Martin McGuinness poetry competition judged by Derry poet Colette Bryce and with £1,000 prize to feature in Chieftain’s Walk

Spokesperson for the Foundation, Paul Kavanagh said: “Martin’s love of poetry was well-known, whether it was enjoying the work of others or writing his own on the rare occasions that his hectic schedule allowed him the time.

“Therefore, it is very fitting that the Foundation has confirmed plans to hold a poetry competition to coincide with Martin’s anniversary and World Poetry Day on March 21.

“As part of the Foundation’s objectives to promote Martin’s legacy through education, art and culture, we want to encourage all those with an interest in poetry to take part.

“The competition will be in two sections, those under the age of 18 and those 18+ with a top prize of £1,000 being awarded to the winning entries with £500 going to the runners-up. Entrants should pen ‘a poem that reflects Martin’s legacy or his vision for a New Ireland’ and the poems can be in both Gaeilge and/or English.”

Poems should be submitted to [email protected] by 12 noon on Friday, March 5.

Colette Bryce, editor of Poetry Ireland Review and a native of Derry has been confirmed as one of the judges.

The winning poem will be part of the memento given to those registering for the Chieftain’s Walk.

Colette Bryce is a poet from Derry who has published five collections with Picador including The Full Indian Rope Trick (2004) and Self-Portrait in the Dark (2008). The Whole & Rain-domed Universe (2014), which draws on her experience of growing up in the city during the Troubles, was shortlisted for the Costa and Forward prizes and received a Ewart-Biggs Award in memory of Seamus Heaney. Selected Poems (2017) was a PBS Special Commendation and winner of the Pigott Prize for Irish poetry. Colette is the current editor of Poetry Ireland Review. Her new collection, The M Pages, was published in 2020.