The deadline for entry into the €1,000 Bard of Connacht poetry competition will be 5pm this Monday, September 30.
Inspired by a line from a Percy French song, the theme for the 2024 competition is ‘Lonliness’, especially as despite technological connection, many members of today’s society remain lonely and feel disconnected.
The free competition is run by Kilbegnet Historical Society, in conjunction with Creggs Harvest Festival and takes place annually during the October Bank Holiday weekend in Creggs, Co Galway.
Last year a Junior Bard competition was introduced, which proved popular with Transition Year students and prompted many teenagers to emulate the bardic tradition.
The winner of this year’s Bard of Connacht will receive the Vincent Keaveny Memorial Trophy and a cheque for €500, while second, third and fourth placed poets will receive €250, €150 and €100.
Poets are invited to submit one entry of less than 400 words to [email protected] and all entries must be received by Monday, September 30th at 5 pm.
A judging panel will then select the ten best entries, four of which will be winners. All entries must be original and there is no entry fee. Composers of the ten best entries will be invited to attend an event in Creggs during the Harvest Festival, and recite their poem. The five prize winners will be announced at that event, and prizes presented.
