We send all best wishes to our sister event in the Twin Towns, the Frances Browne Literary Festival as they launch their writing competitions. They deserve great credit for their unique approach in holding writing competitions in Irish, English, and Ulster-Scots.
For details, application forms, etc. drop over to their web-site
One of these years, we'll have to have a get-together to discuss the great mystery of Donegal Literature - how did Frances and William not know each other? Both poets born in Donegal and died in England over very similar life spans (give or take a decade). William was friendly with Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who was known to be a major influence on Frances. All three of them were frequently published in The Atheneum. Yet, not only do they not seem to have met, I can see no indication that they were even aware of each other. Curious!
Anyway, we look forward to the imminent announcement of the full 2025 programme for the festival which runs in Ballybofey and Stranorlar, 9-12 October.