An intimate gathering of literary enthusiasts and supporters convened at Conradh na Gaeilge today to celebrate Máire Dinny Wren as she received first prize in the prestigious Comórtas Filíochta Séamus Ó Cinnéide 2025 poetry competition.
The ceremony featured Professor Eoin O’Devereux of the University of Limerick, nephew of the competition’s namesake, who delivered a moving tribute detailing Séamus Ó Cinnéide’s significant contributions to Irish language poetry and cultural preservation. His personal reflections offered attendees rare insights into the man behind the literary legacy.
Competition judge Tomás Ó Coileáin spoke eloquently about the exceptional quality of submissions this year, noting that deliberations were particularly challenging given the depth of talent represented. In his assessment of Wren’s winning entry, Ó Coilleain emphasised that beyond its technical brilliance and masterful craft, it was the poem’s profound emotional resonance that ultimately distinguished it from other contenders.
“What we witnessed in Máire’s work was not merely skilled versification,” Ó Coilleain remarked, “but rather that rare combination of technical excellence and genuine emotional impact that transcends linguistic boundaries. This poem would stand as a remarkable achievement in any language.”
Wren, visibly moved by the recognition, accepted the award with characteristic humility, acknowledging both her fellow competitors and the enduring importance of Irish-language poetry in contemporary cultural discourse.
The annual competition continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting and preserving Irish-language poetry, carrying forward Ó Cinnéide’s vision of linguistic vitality and creative expression.