Last call for short story competition

SECOND-level pupils interested in participating in the annual Clare Champion Short Story Competition are being advised to hone their creative writing skills as the deadline for entries is fast approaching.
The competition is open to second-level pupils and there are two categories open to entrants; the Junior Certificate category (first year to third year) and the Leaving Certificate category (transition year to sixth-year pupils).
Entries should consist of between 1,000 and 1,500 words and cash prizes for first second and third places will be presented in each category.
In addition, winners will have their short stories published in The Clare Champion. A school prize is also awarded for the first prize in each category. Highly commended awards will be handed out and these short stories will also be published. First prize in each category is awarded a cash prize of €300, second place €200 and third place €100. The competition is open to pupils from any school and participants can write their short story on any subject.
Entries should be typed and must include the pupil’s name, age, telephone number, school and year, along with their English teacher’s name. Entries will be accepted up to and including Friday, February 5 and should be sent to the following address: Second-Level Schools’ Short Story Competition, Category (Leaving Certificate or Junior Certificate), The Clare Champion, Barrack Street, Ennis, County Clare.
The awards presentation will be held in the Clare County Library in April. Winners will be notified in early March.