UCD, MA & MFA Anthology launch, Irish Writer's Centre

Just home from a really great night at the launch of UCD MA & MFA Anthology!

 I was delighted  to meet all the people who contributed and worked very hard to produce this super collection.

I'm particularly happy as my story 'A Close Fit' was chosen as the winning story.

Mary Morrissy had this to say:

'A lyrical story,'A Close Fit' is a coming of age narrative as the schoolgirl narrator observes the preparations for a wedding that doesn't happen and the subtle confusions it causes.

The language sings and the writer captures beautifully the ambiguities of adolescence and the cost of choosing love over convenience.'

Eilis Ni Dhuibhne commented.

'The classic feminine metaphor of sewing, dressmaking and above all, the wedding dress, pervades Mary Healy's 'A Close Fit':this outstanding story is the deserving winner of the anthology Short Story Award. Healy's story evokes the past of living memory.'

 

Mary Morrissy and James Ryan launched the book tonight at the Irish Writers Centre to a rapturous and highly entertaining reception.Alan Bennet was MC for the night and all I can say is move over Ryan Tubridy! Most of the MA & MFA class of 2011/12 managed to attended what was a marathon session as graduations were also celebrated in UCD earlier in the day.

To have a book published in today's climate is a triumph.Congratulations to all concerned!

This is the sixth volume in the series of anthologies published by graduates of the MA in Creative Writing in UCD, joined this year by graduates of UCD's new, very exciting MFA.

Extracts were read by Alan Bennet who seems to have a thing about feet! Sarah Brennan read another, Eunika Sot read some of her poetry and Laura McKenna read her story 'Bared'.

I met Laura earlier this year at RTE/Eason Penguin prize winners day when her story was declared overall winner.