Local writer, Emma Harney, has been chosen for the Irish Writers Centre’s prestigious National Mentoring Programme 2025, following an exceptional response to this year’s nationwide callout, which attracted 354 applicants. Each selected writer will receive one-to-one mentoring from an established writer, offering invaluable creative and professional guidance over the coming months.
Roscommon Arts Centre funds the mentorship to guarantee that the chosen awardee receives this potentially career-changing support free of charge. The 2025 programme is co-funded by a remarkable collective of county arts offices, libraries, arts centres, and other cultural bodies across Ireland, ensuring that local talent from diverse counties is identified and nurtured.
Bio
Emma Harney is a Welsh born writer living in County Roscommon. Her writing style is dark and contemporary with an undercurrent of gothic horror and surrealism. She enjoys creating characters who exist on the fringes of society. Set in both Ireland and Wales, her stories often explore themes of social class and isolation. Her work is influenced by the writers Mariana Enriquez, Eliza Clark and Stephen King, to name a few. She is working on a collection of short stories, as well as her first novel.
‘’Being granted a place on this prestigious programme is a huge boost to my confidence as an emerging writer. Being a part of the programme will provide me with a unique and significant opportunity to share my work with a wider audience. I can’t wait to get started!’’
Instagram: @emma_harney_writer
Now in its eighth year, the National Mentoring Programme (NMP) has become one of the most significant supports for emerging and mid-career writers across Ireland. Run by the Irish Writers Centre – the country’s leading organisation for writer development – the initiative plays a crucial role in shaping Ireland’s literary landscape by nurturing talent at pivotal stages in a writer’s journey.
Since its founding in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre’s mission has been to support the life of the writer – those whose ideas and words illuminate and influence the culture around us.
The impact of the National Mentoring Programme is evident in the success of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to be published and celebrated widely. Past mentees include Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Fíona Scarlett, Will Keohane and Victoria Kennefick – all of whom are now recognised names in Irish writing.
‘’We are thrilled to fund Emma’s mentorship & are excited to see what the future holds for this promising writer. We’ve no doubt that collaborating with an established writer will assist her on her journey to share her work with a wider audience.’’
For more information about the Irish Writers Centre’s National Mentoring Programme, visit irishwriterscentre.ie.
Website: irishwriterscentre.ie
X: @IrishWritersCtr
Instagram: @IrishWritersCentre
Facebook: @IrishWritersCtr
YouTube: youtube.com/IrishWritersCentre
For all media enquiries, interviews or imagery, please contact:
Damien Donnelly, Head of Programming T : +353 1 872 1302 E : nmp@irishwriterscentre.ie
AnnMarie Sheehan, Aspire PR & Marketing T : +353 87 298 5569 E : annmarie@aspire-pr.com
Editor’s Notes
About the Irish Writers Centre
Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers. Its vision is to support the life of the writer, recognising the impact writers have in illuminating society with their ideas and words.
Through its Creative Writing Academy, the Centre delivers a year-round programme of over 150 creative writing courses, masterclasses and seminars, both online and in person. It also runs a National Mentoring Programme and administers a range of development opportunities for writers, including residencies, competitions and bursaries.
Operating on an all-island basis, the Irish Writers Centre is a membership organisation and a registered charity.
