Limerick Writers’ Centre have announced the winner of the Gerald Griffin Competition for First Adult Fiction 2026.
The atmosphere was one of celebration and literary promise at The People’s Museum of Limerick on Friday, 25th September, as the winner of the 2026 Gerald Griffin Competition for First Adult Fiction was announced.
Joan Cronin
Joan Cronin, a Kerry-born writer now living in East Cork, was named the winner for her novel A Haircut in September. In the enforced absence of in-house judge Ciaran O’Driscoll, guest external judge Vivienne McKechnie made the announcement.
Following a close and thoughtful adjudication process she remarked that she received three very different anonymous but accomplished manuscripts, each with a voice of their own and each that sustained a narrative arc throughout. Announcing the winner she said; “Ciaran and I both agreed that A Haircut in September was a caring and compassionate novella and was a deserved winner”.
Ciaran O’Driscoll, in house judge, speaking about the submissions, said “The seven surviving manuscripts all showed promise, and all seemed to be on the cusp of developing a personal style, which I found refreshing. They were making advances on that writerly journey but needed just a bit of extra oomph or coherence or both. The three short-listed manuscripts were very impressive and, from my perspective, the call was much closer than it was last year”.
Joan Cronin’s background adds depth to her storytelling. A former principal social worker and systemic psychotherapist, she lectured in social work at University College Cork and holds a master’s degree in child and family law. Her early fiction appeared in the Irish Press, and she has contributed op-eds to the Irish Examiner and academic articles to The Irish Social Worker. Now retired, she is devoting her time to giving the stories in her head their freedom. A Haircut in September will be her debut published novella.
About A Haircut in September.
Cronin’s winning manuscript explores the emotional complexities of family, memory, and self-discovery. Much to her sister Babe’s resentment, Tessa takes a holiday in Greece just as family affairs demand attention. The story unfolds with vivid cameos of Babe’s life in London and Tessa’s uneasy journey abroad, culminating in a powerful reckoning with buried memories and an explosive climax.
About Gerald Griffin First Adult Fiction Competition
The Gerald Griffin Competition, named after the acclaimed 19th-century Irish novelist, aims to discover and promote new voices in Irish literature. This competition is part of the Limerick Writers’ Centre’s ongoing efforts to nurture literary talent and expand awareness of its activities beyond the local area.
About Limerick Writers’ Centre:
The Limerick Writers’ Centre is dedicated to fostering and promoting the art of writing in all its forms. Through competitions, workshops, and various literary events, the Centre plays a crucial role in the cultural landscape of Limerick and beyond.
The Gerald Griffin Competition continues to celebrate emerging voices in Irish fiction, giving first-time adult novelists a platform to showcase their talent and craft.
For further information: Limerick Writers Centre Email: limerickwriterscentre@gmail.com.
Website: https://limerickwriterscentre.com/
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