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Poetry Pillar Competition 2026 invites entries from young people across Connaught
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is inviting young people between 15 and 18 years of age from across Connacht to participate in its 2026 Poetry Pillar competition, on the theme “birds”.
Submissions are open until Thursday, 5 March (5pm) via the dedicated email poetrypillartransition.galwaymayo@atu.ie
The competition has become a platform for young poetic talent, with high-quality entries published in The Scrimshaw Journal, ATU’s internal literary magazine, and Lasmuigh, a digital and print publication celebrating creative works with an ecological focus.
Winners will be revealed on Wednesday, 15 April 2025, at a special event on the ATU Mayo Campus. Prizes of €100, €50, and €25 will be awarded to the top three entries. The winning poem will also join the Poetry Pillar installation in St Mary’s Courtyard Garden, alongside earlier works.
Dr Deirdre Garvey, ATU Mayo Head of Department, Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, says:
Poetry creates that emotional connection and awareness that helps us reflect on our interactions with nature. The Poetry Pillar competition is a great opportunity for young students to engage the hearts and minds of others on these issues. Each year the theme explores a different environmental aspect and we are really looking forward to this year’s entries!
ATU, through the Access and Widening Participation Service, will be running some poetry writing workshop with writer and ATU alum Jessamine O’Connor to encourage engagement with poetry as a creative, expressive activity for all.
The initiative continues to foster creativity and environmental awareness, making it a standout opportunity for young writers in the region. For details on the access programme please click here. For details on all programmes offered in the ATU Dept of Environmental Humanities & Social Sciences, click here
Regina Daly, ATU Communications Officer,
Dublin Road, Galway
Tel: +353 (0)91 742826 Mob: +353 (0)879618355
regina.daly@atu.ie www.atu.ie/news
