Trócaire and Poetry Ireland have launched their annual poetry competition which this year will focus on the theme ‘Pathways to Peace’. The closing date for entries is Friday 7 May 2021.

This year’s competition invites poets to explore the theme of conflict from a local to global perspective.

With this year’s theme Trocaire hopes to highlight the plight of families who have lost their homes and loved ones to war are rebuilding their lives through love and friendship. Fleeing their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back. Families trek through dangerous territory with no food or water for themselves or their children. When they reach safety, the struggle continues to earn money, grow food and attend school. But with pathways to peace and the support of others, they are able to start new lives based on love, friendship and kindness, and to try and put the pain of war behind them and begin again.

The competition is always free to enter and is open to young people, children and adults alike, at all stages in their writing careers. Many published poets have participated in the competition, including, Daragh Bradish, Eileen Casey, Joseph Horgan, David Butler, Lorraine Carey, Angela T. Carr, Nicki Griffin, Afric McGlinchey, John Donaghy, Dairena Ní Chinnéide, Ann Joyce, Karen O’Connor, Wilma Kenny, Mary Turley-McGrath, Eleanor Hooker, Jane Clarke, Geraldine Mitchell, David Mohan and Breda Joy.

Poems in English or Irish, written or spoken word, are welcome in all six categories:

ADULT
Published poets
Unpublished poets

POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Junior: 1st-3rd year
Senior: Transition Year-Leaving Certificate

PRIMARY SHOOLS
Junior: 3rd/4th Class
Senior: 5th/6th Class

An online Awards Ceremony will be held on Culture Night in September.

How to Enter

Entries of up to three poems per person can be made online or by post. Full details are available on Poetry Ireland’s website or you can submit your entry here.

For more see www.trocaire.org.

ENDS