NLI announces Poetry Aloud 2024 winners

The National Library of Ireland (NLI), in partnership with Poetry Ireland and University College Cork, has announced the winners of the 2024 Poetry Aloud competition. The annual competition celebrates the art of poetry recitation and is open to post-primary students across the island of Ireland.

This year’s Overall Winner is Anna Rose Nic Mhanais, a Senior Category participant from Coláiste Íde in Dingle, Co. Kerry. Anna Rose captivated the judges with her recitation of 'The Arrival of the Bee Box' by Sylvia Plath.

2024 Poetry Aloud Winners

• Junior Category:

  • Winner: Kieran Flynn, Meánscoil Nua an Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry
  • Runner-up: Luke Power, Ramsgrange Community School, New Ross, Co. Wexford

• Intermediate Category:

  • Winner: Saorlaith Ní Cionna, Coláiste Oiriall, Knockaconny, Co. Monaghan
  • Runner-up: Azeezat Oluwatobiloba Yussuff, St Mary’s College, Dundalk, Co. Louth

• Senior Category:

  • Winner and Overall Winner: Anna Rose Nic Mhanais, Coláiste Íde, Dingle, Co. Kerry
  • Runner-up: Labhaoise Ní Lonargáin Ní Chonamhara, Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

A Celebration of Talent

This year’s competition drew participation from across Ireland, with entries showcasing the deep connection between young people and Ireland’s rich poetic heritage. The finalists were selected from hundreds of entries spanning diverse schools and counties, which shows the enduring appeal of poetry and performance.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners of Poetry Aloud 2024 for their outstanding dedication to the art of poetry recitation.

Read the full press release.