Men’s Sheds Poetry Contest
Ahead of National Poetry Day on April 26th, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association has linked up with Poetry Ireland to offer a world first – a men’s sheds poetry contest.
The Men’s Sheds Poetry Contest 2018 will offer shed members throughout the country the chance to wax lyrical on every topic under the sun.
The contest will be judged by Dermot Bolger – poet, novelist and playwright extraordinaire. The announcement of the winners will coincide with National Poetry Day on Thursday, April 26th.
Maureen Kennelly, Director of Poetry Ireland, is pleased to support this unusual and unique venture: “At Poetry Ireland, our number one mission is to connect people with poetry, across the island of Ireland”, she says. “We are aware of the invaluable, positive impact that the men’s sheds movement has had on communities, connecting people through common interests, shared goals and new friendships. We are delighted to be associated with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association for this Poetry Competition, and we very much look forward to enjoying and sharing the winning poems on Poetry Day Ireland.”
In a country steeped in literary tradition, the competition is bound to throw up some fascinating and novel takes on the noble art of verse. Entry is open to all men’s sheds members throughout the island of Ireland.
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and will include a number of vintage poetry books (via Ulysses Books), an annual subscription to Poetry Ireland’s publications Poetry Ireland Review and Trumpet and framed copies of the winning poems to hang in your shed!
Poems must have a title, must be 30 lines or fewer in length (not including title) and should be sent to turlough@menssheds.ie or, via post, to Poetry Contest, Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Social Innovation Hub, 1st Floor, Ballymun Civic Centre, Dublin 9. The full list of rules can be downloaded here: https://menssheds.iedownloads/
Best of luck to all entrants. Since we have no wish to stifle anyone’s creativity, entries are welcomed on any subject whatsoever; however, entrants are invited to consider and explore the topic of what it means to be a man in contemporary Ireland.
