Calling Mayo writers: Short story competition opens for entries

Entries have opened for the 2026 RTÉ Short Story Competition, inviting writers across Ireland and the Irish diaspora to submit original fiction as the prestigious literary prize celebrates its 40th year.

The competition, held in honour of writer and broadcaster Francis MacManus, recognises and rewards the best new Irish fiction writing for radio. The winning author will receive a €5,000 prize, while second and third place will receive €4,000 and €3,000 respectively. A further seven shortlisted writers will each receive €300.

Writers aged over 18 living in Ireland, along with Irish writers living abroad, have until Friday, May 15, 2026 to submit a short story of between 1,800 and 2,000 words in either English or Irish via rte.ie/writing.

This year’s competition will be judged by writers Aingeala Flannery, Tristan Rosenstock and Jan Carson.

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New judge Aingeala Flannery said she was honoured to join the panel this year and encouraged aspiring writers to take the opportunity to submit their work.

“Radio and short stories have been the twin passions of my working and creative life,” she said. “I would encourage anyone with a story, especially the secret writers out there, to seize this opportunity and give it a shot. It’s free to enter, so you literally have nothing to lose.”

Returning judge Tristan Rosenstock said he was looking forward to discovering new voices.

“The RTÉ Short Story Competition offers a uniquely valuable platform for writers in English and Irish at various stages of their careers, and connects new writing with readers and radio audiences in a truly singular way,” he said.

Fellow judge Jan Carson said authenticity and voice are key ingredients in a compelling short story.

“The key to unlocking a brilliant short story is capturing an authentic, and ideally intriguing, voice,” she said. “In a radio context, I particularly love when a story’s voice feels as if it’s confiding in the listener.”

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Producer Sarah Binchy noted that the competition has played a major role in promoting Irish writers over the past four decades.

“This competition has been at the heart of new Irish writing for 40 years now,” she said. “It’s free to enter, with the chance to hear your story voiced by the best of acting talent and the opportunity to win significant prizes.”

The winning stories will be revealed during a special live edition of Arena in the autumn. All ten shortlisted stories will be published online and broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 as part of a special season of new writing.

Over the years the competition has helped launch the careers of many acclaimed Irish writers, including Claire Keegan, Danielle McLaughlin, Liz Nugent, Nuala O’Connor and Colin Walsh.

All shortlisted stories are professionally produced for radio and voiced by leading Irish actors, including Marty Rea, Aaron Monaghan, Jane Brennan and Cathy Belton.

Further information and submission details are available here.

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