New Irish Science Fiction Association

Hello. My name is Pádraig Ó Méalóid, and I have undertaken to take over the running of NISFA, the New Irish Science Fiction Association, from my sister, Caitríona Hamman.

I've been involved in various aspects of SF fandom in Ireland for nearly twenty years now, and I feel that there is plenty of potential to bring the fortunes of NISFA back towards the levels it enjoyed in the past. To this end, I've spoken to a few people, and wish to speak to a few more, with the intention of forming a sort of committee to oversee the future of NISFA; not just the monthly meeting, but perhaps other occasional organised events also. Before I do all that, though, I wanted to talk to anyone and everyone who wished to express an opinion on the subject, so I'm hoping to organise a sort of open meeting in the city centre in the near future.

Before that, though, there is the regular monthly meeting of the group, which takes place on the second Tuesday of the month in the White Horse Inn on Burgh Quay in Dublin City centre at 8pm, which in this case means Tuesday coming, two days hence. I realise that this is very short notice, and I promise to get the monthly newsletter out with more time to spare in the future.

I'll be in situ there from about 7.30. There is no topic or agenda for this month's meeting, partially because this is August, legendarily a quiet month for meetings of this kind, and partially because I'm keen to get to hear what people have to say about the potential future of the organisation.

If you wish to get in touch with me personally about anything to do with the organisation, my own email address is pomealoid[at]yahoo.com

In the meantime you should give some thought to heading to Belfast on the last weekend of August for Mecon, the annual SF convention held in Queen's University. The Guest of Honour is Charles Stross, and there are lots of other good people there. More details here: http://www.mecon.org.uk/

Best wishes,

Pádraig