Strokestown Poetry Competition

The Strokestown Poetry Competition is one of the most hotly contested competitions in the country. I've had no luck over the last few years but have entered again this year, hope, eternal etc. I even entered the humorous poem section.

The good news from their website is that this year they will publish not only a shortlist but also a highly commended list. They promise that the names of the shortlisted poets will be published on the website shortly after the 24th March, along with their poems adding Whether or not your name is among them we would very much like to meet as many of you as possible at Strokestown Poetry Festival over the first weekend in May. All events are free, and the shortlisted poets will be reading a selection of their work.

I visited the festival for a day two years ago and had a great time - Poetry readings by Ciaran Carson and James Harper and a guided tour of the gardens of Strokestown House.