Monaghan County Libraries launches new national award for unpublished short fiction
Monaghan County Libraries is delighted to announce the establishment of The Eugene McCabe Short Story Award, a new literary prize for unpublished short story fiction in English. Established in 2026, the award honours the outstanding literary legacy of Eugene McCabe, the acclaimed novelist, short story writer, playwright and television screenwriter who made County Monaghan his home and whose work remains among the most significant achievements in modern Irish literature.
The inaugural award is being delivered by Monaghan County Libraries in partnership with Eugene McCabe’s family, the Department of English Language and Literature at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, County Monaghan and Irish Writers Centre.
The competition will officially launch on 7 July 2026, marking Eugene McCabe’s birthday and providing a fitting occasion to celebrate his enduring contribution to Irish literature.
The Award aims to champion original, unpublished short fiction and to provide a platform for talented writers whose work demonstrates the creativity, craftsmanship and storytelling excellence that characterised McCabe’s own writing.
Speaking about the Award, Deirdriu McQuaid, County Librarian and Head of Culture said ‘Monaghan County Libraries is proud to establish The Eugene McCabe Short Story Award in honour of one of Ireland’s accomplished and influential literary voices. Eugene McCabe’s work was deeply rooted in the landscape, history and people of this region, and his writing continues to inspire readers and writers across generations. Through this award, we hope to celebrate his extraordinary legacy while encouraging new and emerging talent in the short story form. We are delighted to work in partnership with Eugene McCabe’s family, Mary Immaculate College, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Irish Writers Centre to create an award that will recognise excellence in storytelling and strengthen Ireland’s vibrant literary culture.”
Further commenting on the establishment of the Award, Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said: ‘The establishment of The Eugene McCabe Short Story Award is a significant cultural milestone for County Monaghan and a fitting tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures. This award reflects Monaghan County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting arts, culture and creativity, while celebrating the remarkable contribution that Eugene McCabe made to Irish literature.”
While Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Aidan Campbell, commented: ‘The launch of The Eugene McCabe Short Story Award is a proud moment for County Monaghan and an opportunity to celebrate the life and work of one of Ireland’s most distinguished writers. It is fitting that his legacy should be honoured through an award that encourages and recognises outstanding new writing. I commend Monaghan County Libraries and all of the award partners for their vision and commitment in establishing this important literary prize, which I am confident will inspire writers for many years to come.”
Speaking about the launch, representatives of the partner organisations welcomed the award as an important addition to Ireland’s literary landscape and as a meaningful tribute to a writer whose work remains closely associated with County Monaghan and the cultural life of the region.
The partnership brings together organisations with a shared commitment to literature, creativity and artistic development. Through collaboration between Monaghan County Council Library Services, Eugene McCabe’s family, Mary Immaculate College and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, the award will celebrate both McCabe’s legacy and the continuing vitality of contemporary Irish writing.
Full details of the competition, including eligibility criteria, prizes and submission guidelines, will be announced when the award opens on 7 July at www.monaghan.ie/library