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The Kate O'Riodan Prize for Short Fiction 2026​

Celebrating creativity, storytelling, and new voices in fiction 

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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 open on 9 February 2026 and close on 30 May 2026.

The Kate O'Riodan Prize for Short Fiction 2026

SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2026

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  • Must be original, unpublished, and written solely by the entrant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

  • Optional: you may include one related photograph, drawing, or memento image for context (not judged)

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 submit button

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Judging

  • All submissions 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

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We look forward to reading your work.

Enquiries: millcovegallery@gmail.com

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