What made you submit your work for consideration for the Seamus Heaney Award for New Writing?
I had submitted poems for the 2024 anthology and was pleased when two of them were included. In 2025, unfortunately I missed the deadline, but I decided to try again this year.
What theme did you look at in the poem you submitted?
With hindsight, I think my poem focused on the emotional side of the creative process itself, though I didn’t have this theme in mind when I sat down to write. I began by using an object – an unopened box of crayons – as a prompt. The size, weight and smell of the object brought family associations to mind, and that’s how the poem grew. The writing process had a life of its own and I just followed where it led.
How long did the crafting of the poem take?
After the initial draft, I tidied and polished the poem, on and off, for around two weeks.
How did you feel when you found out you were included on the Long List for the award?
It was wonderful to hear that I was on the Long List. Had I been capable of turning cartwheels, I would have done so.
How was your experience regarding the event which launched the anthology, presented the long listed poets and announced the winner of the award?
I thought the launch was very well-organised and I loved the venue, though I understand that it was in a challenging location for anyone dependent on public transport. Conor’s reassuring and positive presence ensured a warm atmosphere throughout the event. An additional aspect of the afternoon which I enjoyed was meeting other writers. It made me realise that I’d like to attend more poetry events.
How did you feel when you were announced as the winner of the award?
I had difficulty believing it, as I preferred several other longlisted poems to my own. In particular, the work of Annemarie Mullan and David Atkinson stood out. However, I know that responses to poetry are subjective and I felt immensely honoured that the judges had chosen my piece; also, on a symbolic level, this meant that my voice had been heard, received and valued – something which was very meaningful to me.
This is one of the important functions which CAP fulfils in the community. One afterthought: I think the last thing I won was a slogan competition in a magazine when I was 12 years old. The prize was a blue mohair car rug, which my parents kindly bought from me and which proved popular with our family cats. Back then, little did I imagine a future success like winning the Seamus Heaney Award.
Where to now regarding your poetic writing?
I intend to spend more time writing, and perhaps to go to one or two poetry workshops. Also, emboldened by Conor’s question about publishing, I may try sending some pieces to journals.
