Cúirt names two winners of Festival’s new writing prize

The winners of the Cúirt New Writing Prize for 2022 are Welcome to the World by Shane Murphy (short fiction) and I’m Trying to Write a Poem About an Angel by Siobhán Flynn (poetry). Both writers will take part in this year’s Cúirt festival which runs from April 4-10.

The judges for 2022 were novelist Lisa McInerney (short fiction), poet Gail McConnell (poetry), and Siobhán Ní Dhomhnaill (Irish Language).

Lisa McInerney described Shane’s entry as: “A character study that’s compassionate and raw, and a reflection on yearning and identity that was moving and surprising. This isn’t the most polished work on the longlist, but to me it was the most promising.”

Of Siobhán Flynn’s winning poem, the judge Gail McConnell reflected on its appeal. “I liked this poem when I read it first, but I noticed that I kept re-reading it, and each time I did, I noticed something new. It’s a poem that knows what it’s about – and it’s about a state of unknowing. . . . .There’s a lot about it to enjoy – humour, clear diction, good line-endings and a se.”’.

Notable mentions/Shortlisted submissions for fiction include Electric Ink by Paula Dias, Fallow by Serena Lawless and Tine Leatromach by Annemarie Nugent

Notable mentions/Shortlisted submissions for poetry include Samhain by Molly Twomey and Fásra by Liam Mac Peaircín

Shane Murphy and Siobhán Flynn will receive €500 and both will read at the New Writing Showcase on April 5 at 11am in Druid’s Mick Lally Theatre. The New Writing Prize is sponsored by Tigh Neachtain in memory of Lena McGuire.

More information on the programme and all events at https://www.cuirt.ie.