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Frances Browne Bicentennial Competition

01 September 2016

Frances Browne, the Blind Poetess of Ulster, is the most important writer ever to emerge from Donegal's Finn Valley. The Finn Valley area is Ireland's most important district in linguistic terms. All three of Ireland's traditional languages, Irish, English, and Ulster-Scots are widely spoken in the Finn Valley. This situation is unique in Ireland.

Frances Browne's most famous poem, "Songs of our land," is a reflection on language, and how the soul of a nation is encapsulated in its literary outputs. She wrote prolifically in all formats. She was as much at home with an essay, an article, or a novel as she was with her great fortes, poetry and childrens' writing.  

Her masterpiece, the children’s storybook "Granny's Wonderful Chair" was a bestseller all over the world, but she also deserves to be remembered for her unswerving opposition to slavery and all sorts of injustice.

In this year, the 200th anniversary of Frances Browne's birth, the Finn Valley Voice celebrates her memory by inviting all of you to mark the occasion.

By writing, of course. A poem, a story, a memory, an opinion piece, an essay. As Frances Browne did. 

The prizes will be awarded at a prize-giving ceremony in Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar, on Saturday 8th October 2016.

Details of entry at www.finnvalleyvoice.comAlternatively email celinemcglynn@finnvalleyvoice.com for further information.

Note: Closing date for entries is Friday 16th September 2016.

Download Entry Form