Up-and-coming Kilkenny writers to be mentored by Ireland’s best authors

By COLIN BARTLEY

TWO Kilkenny writers with the potential to create great works of literature have been selected to receive professional mentoring.

Local writers Orla Mackey and Billy Fenton have been selected by Words Ireland to receive professional mentoring over the next eight months from an acclaimed Irish writer of their choice.

Just 21 writers were selected from 300 applicants nationally.

Kilkenny County Council Arts Office is funding the literary mentorship programme along with the Arts Council of Ireland as an investment in the long-term literary reputation of the region.

Speaking about the programme, Kilkenny Arts Officer, Mary Butler said: “Kilkenny Arts Office is delighted to be part of this national mentoring programme ensuring that Kilkenny writers are continuing to receive high-quality support in the development of their careers which complements the local provision provided by the Arts Office to writers across the county on an annual basis.

“Programmes such as these also bring our local writers to national attention and help to build relationships supporting their progression.”