Two local entries in latest Ireland’s Own Anthology
THE ninth Ireland’s Own anthology of winning short stories and memoirs includes 39 pieces from the latest annual writing competitions run by the Wexford published family magazine. These were selected from over 500 entries, and 18 counties are represented, with stories also from England and Italy.
There are two entries from County Wexford this year – Reunion by Siobhan Flynn from Clonroche, and The Wardrobe by Anne McCormack, Lower Shannon, Enniscorthy.
The foreword is by Rachael English, one of the presenters on the leading RTE Radio news programme, Morning Ireland, but also the author of four successful novels. She spent many years away from writing only to make a very successful return in recent years and is an inspiration to all aspiring authors.
She says: ‘I’m genuinely delighted to play a small part in the Ireland’s Own anthology. In a country of writers and storytellers, Ireland’s Own has long played an important role. It celebrates storytellers and offers a window into the lives of others. Long may it continue to do so.’
Siobhan Flynn lives in Clonroche with her husband Joe, two teenage daughters and their dogs, an elderly collie and an energetic terrier. She has had stories published previously in Irelands Own magazine and she appeared in the 2017 Anthology.
Her short story concerns a reunion between a couple for the first time in twenty-six years following a chance meeting with an acquaintance from their brief, shared past. It seems to be going very well as the years roll away, though Anna does accuse him of two-timing her and breaking her heart all those years ago …
The second Wexford entry is by Anne McCormack, a semi-retired classical piano teacher, born in Ballina, Co Mayo, and now living with her husband, Ned, in Enniscorthy. They have two grown up sons and six grandchildren.
Her main interests are classical music, writing, painting landscapes and history. She has been writing for over forty years and has had three stories published in the Ireland’s Own Anthologies. She has also had some poetry published.
Her story, The Wardrobe, relates to a find in an old wardrobe bought at an auction - a cardboard box containing a light-weight powder blue coat and dress, obviously from another era, and a small velvet box in which nestled the most beautiful ring …
The other stories and memoirs touch on many aspects of Irish life, past and present, with joyful themes interspersed with stories of bereavement and emigration, told with pathos, nostalgia and often a dash of humour. The diverse memoirs cover many topics and recall some great characters and will certainly strike a chord with many readers.
Some of the writers have featured in previous volumes, but for the first timers, this book may represent a small but significant step on the road to a literary adventure.
The book is published by Michael Freeman’s Three Sister Press in Wexford and is compiled and edited by former Ireland’s Own editor, Phil Murphy. It is available in local bookshops and Gill Distributors at €14.95, or online at www. irelandsown.ie It is also available from the offices of the Wexford People, New Ross Standard and Gorey Guardian.