To fulfill its mission of promoting the Celtic culture, Celtic Cultural Alliance is pleased to announce the return of the Celtic Classic Poetry Contest, open to writers of all ages. Poetry awards will be given to the entries that best reflect the culture of the seven Celtic nations in traditions, arts, history, or literature. Personal anecdotes of family, studies, or travelling experiences are also welcome.
2025 Poetry Contest Results
First Place: Christian Malone, “The Curse of “Eire”
Second Place: Lydia Morgan, “Eiru”
Third Place: Brian Mahoney, “Ireland & Northern Ireland”
The Curse of Éire
By Christian Malone
The stones still sing at night
Of blood beneath the dew
Where druids carved their wrath
And gods the wind once knew
The forest breathes in shame
Its trees still bent with fear
The banshee’s wail remains
A voice you’ll never hear
The moor is soaked in cries
Of kings who broke their vow
Their crowns now buried deep
But death still knows them now
The fire still burns in bone
The ash won’t wash away
The warriors march in mist
To fight another day
And I, the last to kneel
With scars they left behind
I hold their ancient grief
And madness in my mind…
Contest Rules:
1. The poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest.
2. The contest has 3 categories:
a. 3rd through 6th grades
b. 7th through 12th grades
c. Adults.
3. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2026. Winners will be notified by September 14, 2026.
4. Awards will be presented at Celtic Classic on September 27, 2026. Winners and Honorable mentions will be given the opportunity to read their poem or have it read for them on the Heritage Stage at Celtic Classic on September 27, 2026 at 11:30am.
5. Poems may be any style and length.
6. No entry fee is required.
7. We may ask permission to publish your poem on our website or on our social media.
8. All poems must be written in English.