News

Our judges had an inspiring but difficult task to choose the winning stories from over two hundred entries. The six shortlisted stories will be available as an anthology and we hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Winner

St Kilda Bird Song – K.F. MacCarthy 

A magical and immersive story of a late nineteenth century teacher on the remote island, told from diverse perspectives with fluency and confidence. A very special piece of writing about a remarkable place.

Highly Commended

After Jutland, 1916 – Liz Kershaw

A touching and assured story of motherhood and family as a widow struggles to raise her three boys after losing her husband. A tale of ordinary heroism done with a light touch.

No Competition – Elaine O’Connor

A gentle tale of triumph, full of quiet pride. A teacher gives a memorable student her moment and changes her life.

Shortlisted

Mother’s Fury – Laura Karim

A taught slice of violence and revenge at the climax of the peasant’s revolt in 14th century England.

Bonfire Night – Muiread O’Hanlon

A fresh and convincing voice of boyhood adventure in Ireland. Vivid and compelling.

Nebraska – Cath Staincliffe

Richly imagined story of frontier adventure and resilience. 

Thank you so much to all the writers who submitted stories this year. As always the standard was very high, and the judges were deeply impressed by the range of periods, places and people brought to life by the entrants. We read adventure, romance, mystery and enjoyed delicate portraits of forgotten characters.