Tag: Irish Writers Centre

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!