Writer’s bursary for Kate
KATE O’Keeffe, a fifth-year student in Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland, received some great news this week.
The Ballymacelligott teenager, a daughter of Majella and Brendan, is one of just 15 immensely talented writers selected to take part in the Edna O’Brien Young Writers Bursary programme.
The bursary is a week-long intensive programme for talented young writers.
Over the course of the week, those selected from around Ireland, including talented Kate, will be mentored by acclaimed author Alan McMonagle and stay in UCD student residences.
While Kate received the brilliant news that she is a successful applicant, she is also aware that the public health situation is rapidly changing.
It is unclear if the bursary programme will proceed on the planned dates of July 6 to 10, or at a later date.
Five judges spent a long time forensically combing through hundreds of applications, and Kate was informed that her writing stood tall and was unanimously voted as showing serious potential.
Principal Katherina Broderick said that Kate is a very talented and creative student and that she has already won a number of previous awards for her writing.
Kate is no stranger to wielding a prize-winning pen as she has won competitions in both The Kerryman newspaper and Ireland’s Own magazine.
“This bursary is a huge achievement, and all at Presentation Castleisland are extremely proud of Kate’s success. She has a promising future ahead of her,” said Ms Broderick.