THE winners of the Manchester Irish Language Writing Prize have been announced.
The successful writers were chosen from strong shortlists by Belfast author Seán Ó Muireagáin and named following readings from his short story collection Gáire in Éag at a Story Evening held during the Manchester Irish Language Festival 2020.
Attendees at the virtual event also heard a message of support via video clip from Gerald Angley, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in London.
In his bi-lingual address he commented that "promoting poetry and prose in our native tongue is a great initiative and I am sure that the judges have not had an easy task at all in choosing from such a strong, diverse field".
He also commented on how fitting the theme of Athrú (Change) was for the year of 2020.
In the short story section Galway's Pádraig Ó Mathúna took the top spot with Cuimhní na Cille and a prize of £50 and Medb Ní Dhúláin of County Antrim received £25 as runner-up with Eireaball Cóiméad.
In the poetry categories, with the same prizes, first place went to Niall Ó Siadhail of London with Filleadhwhile Summer Quinn of South Dakota in the US won the second prize with Smúiríneach.
Special prizes of £25 were awarded to the best works by Manchester Irish Language Group students - with Olivia Ní Mhaoláin of Manchester taking the best poem award with Réaltógach and the short story Séasúir na habhann proving a winner for Vincent Roddy, now of Derry.
See More: Manchester Irish Language Writing Prize
