Debut original novel wins literary competition in Limerick gallery

THE LIMERICK Writers' Centre has announced their winner of the 2025 Gerald Griffin Competition for First Original Adult Fiction.

The official announcement took place on Thursday, September 18 at Dríacht Art Gallery, Adare, where Mayo native Liam Horan won the award with his submission “On the Way Out”.

Liam is a former journalist who worked in a variety of publications, including as Gaelic games correspondent for the Irish Independent from 1995 to 2000.

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At the ceremony Liam was recognised for his outstanding submission to Ireland’s newest literary prize.

"We are thrilled to recognise Liam Horan’s exceptional talent," said Dominic Taylor, Director of the Limerick Writers' Centre.

“His manuscript distinguished itself among a strong collection of submissions, reflecting the rich diversity and creative energy that characterises contemporary Irish fiction writing,” said Dominic.

Judges Ciaran O'Driscoll and Kerry Beth Neville, both figures with a distinguished literary pedigree, were particularly impressed with Horan’s work.

Kerry Beth Neville said, “The author of “On the Way Out” navigates the lives of ordinary people with tenderness, wit, and acuity. This debut novel captures the complicated and often sticky web of small-town life: overlapping conversations in community halls, wary bonds formed in half-heated meeting rooms, gossip that can be both kind and cruel.”

The prize for the winner is to have their manuscript published by Limerick Writers’ Centre later on this year.

The Gerald Griffin Competition, named after the acclaimed 19th-century Irish novelist, aims to discover and promote new voices in Irish literature. It's part of the Limerick Writers' Centre's ongoing efforts to nurture literary talent and expand awareness of its activities beyond the local area.