Ferbane's Emma shortlisted for JP McManus scholarships creative writing prize

A local woman has been shortlisted for the final of the JP McManus 2022 All Ireland Scholarships Alumni Association Creative Writing Competition on March 1.

Ferbane's Emma Corcoran was selected as one of eight finalists in contention for €1,000 and €500 prizes.

Emma, who attended Gallen Community School and went on to study at Technological University Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, submitted a short story for the competition, which was open to all 1,500 members of the association.

The competition began in October. It featured a virtual creative writing workshop hosted by the judges in November, before closing for entries on January 9.

The shortlist was announced this week. Listed below in alphabetical order are the eight All Ireland Scholars whose submissions have been chosen for the final:

* Aida Izydorczyk, 2015 Scholarship recipient, from Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

* Claire O'Brien, 2010 Scholarship recipient, from Ballincollig, Co. Cork

* Emma Corcoran, 2011 Scholarship recipient, from Ferbane, Co. Offaly

* James John O'Connor, 2019 Scholarship recipient, from Newtownforbes, Co. Longford

* Joanne Byrne, 2013 Scholarship recipient, from Gorey, Co. Wexford

* Katie Lockhart, 2015 Scholarship recipient, from Lisburn, Co. Antrim

* Romana Semler, 2011 Scholarship recipient, from Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

* Sinead Greenan, 2010 Scholarship recipient, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan

Entrants could submit up to three stories, each of 2,000 words or less, in fiction and non-fiction categories based on any theme or subject matter. Non-fiction pieces such as a memoir, autofiction and bio-fiction were also welcome.

The judging panel, chaired by Professor Sarah Moore Fitzgerald of University of Limerick (UL), includes Ireland's first Prix Jean Monnet winner, Donal Ryan, acclaimed writer Kerri ní Dochartaigh and poet Alice Kinsella, the 2021 competition winner.

Author of six novels and Professor of Teaching and Learning at UL, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, said: "This competition uncovers and celebrates exceptional creative talent among AIS alumni.

"I'm delighted to be involved; working with a panel of among Ireland's leading writers to discover more creative voices and stories."

The overall winner and three runners-up will be announced on Tuesday, March 1.