Please excuse a bit of awkward boasting – and possible snivelling – as I report that I have been named the winner of this year’s Molly Keane Creative Writing Award. It was news I had to keep under my hat for a few weeks, which was fine because I needed that time to process the information (project status: ongoing).
I love Molly Keane’s work, a writer who demonstrated the sharpest observational skills wrapped in a satin quilt of gentle wit and warmth. So to win an award named in her honour means a huge amount to me. The imposter syndrome has never felt greater.
I was given a wonderful welcome last weekend at the prize-giving in Lismore, Co Waterford, as part of the IMMRAMA Festival of Travel Writing. Reader, I blubbed a bit, read a bit and met some beautiful people. For that unforgettable experience, I have to thank the judging panel which was represented at the ceremony by Kate Murphy, Lani O’Hanlon of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat Centre, who really set me off with her kind words of encouragement, and Margaret Organ, Arts Officer for Waterford City & County Council. And I want to thank my writing group, whose feedback is so vital to everything I write.
Finally, I must mention my brother Denis O’Leary, who drove all the way from Roscommon to Lismore via Cork in order to accompany me. This year is proving a bit challenging in Wordherding Towers, so the support was much appreciated. Den, thanks for the Andy Williams, the hypnotic swallow-watching and the sharing of the blaa.
Word herding 
Well done. We’ll deserved.
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…with no small thanks to your input, Eileen
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Great news Anne. And so well deserved.
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Thanks, Tom. I’m really delighted
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Anne,
you are too modest.
Accept that you are a great writer and that the Molly Keane Writers recognised it.
Oh and that’s a gorgeous pic of you with the delectable Denis.
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Yet we aren’t conditioned to think that way, are we? Will happily accept praise of my brother, however 🙂
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well done Anne – what a year for you – would love to use
the picture in the newsletter – is that OK?
many thanks
Frank
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Thanks very much, Frank, I was pretty stunned! Of course you’re welcome to use the pic if it’s of interest to your readers – not sure how great the quality is, though. The official press release one is probably higher res. Hope your own writing is flowing
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[…] struck me down with a feather when I received a call in May telling me I had won this year’s Molly Keane Creative Writing Award. I was shopping at the time and can only remember saying to Waterford Council Arts Officer Margaret […]
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