is excellent.”
The launch event for ‘Writing For My Life’ will have a special focus on breast cancer awareness, with all proceeds from the entry fee and raffle to be donated to the Breast Care Centre.
Priscilla has loved literature since she was a teen and, over the years, has developed a following on her PK Poetry page. Her verses, like those of her favourite writer, Sylvia Plath, contain raw emotion and empathy, often delving into the delicate landscape of mental health. In 2016, she won first place in the English category of the Frances Browne poetry competition with her poem, titled The Depression.
An evening of music, poetry, and learning has been planned for the launch of Writing For My Life on Thursday, 9th October at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny. Doors open 7.30pm.
The event will feature prosecco on arrival, music by Rodney and Claire Deery, a speech and reading by Priscilla, and a talk from guest speaker Mr Michael Sugrue about the work of the breast centre as well as his photography.
Advice will also be shared with women on how to self-check and what breast cancer symptoms to look out for.
Priscilla hopes the event will inspire women to be proactive about their health. “If at least two or three women go home and think to check themselves properly, that would be a win,” she said.
Everyone is welcome to the launch, tickets are €10 and can be bought at the door, no booking necessary.
A raffle will be held with a wonderful range of prizes, including a Finn Harps FC sponsored signed jersey and these wonderful prizes:
- 1st prize: €300 voucher for McCrearys, Crossroads, Killygordon, sponsored by MelMc Construction.
- 2nd prize: Pink ghds limited edition for breast cancer awareness from Patrick Gildea with a value of €209.
- 3rd prize: €200 coal voucher from Flanagans fuels, Clady.
- 4th prize: €100 voucher for Crawford Tiles, Dungorman, Castlefinn.
- 5th prize: €100 voucher Andrea Devines Opticians, Letterkenny.
- 6th prize: Afternoon tea for 2 at Kees Hotel, Stranorlar.
- 7th prize: Nomination bracelet with book charm from McCullaghs jewellers, Main St, Letterkenny.
- 8th prize: €50 voucher Anne O Gorman, Ballybofey.
- 9th prize: €50 voucher, Murrays Pharmacy, Castlefinn.
- 10th prize: Kernans hamper
- 11th prize: Kernans hamper
- 12th prize: €30 voucher, Mcelhinneys, Ballybofey
- 13th prize: €25 voucher, Easons, Letterkenny.
- 14th prize: 70cl bottle of Brandy, Kirks off-licence, Clady.
For news and updates on Priscilla’s book and event, please click here to follow PK Poetry on Facebook
Donegal poet shines a light on breast cancer awareness was last modified: September 20th, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin
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