2026 marks the 9th year of the Mairtín Crawford Award for Poetry and the 8th year of the Short Story Award, and each year the Awards are growing in popularity.
Mairtín Crawford was a significant figure in Northern Ireland's literary community. He encouraged new writers by providing ways of publication and reading for people of all ages and abilities. This ethos is still very much instilled today, as we hope that the Awards will provide an opportunity for writer’s to submit their work, to support the literary community, and provide a platform for progression.
The long-term aim of the Awards is to support writers, nurturing relationships that enable underrepresented writers to thrive, build on the confidence garnered as a result of their awards, and develop careers.
Since 2017, the Awards have created a platform for writers. Many of the previous winners and shortlisted entrants over the past 6 years have gone on to secure publishing contracts and win notable competitions.
Are you thinking about entering? Never entered a writing competition before? What does winning the Award mean to folks?
Winner's the Awards receive a Time to Write package and at the start of 2026, we welcome'd Sarah Davy (winner of the Short Story Award 2025) and Siobhan Flynn (winner of the Poetry Award 2025) to Belfast. We asked both Sarah and Siobhan to share their reflections on winning the Award.
Siobhan Flynn has this to say:
...There’s also the practical reality. The Mairtín Crawford Award carries real weight. Having it on my CV matters. It’s a respected award with a clear ethos and that kind of recognition helps your work to be taken seriously. It opens doors to conversations and opportunities that might not otherwise happen and it signals a level of trust in the work at a crucial point.
Since winning, I’ve given readings, had more poems published and completed my first full collection, which is now ready to be sent out. The award played a significant role in giving me the confidence to bring that work to completion...
Click here to read Siobhan's full reflection piece, and click here to read more about Siobhan, and to read her winning poems.
Sarah Davy - Short Story winner 2025 shared the following thoughts about her time in Belfast:
It's been an absolute joy to spend time at the Crescent again. Finding time and space to work on my writing is always a challenge, and this is one of the main reasons I applied for the Mairtin Crawford Prize. I think it's important to think carefully about where you send your work and what you need from the opportunity. It means more than just space; its support, belief and a feeling of belonging. Being resident in the gorgeous Grand Central Hotel while here was such a treat. I've definitely found a community here and can't wait to be back in Belfast again soon.
Click here for more discover more about Sarah and to read her winning Short Story.
