Short Story Competition - Age 9-12

Details

  • Age Category: 9-12 years old (age on June 5th 2026)
  • Word Limit: 500 Words
  • Theme: The New Kid
  • Prize: €50 Voucher
  • Closing Date: 5th June 2026. (Midnight Irish Time)
  • Winners: Announced Saturday 4th July

Rules

  • Entries must be in English.
  • Entries must be the work of the entrant.
  • Please include the child’s age (age on June 5th 2026) at the top of the entry.
  • Copyright remains with the author.
  • Entries cannot be returned.
  • The decision of the judge is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • The closing date for entries is midnight (Irish Summer Time) on 5th June 2026. Entries received after this date will not be accepted.
  • Winners will be announced during the Mullingar Literary Festival on Saturday 4th July in the Library and subsequently by email.
  • The results of the competition will be published on the Mullingar Literary Festival Website.
  • Entries should be submitted via the entry form: For handwritten entries, please submit a clear photo or scan of the child’s work. If we can’t read it, we can’t judge it!
  • NO AI entries will be accepted.
  • No corrections will be accepted.
  • Entries not complying with competition rules will be disqualified.

Entry Form

Enter a title for your piece (you can use the theme as your title)
What age will you be on June 5th 2026?
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload
Please upload your entry. For handwritten entries, please submit a clear photo or scan of the work. If we can’t read it, we can’t judge it!