Arvon Poetry Prize - Jean O'Brien

Irish poet, Jean O'Brien has won this year's Arvon Poetry Prize of £7,500 with her poem Merman.

This year’s competition attracted thousands of entries from more than 43 countries – including the Philippines, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and the United States of America. The shortlist was decided by a judging panel chaired by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, who was joined by leading poets Elaine Feinstein and Sudeep Sen.

I'm delighted for Jean. She was kind enough to award me second prize at the Goldsmith Poetry Competition in Longford a couple of years ago and said some very encouraging things about my poem.

Well Done Jean!!