Tipperary winner in Book of Kells creative writing competition calls on other young writers to enter

The Book of Kells Creative Competition 2017 winner Saoirse Edmond from Tipperary has called on Tipperary creatives to enter a unique cultural competition.

The Book of Kells Creative Competition 2018 is open to budding artists and writers of all ages and last year attracted a phenomenal 1,500 entries from every county in Ireland, as well as the US and UK.

Now in its second year, the Book of Kells Creative Competition is open to all age groups under two categories.

The first category is an art competition which invites participants to share a modern and innovative drawing, sketch or painting inspired by the scribes use of images of animals depicted in the manuscript. 

The second category is a writing competition which invites participants to write a poem or short story also centred on the animals in the manuscript. The Book of Kells contains beautiful representations of animals ranging from the everyday such as cats, calves and goats to the majestic and menacing such as lions, lizards, serpents, stags and wolves and judges will be looking for modern interpretations of these images. 

The competition is open to primary school, secondary school and adult entries and can be entered through schools or as an individual. There is a range of fantastic prizes to be won in each category for individuals, schools and clubs & societies including cash prizes, VIP trips, certificates of merit and a special invitation to the awards ceremony in Trinity College Dublin.

The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest unique cultural treasure and Saoirse Edmond who placed 2nd in last year’s writing category has issued a call to fellow Tipperary writers and artists to enter this unique competition.

“Last year I entered the Book of Kells Creative Competition with my piece of writing entitled ‘Breath of a Book’. I really enjoyed the experience and I would encourage anyone to enter. In fact, I plan to enter the competition again this year and I’ve been working on my entry! I’ve been to see the Book of Kells several times and it’s incredible.

“If you are thinking of entering the competition, I would recommend a visit to the Book of Kells exhibition for inspiration. The competition gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for writing, and it was great fun.”

Commenting on the call for entries, Sharon Ni Bheolain, RTE Newsreader and Presenter, who will judge all competition entries says: “The Book of Kells is the jewel in our cultural crown and I’m so excited to see it interpreted through the eyes of all the students and adults who take part in this competition.”

Adding to the commentary, Trinity’s Professor Darryl Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Scienceswho will judge the written competition said;” This competition reflects the enduring inspiration of the Book of Kells for people of all ages.  The symbolism inherent to the animals throughout the manuscript gives huge creative scope to participants.  Whether those who enter choose to story tell in the form of poetry or a short story the key for judges is a modern interpretation without losing your own individual style and vision in the piece.”