Irish Mancunian invites you to submit original pieces of writing inspired by a mosaic from the “Irish Nation” collection. 

We welcome submissions from anyone who wants to give it a go: beginners to writing as well as the more experienced. We’ve provided a few tips below.

The mosaics were created by world-renowned mosaic artist Mark Kennedy. They were recently exhibited in London and previously via a walking trail in Manchester. They will exhibited in Dublin next year.

Each mosaic depicts an iconic Irish figure. You can see details of all the mosaics via the links below, which hopefully will provide inspiration.

Up to ten pieces of writing will be selected for performance at An Afternoon of Music and New Writing to accompany an exhibition of the mosaics on Sunday 29th November 2026 at St John’s Centre, Chequers Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9DL. Further details of the event will follow shortly. Each selected writer will receive two complimentary tickets.

Submission Guidelines 

• Any type of writing is acceptable: the only condition is that the stimulus is one of the people depicted in the mosaics. It could be fiction or non-fiction. It could be a short story; a poem; a monologue (about the character in question, or spoken directly by them); an essay; or any other format you can think of.
• The piece of writing must not exceed 500 words.  
• If you would like to provide some explanatory background to the piece, please provide an introduction – this can be up to 50 words. This may be read out in addition to any successful entry.
• Entries will be judged anonymously – therefore please do not include your name or identifying features in the piece or introduction.
• Email entries to submissionirishnation@gmail.com . Please provide the piece of writing (with optional introduction) in a Word or PDF document. Provide your name and contact details in the email.
• Entries must be received by Friday 6th November 2026.
• Up to ten pieces will be selected for performance at the event. Successful writers will be contacted by mid-November.
• Good luck!

The Mosaics

Click on the links below to view details of each mosaic from the Irish Nation website.

Musicians
Luke Kelly
Sinéad O’Connor
Shane MacGowan
Phil Lynott
Morrissey

Writers and Poets
Oscar Wilde
Brendan Behan
Seamus Heaney
James Joyce
Samuel Beckett

Sportspeople
George Best
Katie Taylor

History and Politics
Bridget O’Donnell
John F. Kennedy
Constance Markievicz

Architect
Eileen Gray

Film
The Quiet Man

Writing tips

Here’s a few tips on writing your submission:

• Choose a meaningful subject from the list of mosaics. Select someone who matters to you, an individual whose work you admire or who resonates with you. A personal connection may strengthen the writing.
• Consider how Irish heritage might have shaped your subject, or influenced your attitude to the subject.
• Write your first draft. Then read it through and note what you like, what feels unclear, and what might need strengthening.
• Read it aloud. Bear in mind the piece is intended to be performed in public. Are any sentences too long? Are there awkward phrases or words that are difficult to say?
• Redraft thoughtfully. Put your draft aside for a few days, return to it with fresh eyes, and refine it. Improvement often comes through rewriting.