All Write Now winners announced

Today at the awards ceremony in the fitting surroundings of Dublin’s Writer’s Museum, four deserving winners were presented with their prizes by Choice Award Winner, Neil Hannon and Paula Cullen from The Chalets.
Prizes were also awarded to 16 runners-up from 4 categories. The four overall winners were, from the 3rd level category, Claire O’Reilly from Dublin and Liam Clune from Kildare; from the 2nd Level category, Orla Ryan from Sligo and Tim Smyth from Kilkenny.

In total, 3,000 submissions were received and the finalists were chosen by a judging panel of well-known writers and musicians including, Neil Hannon, best selling author Alex Barclay, Paul Howard of Ross O’ Carroll Kelly fame, Paula Cullen of The Chalets and Niall Stokes and Stuart Clark of Hot Press.

The winning scribes were rewarded with the opportunity to intern at Hot Press, along with a new high-end mobile phone, €100 free call credit from Vodafone and €1,000 cash. The winning articles feature in this issue of Hot Press along with the 16 runners up!

“It was a hugely valuable and fascinating exercise,” Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press commented. “There were entries, especially in the 6th Year category that were so good, they stopped me in my tracks. I think people will appreciate just how high the standard was when they read the winning submissions – but taking this competition as a barometer, there’s no need for anyone to worry about the future of journalism or writing here in Ireland. There’s a lot of great talent coming through.”

Commenting on the competition, Neil Hannon said: “I really enjoyed reading the entries, some of which were very powerful. But I particularly liked Liam Clune’s piece, which I thought was very sad and beautiful. Michelle McMahon’s winning entry, in the third level female category, was also hugely enjoyable.”

Commenting on the competition, Sarah Chapman, Head of Content Services, Vodafone Ireland said, “Vodafone’s partnership with Hot Press for All Write Now signifies our continued commitment to music and the promotion and encouragement of young local talent. ”
Pictured: Vodafone And Hot Press All Write Now student competition winners Clare O'Reilly, Tim Smyth, Liam Clune, and Orla Ryan with musician Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy who presented them with their awards. Photo: Graham Keogh
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