Ireland’s ‘world-class’ contribution to the world of poetry is once again recognised in the shortlist for the coveted Pigott Poetry Prize for 2021 which has just been announced.
Three poetry collections by Irish poets have been shortlisted for the 2021 Pigott Poetry Prize. This prize, in its eighth year, is Ireland’s largest monetary prize for a poetry collection by an Irish poet, with the winner being awarded €12,000 and the two shortlisted finalists each receiving €1,000.
Over 50 collections were submitted for this year’s award and adjudicators Mark Waldron and Maura Dooley had the task of selecting the shortlist of three on behalf of Listowel Writers’ Week.
The three shortlisted collections are as follows:
• ‘Collected Poems’ by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin
• ‘Found Architecture – Selected Poems’ by Sinéad Morrissey
• ‘Ourselves’ by Beda Higgins
Speaking about the adjudication, Poet Maura Dooley said: “Transported, educated, made to see the world differently; we were delighted to discover many fresh and exciting new voices in amongst new books from already familiar and beloved poets. It was a very difficult task to choose just three books from such a rich field.”
Catherine Moylan, Chairperson of Listowel Writers’ Week revealed the shortlist. “We are delighted to announce this shortlist which celebrates these jewels of Irish poetry. Thanks to Mark Pigott KBE for his generous sponsorship which helps us ensure that Irish poetry is promoted, recognised and enjoyed both nationally and internationally”
The Pigott Poetry Prize is sponsored by Mark Pigott KBE who said, “It is a blessing to be able to support this wonderful literary award and recognise the leading poets of Ireland. This is the 8th year of the prize and the competition is world class. I would like to thank our adjudicators, Mark Waldron and Maura Dooley, for their hard work and thorough review of all the entrants and congratulate them on their excellent selection of this year’s shortlist which showcases the beauty, diversity and strength of Irish Poetry”.
The overall winner of the prize will be announced on the opening night of Listowel Writers’ Week on the 2nd June, 2021.
The full list of competition winners at Listowel Writers’ Week will be announced and posted on our website on the 2nd June 2021:
