Young writers do it by the book

Rotary Club Mullingar Young Writer Competition

Surrounded by books, young writers and their teachers and families, Dónal Lawlor announced the winners of the 2026 Mullingar Rotary Club Young Writer Competition at Mullingar Library, but held the big news till the end.

That news was Alexander Johnston Molloy was first in the All-Ireland Intermediate Competition and Huw Keaveney was second in the All-Ireland Junior Competition, having won through from the Mullingar round.

It was understandable that Dónal made the announcements in that order, because the level of writing talent across all the entries from Mullingar pupils was so high and it merited recognition.

The winners of each category were invited to step up to the mic to read out their poems and essays for the gathering, and they did so with confidence and style.

Those winners were – Junior Section: first Huw Keaveney, St Colman’s NS; second Aisling Deane, St Colman’s NS; third Róisín Keane, St Colmcille’s NS. Best in School: All Saints NS, Ruth Conroy; Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn, Kimberley McEntee Mullen; Presentation Junior, Aisha Kwani; St Kenny NS, Elsie Hegarty; Tyrrellspass NS, Caoilainn Staunton.

Intermediate Section: first Alexander Johnston Molloy, All Saints NS; second Ellen Murphy, St Colman’s NS; third Fionn Carr, St Colmcille’s NS. Best in School: Educate Together NS, Moya Glover; Gaelscoil An Mhuilinn, Senan Ó’Corcráin; Scoil Mhúire Taghmon, Max Long.

After the readings and presentation of prizes (certificates and book vouchers), Dónal’s big announcement caused a frisson of excitement in the audience, and genuine delight for the two young men who won the all-Ireland prizes. Their prizes and certificates will be presented at a later date.

Alexander and Huw explained their writing processes to the Westmeath Examiner at the presentation. Huw has been writing “for a few years now”; he “hadn’t won anything but just kept doing it”. He reads different types of books and different authors, including those by his grandmother Dolores Keaveney (see separate story), but has no particular favourite.

Alexander said he was delighted to have won, but, as is the case with many artistic people, he didn’t find the words to elaborate on his creativity when put on the spot with a recorder in front of him. He didn’t need to, as his excellent poem says all that needs to be said.

Dónal concluded proceedings by thanking his colleagues in Mullingar Rotary, including those present Tom Daly and Denis Larkin, and reaffirmed their commitment to working with young people and schools.

He added praised for all the pupils from the town primary schools who sang carols over the Christmas season at the Remembrance Tree on Dominick Square, a joint fundraising effort with the Rotary Club and North Westmeath Hospice.