The 2024 Frances Browne Multilingual Poetry Competition, a highlight of the Frances Browne Literary Festival is set to ignite the imaginations of poets around the world.
The Frances Browne Literary Festival will take place in Ballybofey-Stranorlar from 10th to 13th October 2024, celebrating Frances Browne, the Blind Poetess of Ulster, is the most important writer ever to emerge from Donegal’s Finn Valley. In honour of Frances, the festival supports writers, artists and musicians through events and contests.
Founded in 2008, the Multilingual Poetry Competition has attracted an ever increasing number of entries from across the globe. Uniquely, the competition celebrates East Donegal’s linguistic heritage of English, Irish and Ulster Scots. Entries are invited by poets writing in all of the region’s languages. The closing date for entries this year is Wednesday 21st August 2024.
Launching the competition, Chairperson Celine McGlynn said: “Our unique poetry competition is a celebration of Frances Browne and the trilingual heritage that enriches East Donegal. Each year, we are astounded by the number and quality of entries we receive. This year promises to be no different and we await another extraordinary display of poetic talent. Since the inception of the Frances Browne Literary Festival, now in its fourth year, we’ve received remarkable entries from poets across the globe, from the US and Canada to Singapore and all over Europe. It is gratifying to see Frances Browne’s legacy resonate with so many.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Donegal County Council for their unwavering support of both the Poetry Competition and the Festival.”
New categories celebrate and encourage local writers in East Donegal. These are the people who Frances grew up among and from whom she learned her love of language. Living in a place where English, Irish and Ulster Scots are spoken on a daily basis, they have an innate creativity and way with words that lends itself to poetry and song.
With an impressive total prize fund of €1500, the Frances Browne Multilingual Poetry Competition stands as an unique opportunity for poets from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate their craft.
How to enter
Entries accepted until 21st August 2024 online or in person. €5 per entry. No limit on the number of poems.
Categories for entry are as follows
- English Language – First Prize – €250, Second Prize – €100, Third Prize, €50
- Irish Language – First Prize – €250, Second Prize – €100, Third Prize, €50
- Ulster Scots Language – First Prize – €250, Second Prize – €100, Third Prize, €50
Local Categories
There will be one winning entry in each of these categories. The prize for each category is €100
- The Eilish McBride Award – English Language – Local – Sponsored by Edel MacBride
- Irish Language – Local
- Ulster Scots Language – Local
‘Local’ categories are open to individuals who were born in and/or are currently living in the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District of County Donegal. For details of this area please refer to the link to the Donegal County Council website, or contact the festival committee for confirmation.
For full terms and conditions, schedule of dates and to enter please check entry form on this page or see our website www.francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com; email info@francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com or contact the team via the offices of the Finn Valley Voice – +353 (0)74 913 1665
Full details, along with paper copy and online entry details are available on our website www.francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com or email info@francesbrowneliteraryfestival.com
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