Flower Wild' by Shane Tivenan wins this year's RT Short Story Competition
29/09/2020
Flower Wild, described by the judges as spellbinding and an outstanding piece for radio , takes the form of an imagined interior monologue of Violet Gibson, the Irishwoman who attempted to assassinate Mussolini. Explaining the origins of the story, Shane, from Athlone but currently based in Madrid where he teaches English, said: I came across Violet Gibson when listening to Lisa O'Neill's song about her. I looked into Violet's life more over the following months and found many unknowns. What stories did she need to tell herself before she upped and shot an Italian dictator? Was it possible for her to stay sane in that asylum for three decades? Was she able to make peace with the complete abandonment, with herself, at the end of a life? These questions haunted me into writing Flower Wild.
This is Shane's first published - and broadcast - short story since he took up writing in 2018.
Second place was awarded to Kissing Booth by Alan Walsh from Wicklow town, while The Shape on the Strand by Katherine Duffy, from Dundalk but living in Churchtown, Dublin, was awarded third place. (See details below and in Editors Notes)
As the overall winner, Shane Tivenan will receive 3,000, while 2,000 and 1,000 will be awarded to Alan Walsh and Katherine Duffy respectively. Each of the seven runners-up will receive 250.
All 10 shortlisted stories will be broadcast in a season of new writing on RT Radio 1, starting tonight on Late Date with Cathal Murray at 11.20pm with the winning story, which will be read by Ingrid Craigie.
Second placed, Kissing Booth, is a skewed, brilliant take on this year's global pandemic. Talking about the short story, author Alan Walsh said: Kissing Booth is about inverting a familiar narrative and how that might unexpectedly lead to a utopian conclusion. I've grown very keen on the idea of writing towards a utopia, with the wide range of meanings that word might hold, and how to construct interesting and unexpected ways to get there.
Third placed, The Shape on the Strand is a clever and playful ghost story set on an unnamed Spanish island, involving a translator's transgression and a feathered hat. Author, Katherine Duffy says: The idea of a writer haunting his translator occurred to me when I was abroad, and losing sleep over a difficult literary translation project, just like the main character in the story. But there the link with reality ends and the literary ghost story begins
This year's judges are: editor, lecturer and journalist, Madeleine Keane; award-winning short story writer and previous prize-winner of the RT Short Story Competition, Danielle McLaughlin; and writer and broadcaster, Vincent Woods.
What the judges said about Flower Wild by Shane Tivenan
An outstanding piece for radio; the narrative voice utterly assured and compelling, the story dramatic and poignant, the structure unerring Vincent Woods
Flower Wild distils a whole life into this demanding art form. Much is handled history, politics, religion and yet it is so well controlled. As a portrait of madness, it utterly compelling and credible Madeleine Keane
A spellbinding piece of historical fiction, Flower Wild presents the story of a particular moment in history, while also encompassing the broader sweep of one Irishwoman's life Danielle McLaughlin
See Editors Notes to see what the judges said about the second and third-placed stories.
Sarah Binchy, producer of the RT Short Story Competition series, said: Our congratulations to the prizewinners and all on the shortlist. These talented writers are literary names to watch. We look forward to bringing their richly imagined stories to a wide audience on the radio and by podcast over the next two weeks.
Broadcast schedule (11.20pm on RT Radio 1 weeknights, as part of Late Date):
Monday 28th September: Flower Wild by Shane Tivenan (Madrid, Spain) read by Jane Brennan
Tuesday 29th September: Kissing Booth by Alan Walsh (Wicklow Town), read by Bl ith n Mac Gabhann
Wednesday 30th September: The Shape on the Strand, by Katherine Duffy (Dublin 14), read by Jane Brennan
Thursday 1st October: Hands; A Downpour, by Aengus Murray (Valencia, Spain), read by Liam Carney
Friday 2nd October: Nead by Ceri Garfield, (Mullach Inis, Co. an Chl ir), read by Br d N Neachtain
Monday 5th October: The Brow of the Hill, by Edel Moloney (Shankill, Co. Dublin), read by Derbhle Crotty
Tuesday 6th October: Everything Will Be Recorded, by Se n Mackel (Muff, Co. Donegal) read by Lalor Roddy
Wednesday 7th October: Beneath the Trees, Where Nobody Sees, by Julie Cruickshank (Dublin 8), read by Cathy Belton
Thursday 8th October: Tactics, by Andrew Maguire (Omagh, Co. Tyrone), read by Ignacy Rybarczyk
Friday 9th October: Guinness & Coke, by Lochlainn McKenna, Cork,read by anna Hardwicke
You can read all 10 shortlisted stories at www.rte.ie/Culture. They will also be available for listen-back and podcast at rte.ie/writing and wherever you get your podcasts.
RT received a record number of entries for this year's competition, with over 4000 short stories being submitted from throughout Ireland, and beyond, before the May deadline. Stay up to date on all things #RTEshortstory with RT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
ENDS
Editors Notes:
About the winning author, Shane Tivenan
Shane Tivenan is an Irish writer based in Madrid where he teaches English. He has a BA in Anthropology from NUI Maynooth. He began writing fiction in 2018 and was
More from RTE
22/04/2024
Cian Cobhin's An Taobh Tuathail marks 25 years on air
An Taobh Tuathail (ATT), RT Raidi na Gaeltachta's flagship alternative radio, presented by Cian C obh in show turns 25 in May 2024. The acclaimed music ...
19/04/2024
RT NEWS ANNOUNCES SAMANTHA LIBRERI AS NEW EASTERN CORRESPONDENT
RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of RT journalist, Samantha Libreri, as Eastern Correspondent. Samantha will be reporting and providing analysis...
19/04/2024
Documentary Murder of a GAA Chairman' sheds light on the unanswered questions of the family of Sean Brown
Documentary Murder of a GAA Chairman sheds light on the unanswered questions of ...
18/04/2024
RT Prime Time experiment reveals disturbing content recommended to 13 year old TikTok users in Ireland
In response to growing concerns raised regarding the adverse impact of TikTok co...
18/04/2024
Remembering Alf McCarthy and Larry Masterson
We were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of our friend and former colleague, Alf McCarthy who died yesterday. We remember Alf as a popular present...
15/04/2024
Finalists Confirmed for 2024 RT All Ireland Drama Festival, as RT Celebrates 20 years as title sponsor
Three plays never-before performed will feature in the finals of the 2024 RT Al...
10/04/2024
WINNER OF RT ONE'S HOME OF THE YEAR 2024 REVEALED
Marty Campbell and Shane Murray have lifted the coveted Home of the Year 2024 trophy for their renovated 1920's terrace home in Dublin. In tonight's fi...
08/04/2024
its4women.ie SPONSOR OLIVER CALLAN ON RT RADIO 1
RT Media Sales today announced its4women.ie as the new sponsor of Oliver Callan on RT Radio 1 from Monday 8th April 2024. Oliver Callan's brand-new morni...
04/04/2024
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this April
Watch our promo: RT Supporting the Arts | What's on This April RT is delighted to support the Incognito Art Sale for the Jack and Jill Children's Fou...
03/04/2024
RT announce new Irish teen drama Louise Lives Large: Eight-part series filmed in Kildare
RT 's biggest ever drama commission for young people, Louise Lives Large, la...
22/03/2024
RT kicks off Guinness Women's Six Nations coverage with France v Ireland
Watch all the games live across RT and Virgin Media Television from Saturday 23rd March All Ireland games live on RT Radio The Guinness Women's Six Nat...
21/03/2024
Award-winning Dizzy Deliveries confirmed for a new series on RTjr this April
Exclusive episode released to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day Award-winning children's series Dizzy Deliveries is back, with season two premiering on 15t...
20/03/2024
RT Winners at the RTS Ireland Awards
RT had six winners across ten categories at last night's RTS Ireland awards which took place in Dublin's Liberty Hall Theatre with host Dermot Whelan a...
15/03/2024
Celebrate the Best of Irish Culture with RT this St Patrick's Weekend
The Late Late Show hosts a world record attempt for the largest c il band performance Irish weekend sporting action from Six Nations to Allianz League Dancin...
13/03/2024
RT SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2024 OPEN FOR ENTRIES
TELL US YOUR (SHORT) STORIES The 2024 RT Short Story Competition is now open for entries. The RT Short Story Competition was set up in 1986 to honour wr...
12/03/2024
Statement by RT Director-General on the death of Charlie Bird
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RT paid tribute to former RT journalist Charlie Bird following his death. We are all deeply saddened by the news of Char...
11/03/2024
Ireland's heartbreaking defeat to England draws average of almost 1 million viewers to RT2
Viewing numbers peak at 1.2m Additional 230,000 streams on RT Player Ireland...
08/03/2024
2024 Celtic Media Festival: RT drama Obituary nominated alongside Amazon Prime and BBC dramas
RT and independent Irish producers receive 19 Nominations for the 2024 Celtic...
08/03/2024
LONGEST FBI CASE RESOLVED BY RT PODCAST SERIES RUNAWAY JOE A FAMILY TORN APART REUNITED
The final episode of the RT true crime podcast series Runaway Joe uncovers new ...
07/03/2024
Lankum awarded RT Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2023
RT Choice Music Prize...
07/03/2024
Cian Ducrot Voted RT Choice Music Prize Irish Song of The Year
Cian Ducrot Voted RT Choice Music Prize Irish Song of The Year Irish Album of The Year to be announced at Live Event in Vicar Street tonight Irish Artist of ...
05/03/2024
na 2 Johnnies go na Hothouse Flowers: T RT ag ceiliradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2024 | RT Celebrates Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2024
T na Two Johnnies ag dul go dt an Ghaeltacht. T na Hothouse Flowers ag dul si...
05/03/2024
New RT lyric fm show on Sunday Afternoons with Simon Delaney
RT lyric fm has announced a new addition to their schedule, Sunday Afternoon with Simon Delaney. Join stage and screen actor Simon Delaney every Sunday afterno...
01/03/2024
HARRY CORRY SPONSOR LIVELINE ON RT RADIO 1
RT Media Sales has announced Harry Corry as new sponsor of Liveline on RTE Radio 1 from today, Friday 1 March 2024. When the nation has something to say, the...
01/03/2024
RT Announces Appointment of Mari Hurley as Chief Financial Officer
RT Announces Appointment of Mari Hurley as Chief Financial Officer RT is pleased to announce the appointment of Mari Hurley to the role of Chief Financial Of...
29/02/2024
Evelyn O'Rourke announced as RT Arts and Media Correspondent
RT News is pleased to announce Evelyn O'Rourke has been appointed as Arts and Media Correspondent following an internal competition. An award winning RT ...
23/02/2024
Statement by Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RT: Sin N Raghallaigh
In a note to the staff of RT this morning, Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst, said: It is with deep regret that I share with you the announcement by Si n N R...
22/02/2024
RT Choice Music Prize Classic Irish Album Announced
RT Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Classic Irish Album And the winning album is Achtung Baby by U2 Live Event, Vicar St Thursday 7th...
22/02/2024
RT Publishes Updated Legal Advice Regarding the Departures of Individuals
RT is today making available the updated legal advice received in respect of questions arising in connection with recent departures of executive-level senior m...
21/02/2024
RT Choice Music Prize Conversations 2024: 7th March, 12.00-16.00
RT Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Conversations 2024 7th March, 12.00-16.00 http://www.choicemusicprize.ie/conversations/ Live Event...
21/02/2024
Allcare Pharmacy sponsors Brendan O'Connor on RT Radio 1
RT Media Sales has announced Allcare Pharmacy as sponsor of Brendan O' Connor, RT Radio 1, Saturday & Sunday, 11am-1pm. Brokered by Javelin, the ten-mont...
19/02/2024
Line-up: RT Radio 1 Folk Awards - Vicar Street 27.02.24
The 6th RT Radio 1 Folk Awards will be held in Vicar Street, Dublin on Tuesday 27th of February at 7.45pm. The Awards will be broadcast live on RT Radio 1 and...
17/02/2024
Statement RT Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst
Commenting today, RT Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst said: As I have stated already, RT has previously received legal advice that it is restricted from pro...
14/02/2024
RT and ITV reveal first look at second series of The Dry
RT and ITVX have revealed a first look at the cast of the highly anticipated second series of The Dry, which will air on RT One and RT Player later in the sp...
14/02/2024
Opening Statements: Joint Oireachtas Media Committee 14.02.24
To view today's Opening Statement to the Joint Oireachtas Media Committee by RT Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, click here. To view today's Opening ...
13/02/2024
Statement from the RT Board
In compiling, preparing and producing its independent Report on Toy Show The Musical, Grant Thornton, in applying its methodology under its Terms of Reference t...
13/02/2024
Home of the Year returns for its 10th series on RT
The tenth series of much-loved property series Home of the Year starts Tuesday 20th February at 8.30pm on RT One and RT Player. Since first appearing on scre...
09/02/2024
RT COVERAGE OF THE STATE FUNERAL OF FORMER TAOISEACH, JOHN BRUTON
RT will broadcast live coverage on television, radio and online of the State Funeral of former Taoiseach, John Bruton. On Friday 9th February Mr Bruton's ...
08/02/2024
TRONA N DHOMHNAILL TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT RT RADIO 1 FOLK AWARDS
TR ONA N DHOMHNAILL TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT RT RADIO 1 FOLK...
08/02/2024
MORE LISTENERS TUNING INTO RT'S RADIO SERVICES ACCORDING TO LATEST JNLR LISTENERSHIP FIGURES
RT 's radio services reach over two million adults* or 48% every week RT ...
07/02/2024
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this February
Watch our promo: RT Supporting the Arts | What's on YouTube This February RT is delighted to support the Dublin International Film Festival 2024, along...
01/02/2024
RT Publishes Results of Public and Staff Consultations on New Direction Document
RT recently published a ten-point plan setting a new direction for the radical transformation of the organisation, outlining a vision for a new RT in the form...
31/01/2024
RT Publishes Report Report Examining Voluntary Exit Programmes operated in 2017 and 2021
RT is today publishing the independent report by McCann FitzGerald LLP, which r...
30/01/2024
RT Choice Music Prize: Live Event Line-up Announcement
RT Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Live Event Line-up Announcement Vicar Street, Dublin Thursday 7th March 7.30pm Limited Tickets on...
30/01/2024
Bambie Thug will represent Ireland at The Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Bambie Thug's Doomsday Blue is chosen on Late Late Show Eurosong Special Bambie Thug will represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, having eme...
29/01/2024
RT PUBLISHES HIGHEST PRESENTER EARNINGS FOR 2022
RT PUBLISHES HIGHEST PRESENTER EARNINGS FOR 2022 RESTATED EARNINGS FOR 2021 ALSO PUBLISHED RT is today publishing the earnings for its ten highest-paid pres...
25/01/2024
RT lyric fm launches new Where Life Sounds Greener inserts
Where Life Sounds Greener is a series of new inserts on RT lyric fm, as listeners are invited to meet some extraordinary people, each one driven by their love ...
25/01/2024
Statement by Sin N Raghallaigh, Chair of the RT Board
January 25th 2024 The Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) of the RT Board commissioned Grant Thornton to conduct an independent fact-finding review in relation to ...
24/01/2024
BRYAN DOBSON ANNOUNCES HE IS RETIRING FROM RT THIS SPRING
Broadcaster Bryan Dobson has announced that he has decided to retire from RT at the end of April this year. Currently presenter of RT News at One with Bryan D...
22/01/2024
OLIVER CALLAN ANNOUNCED AS NEW PRESENTER AT NINE O'CLOCK ON RT RADIO 1
Oliver Callan will present a new morning programme Oliver Callan on RT Radio 1, weekdays from 9am to 10am from Monday, January 29th. The announcement was mad...