Category: Writing Life

Writing Life, Writing News, Writing Workshops

Brigid Celebrations 2025 – “Fire” news!

Exciting Announcement!

With thanks to our publisher Arlen House and Syracuse University Press Fire: Brigid and The Sacred Feminine is now available in USA.

Nearer to home, Women Spirit Ireland are hosting a Brigit Weekend at An Grianán in County Louth which focus on Brigit as Peace-Weaver and is curated by the wonderful Dr Mary Condren.

*NOTE: Due to Storm Éowyn, this event will now take place on the weekend of 1 February. All registrations for the original event are valid for the rescheduled event. However, if anyone is unable to attend the rescheduled event, please contact wsibrigit2025@gmail.com and they will arrange for your refund. See WomanSpiritIreland Website for more information.

With thanks again to Kildare County Council/ Brigid 1500 for awarding me a Brigid 1500 Grant in 2024 which allowed me to work with Niamh Boyce and Arlen House to curate Fire: Brigid and The Sacred Feminine which is also available for purchase from KENNYS (free postage in Ireland), BLACKWELLS (free worldwide postage) and to borrow from libraries across Ireland.

Collaboration, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing News

Nollaig na mBan Celebrations

I’m delighted to be representing Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann alongside fellow board member Celia de Fréine at this year’s Irish Writers Centre celebration of Nollaig na mBan. In these difficult times, it is even more important to defend the right to responsible Freedom of Expression which is at the core of the work of all PEN centres.

Poet Jessica Traynor will host the evening which will celebrate women, explore witchcraft, the tarot and scientific achievement. I very much look forward to hearing contributions from Marianne Lee, Nuala O’Connor, Sophie White, Chandrika Marayanan-Mohan, Anne Tannam and musician Zoé Basha.

Nollaig na mBan: Women of Magic and Science takes place on Monday 6th January in Pearse Street Library at 7pm.

Irish Times, Saturday 4th January 2025 – Summary of the event.

Writing Awards, Writing Life, Writing News

Winner of the Jack Harte Bursary 2025

Shauna Gilligan with Jack Harte both holding a golden envelope. Photograph by Ger Holland Photography, used with permission and with thanks (IWC).

I am delighted to announce that I have won the Jack Harte Bursary 2025 for professional writers.

The award was presented at The Christmas Party at the Irish Writers Centre. This party is always a special occasion where writers can come together in festive year and catch up socially, listen to some readings and have a nibble and a glass of wine or water. This year as well as the award presentation, Booker shortlisted Paul Murray and Booker Winner Paul Lynch gave wonderful readings from their latest work. New work was also read: Liam Maguire who won the Guthrie Bursary 2025 shared a great flash fiction piece. Congratulations, Liam!

L to R Jack Harte, Founder of the Irish Writers Centre; Liam Maguire, winner of the Guthrie Bursary; Shauna Gilligan, winner of the Jack Harte Bursary; Anna Walsh, Director of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. Photograph by Ger Holland Photography, used with permission (IWC)

For more information see the Irish Writers Centre website.

Sincere thanks to the Irish Writers Centre and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. I can’t wait to get back to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and get writing!