top of page
kor.jpg

The Kate O'Riordan Prize for Short Fiction 2026​

Celebrating creativity, storytelling, and new voices in fiction 

​

Kate O’Riordan is a multi-award-winning writer of six novels. She has also written for theatre and screen. Her many television credits include Mr Selfridge, and she created Smother and Blackshore for BBC Studios/RTE. A native of Bantry, Co. Cork, Kate’s writing career took off when she won the Hennessy/Tribune prize for a short story. Since then, she has remained a keen advocate for new writing and for giving new writers their own starting chance. She currently divides her time between London and Kenmare.

 

Submissions close on 30 May 2026.

The Kate O'Riordan Prize for Short Fiction 2026

SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2026

​

Submissions Terms & Conditions

Submissions open 9 February 2026

Celebrating creativity, storytelling, and new voices in fiction 

Important Dates

  • Submissions open: 9 February 2026

  • Deadline: 30 May 2026

  • Shortlist announcement: June 2026

  • Anthology launch and readings: August 2026 at the Kenmare Arts Festival

Eligibility

  • Open to all writers aged 18 and older

  • Based in Ireland or abroad

Story Requirements

  • Length: 500–2,000 words

  • Genre: Short fiction (including memoir-inflected or autobiographical fiction)

  • Must be original, unpublished, and written solely by the entrant

  • No AI-generated writing allowed

Language & Format

  • English-language only (translations permitted if supplied with the original)

  • Submit as a Microsoft Word file (.doc or .docx)

  • 12-point serif font, double-spaced, numbered pages

  • Do not include your name on the manuscript

How to Submit

1. Submit online by clicking the submit button

​

Judging

  • All submissions are judged anonymously

  • Writers will be notified by email or text

  • Shortlisted and winning authors will be announced on the Kenmare Arts Festival website

Publication & Readings

  • A shortlist of stories will be published in the Short Story anthology

  • Winning and commended writers will be invited to read at a public Festival event

  • Submission grants permission for public readings, launch events, and limited online sharing to promote the anthology

Copyright

  • Copyright remains with the author

  • By submitting, entrants grant a non-exclusive licence to Mill Cove Gallery to publish and publicly present the work in connection with the competition and anthology

Data Protection

  • Personal information (name, address, email, phone) will be used only for competition administration and publication communication

  • Data will be retained only for the duration of the competition and production period

General Notes

  • Entries will not be returned — please keep a copy

  • Editors may make minor copy-editing changes

  • Organisers reserve the right not to award publication if entries do not meet the required standard

  • ​

We look forward to reading your work.

Enquiries: millcovegallery@gmail.com

bottom of page