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TELL US YOUR (SHORT) STORIES 

The 2025 RTÉ Short Story Competition is now open for entries 

Recognising and rewarding the best new Irish fiction writing for radio 

Short story deadline Friday 23rd May 

RTÉ is inviting entries to one of Ireland’s longest established and most significant literary prizes, the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of writer and broadcaster, Francis MacManus. 

Free to enter, the popular competition recognises and rewards the best new Irish fiction writing for radio and presents the winning author with a cheque for €5,000, while the second and third placed writers will receive cheques for €4,000 and €3,000 respectively. A further seven runners-up will receive €300 each. 

Writers over the age of 18 living in Ireland, and Irish writers around the world have until Friday 23rd May 2025 to submit their short story, in English or Irish, to the competition at www.rte.ie/writing. Story wordcounts must fall between 1800 and 2000 words, excluding the title. 

This year’s entries will be judged by Neil Hegarty, Tristan Rosenstock and Jan Carson, who will be talking to Seán Rocks on Arena, RTÉ Radio 1, on Thursday 27 March about what they’re looking for in this year’s entries. 

Returning judge Neil Hegarty says: “It’s the unexpected thoughts and connections that interest me. We all aim as writers for this time of flow, when we write and write: and then afterwards, we sit back and marvel at the words that have appeared on the screen or the page, at the thoughts and images that we hardly knew – that often we simply didn’t know – were in our heads. And now there they are, our words manifest, as if by magic. 

“And it seems to me that we can put ourselves in the way of this flow of magic by resolving to write about what interests us and then seeing where this resolve will take us. I felt this sparkle of magic last year. It was such a privilege to judge the 2024 competition – and I’m very much looking forward to the 2025 edition. It will be a pleasure to read your work.” 

Talking about the uniqueness of this competition, new judge Tristan Rosenstock adds: “What makes this competition so special is that the short stories that reach the shortlist will be both heard and read. As you’re writing your story, read it aloud. If a sentence feels clunky as you read it be sure it won’t land well on the ear… Watch out for over-populating your story and try to put manners on your characters (even the brats) to ensure they’re not all talking at one another. Even Cillian Murphy would struggle to read lots of dialogue between multiple characters. Your story must engage the ear, and also keep eyes glued to the page. No pressure, then. Ádh mór!” 

Also joining the judging panel this year, Jan Carson explains what she is looking for in a short story: “A deftness of touch regarding language. The understanding that a prose fiction sentence, like a line of poetry, should carry meaning and also sing. Characters who, however unlikable, are nevertheless worthy of the reader’s time. A narrative which feels fresh and uniquely told. Discombobulating twists and revelations, which may shock but never surprise… 

If you’re listening [to a story on the radio], you’re conspiring with the story. Here, the voice is sacrosanct. It must feel as if you’re enjoying an intimate moment, just you and the oracle in your ear.” 

Producer of the competition, Sarah Binchy, says: “This is an excellent opportunity to get your work seen and heard by a wide audience, and by publishers and agents, who pay close attention to our lists. It’s free to enter, the prizes are substantial, and the chance to hear your story performed by a leading actor is a particular bonus offered by this competition. We’re consistently heartened by the energy, verve and range of talent on display in the shortlist year by year, and are very much looking forward to reading your stories.” 

The winning stories will be revealed at a special RTÉ Arena live programme with Seán Rocks in the autumn and all 10 shortlisted stories will be published on rte.ie/culture and broadcast in a season of new writing on RTÉ Radio 1. 

The RTÉ Short Story Competition has been championing new talent for decades; past winners and shortlisted writers include Claire Keegan, Danielle McLaughlin, Anthony Glavin, Chris Binchy, Nuala O’Connor, Liz Nugent, Austin Duffy, Colin Walsh, Stephen Walsh and Sarah Gilmartin. 

All shortlisted stories are produced for radio, voiced by some of Ireland’s most talented actors. In recent years these have included Marty Rea, Aaron Monaghan, Jane Brennan, Cathy Belton, Derbhle Crotty, Eamon Morrissey, Ali White, Ingrid Craigie, Janet Moran, Kathy Rose O’Brien, Peter Coonan, Emmet Kirwan and Andrew Bennett.  

For rules and all information about the competition, see www.rte.ie/writing. You’ll also find winning and shortlisted stories from previous years there. 

Pictured are last year’s winners: Winner, Mattie Brennan (centre) for his short story ‘Dead Bait’, second placed, Stephen O’Reilly (left) for his short story, ‘Divination’ and Emer O’Toole who took third prize for her short story, ‘The Other Órla’.

ENDS 

For information: 

Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ | E neil.ogorman@rte.ie  

ABOUT THIS YEAR’S JUDGES 

Neil Hegarty’s novels include The Jewel, and Inch Levels, shortlisted for the Kerry Group Novel of the Year award. Neil’s non-fiction titles include the biography Frost: That Was the Life That Was, and The Story of Ireland, which accompanies the RTÉ-BBC television history of Ireland. His short fiction and essays have appeared in the Dublin Review, Stinging Fly, Tangerine, and elsewhere. He is co-editor of the essay collection Impermanence, and is a regular literary reviewer on the Irish Times. 

Tristan Rosenstock is a broadcaster with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, where he presents the arts series An Cúinne Dána. His debut Irish-language book for young readers Inis Mara was selected for World Book Day 2024, and Inis Mara 2 was recently published by LeabhairCOMHAR. He is co-editor of Inside Innti – A new wave in Irish Poetry (Cork University Press) and is literary editor of the magazine Comhar. He sits on the boards of Irish Writers Centre and Poetry Ireland. 

Jan Carson is a writer based in Belfast. She is the 2025 Seamus Heaney Centre Fellow at Queen’s University and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Author of three novels and three short story collections, she won the EU Prize for Literature for Ireland for her novel The Fire Starters. Her work has been published in numerous journals and broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 and BBC Radio 3 and 4. Her next novel, Few and Far Between, is forthcoming from Doubleday in 2026. 

RTÉ Sport announces live Free-to-Air GAA Championship fixtures 

Live free-to-air coverage across the Football and Hurling Championships, Camogie Championship, Joe McDonagh Cup and Tailteann Cup, including the All-Ireland Football, Hurling and Camogie Finals. 

Download Fixtures here

The wait is over as the GAA Championships returns on RTÉ free-to-air across video, audio and online from Sunday 6 April. Today (Tuesday 18 March 2025) RTÉ Sport announced details of its live televised GAA Championship coverage for 2025. 

The championship is the next phase in the 12-month GAA calendar that’s showcased on RTÉ, with coverage spanning the National League, inter-county championship, and inter-club matches, ensuring GAA fans stay connected to their club and county teams all year round. This season, GAA supporters will have more ways than ever to follow the action. From tuning in live on TV, catching the latest updates on radio, or streaming games and highlights online, every moment will be accessible anytime, anywhere.

Live TV coverage begins on The Sunday Game Live on Sunday 6 April on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player when Joanne Cantwell will present live coverage of Donegal v Derry in the Ulster Senior Football Championship from Ballybofey (throw-in 2.00pm). That evening on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, The Sunday Game highlights show returns with Jacqui Hurley at the helm.

There will also be live coverage of all four provincial Football finals as well as the Munster and Leinster Hurling Finals, the Joe McDonagh Cup and Tailteann Cup Finals, plus the All-Ireland Semi-Finals in Football, Hurling and Camogie.

Additionally, Irish language television commentary will be available on select games from June 7 starting with the Munster Hurling Final and including the Leinster Hurling Final, All-Ireland Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals in both Football and Hurling along with the All-Ireland Camogie Final and the Tailteann Cup Final.

RTÉ will announce full coverage of the Championship in the coming weeks.

-ENDS- 
Tuesday 18 March 2025

RTÉ Communications: Fergus McCormack

After 11 spectacular shows filled with glitz and glamour, highs and lows and captivating dances along the way, Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan have been crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars 2025.

Commenting on winning series 8 and taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy, Rhys said:  “I don’t have any words!”

The final four couples to reach the final after an outstanding season were Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua, Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov and Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan.

The grand finale of series eight of Dancing with the Stars opened with a dazzling number from the pro-dancers, finalists and judges to Everybody Dance by Cedric Gervais x Franklin feat. Nile Rodgers.

The competition kicked in as the couples took to the floor for their first dance of the evening; the Judges’ Choice, which tasked each couple with performing a routine from a previous week.

First on the floor tonight was Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor, Danny O’Carroll and his partner Salome Chachua. The pair danced their Charleston from week two to Don’t Blame it On Me by Michael Bublé.

Judge Loraine Barry said: “I feel the trust between you and Salome has built up. You have started a brilliant final tonight.”

Judge Arthur Gourounlian said: “You absolutely smashed it, you took it to another level. That was electrifying, exhilarating and simply unforgettable.”

Judge Brian Redmond said: “More fluid, more energetic, more entertainment, great start!”

Judge Karen Byrne said: “You deserve your place in the final. It was slick, you looked like you were enjoying yourself!”

Danny and Salome scored 39 points from the judges. 

Next up, Taekwondo athlete, Jack Woolley and his pro-partner Alex Vladimirov threw it back to week five with their Dedicated Dance to Jack’s friend Kellie Harrington: an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones.

Arthur said: “Every week you come here you shine bright. This wasn’t just a great dance, this will go down in DWTS history as the best ever! Normally I would say J’adore, but for the weekend that’s in it I will say: is grá liom!”

Brian said: “Big smiley head on me! I liked this dance the first time around but I absolutely lvoed it tonight.

Karen said: “You really move people with this dance. I’m still not the better of seeing you dance to this song again. I feel this dance sums up your journey, and signifies such an amazing partnership that you and Alex have.

Loraine said: “It was gentle, pure and heartwarming. This dance will always be an iconic performance on Dancing with the Stars.”

Jack and Alex scored 40 points from the judges. 

Social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas were hoping to recapture the judges’ adoration a second time around with their routine from Love Week, a Salsa to Christina Aguilera’s Let There Be Love.

Brian said: “Tonight, it’s all or nothing and you’ve certainly come out giving it your all. You are certainly fighting and deserving of this place in the final.”

Karen said: “This dance shows how much you’ve grown. I think you should be so proud of yourself, you’ve grown immensely the two of you together.”

Loraine said: “Tonight you’ve come out shining. You’ve gone into those lifts with less fear. This is a good night for you.”

Arthur: “To me you have found your wings and you are flying. You have proved that you belong here in the final. I’m so beyond proud of you.”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored 38 points from the judges. 

Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan reprised his Movie Week role of Spider-Man, as he and his professional partner Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the iconic theme tune.

Karen said: “You’re the real life Irish Spiderman! This routine from beginning to end, it was pure and utter perfection.”

Loraine said: “Absolutely exhilarating from start to finish. Is there any chance they can do it again?”

Arthur said: “Your power is mesmerising. From gymnast to dancer, to me you have movement and rhythm in your DNA!”

Brian said: “You played the hero tonight but you’re also an Olympic champion. You have become a real life superhero. Exceptional.”

Rhys and Laura scored 40 points from the judges. 

After the voting lines opened, it was down to business, as each couple performed their Showdance – a freestyle performance that allowed them to combine different dance styles and showcase the creativity and skills they developed throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.

Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua danced to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair.

Loraine said: “You rocked it, you got the party going. That was truly slick.”

Arthur said: “You have proven time and time again you’re a force to be reckoned with. This is an incredible party I’m delighted to have been a part of.”

Brian said: “The Showdance is generally about summing up your journey on the show, but I think you summed yourself up as a person. It was full of determination, character and pure honest hard work.”

Karen said: “I feel you’ve set the standard now for the Showdances.”

Danny and Salome scored a total of 37 from the judges.

Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov performed to Years & Years’ version of Lady Gaga’s anthem The Edge of Glory.

Arthur said: “I truly have no words left to say. You will be remembered forever on this show.”

Brian said: “You’ve got that skillset, that Taekwondo athlete in you, and you’ve waited until the final to show us that. I clapped all the way through it, I don’t think I’ve ever done that! You have been phenomenal.”

Karen said: “We expected it to be unbelievable. It was brilliant!”

Loraine: “There was so much electricity. Everything means the world to you, you give it your all. I can’t believe you put in so much salsa, tango, cha cha.”

Jack and Alex scored scored 40 points from the judges. 

Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas stormed the dancefloor to the R3hab remix of Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams.

Brian said: “It’s called a Showdance not a show off dance! Excellent”

Karen said: “This routine was put together to showcase how well you’ve come. What a way to finish this journey.”

Loraine said: “You absolutely went for that tonight and everything has improved. Adding in Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, that’s to be commended.”

Arthur said: “You did it! Stunning!”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored 38 points from the judges. 

Finally, Rhys McClenaghan and Laura took to the floor for the last time and danced to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.

Karen said: “How do you actually comment on that? What a way to finish your journey.”

Loraine said: “You combined strength and softness, full fluidity all the way through. It was for me, the outstanding Showdance of tonight.”

Arthur said: “Wow, this really hit me hard. Flawless. It’s been an honour watching you week after week, your passion and undeniable talent.”

Brian said: “Rhys, you came here tonight to do a job and I’ve got two words for you – job done!”

Rhys and Laura scored a total of 40 from the judges. 

Wrapping up the final, all seven eliminated celebrities: Mickey Joe Harte, Elaine Crowley, Joanna Donnelly, Yasmin Seky, Gearóid Farrelly, Kevin Dundon and Aishah Akorede and their pro partners returned to the dancefloor with a disco-fuelled groove to Kylie Minogue’s Wow.

-ENDS- 

Date: Sunday March 16th 2025

Photography credit: Kyran O’Brien

For More Information:

Rayna Connery, RTÉ Senior Communications Lead | rayna.connery@rte.ie
Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill, RTÉ Communications Lead | eadaoin.nicgiolla@rte.ie

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!

Shake your Shamrocks, Patrick Kielty will be hosting a St. Patrick’s weekend extravaganza with music, dancing, reunions and returns!

Getting the gang back together again, the 1990 Republic of Ireland squad will reunite on The Late Late Show on Friday night to relive one of Ireland’s greatest sporting years, the year that was Italia 90. Marking 35 years since Ireland first qualified for the World Cup, Patrick will welcome Mick McCarthy, Niall Quinn, Packie Bonner, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Kevin Sheedy, David O’Leary, Andy Townsend, Chris Hughton, Chris Morris, Steve Staunton, Kevin Moran, Bernie Slaven, John Sheridan, Frank Stapleton and David Kelly to studio.

Riverdance will be taking over The Late Late Show studio on Friday night as the cast showcase the global phenomenon which began as the interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 1994. The Late Late Show will be celebrating the show that has become an Irish success story, performing to millions around the world.

Grammy Award-winner and Cork singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot will be on the show to perform his new song Little Dreaming. Fresh from singing the National Anthems at last week’s Six Nations Cian, who has just announced his first headline show at the 3Arena for later this year, will also sit down with Patrick this Friday night for a chat.

Nerves are building and the tension is rising as the winner of this year’s Dancing with the Stars is just days away from taking home the coveted glitterball. Joining Patrick on the show tonight are the anticipatory finalists Jack Woolley, Rhys McClenaghan, Kayleigh Trappe and Danny O’Carroll along with their pro-partners Alexandra Vladimirov, Laura Nolan, Ervinas Merfeldas and Salome Chachua. They’ll be chatting about their time spent on and off the dancefloor, the friendships they’ve made and more.

Get ready for a ‘Rollercoaster’ of a performance as B*Witched make their return to The Late Late Show this Friday night. Chart toppers Keavy, Edele, Sinead and Lindsay will be performing an ultimate fan favourite.

And that’s not all, Irish rugby fans in Rome will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Italy v Ireland match this Saturday.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS-

13 March 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
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TikTok: tiktok.com/@latelaterte
Blue Sky: latelateshow.rte.ie
X: @rtelatelateshow
Facebook: facebook.com/thelatelateshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

Consumer show back following hugely successful first series

10 March 2025 – Following a hugely successful first series, “The Complaints Bureau” returns to RTÉ One this week. The show is proudly sponsored by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

Once again, renowned financial planner and author, Eoin McGee, will empower viewers by tackling real-life consumer issues with the help of consumer affairs journalists: Conor Pope, Amy Molloy, and Siobhan Maguire. The trio will tackle a range of seemingly insurmountable consumer issues while Eoin takes on the role of taskmaster.

The first series, which was a huge hit with viewers, saw the team investigate a wide range of complaints from honeymoon scams and issues with airline vouchers to solar panels and second-hand cars.

Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications at the CCPC, said, “The first series of The Complaints Bureau was a phenomenal success with a reach of 1.7 million individuals[1] and an impressive share of audience of 31%[2] in Ireland. This shows that this type of programme really resonates with consumers and there’s a strong appetite to know more about their rights and how to get best value for their money.

“Every year our helpline receives more than 40,000 calls and around 1.8 million website visits from consumers keen to know about their rights, especially when they run into issues. Almost three quarters of a million consumers visited our online Money Tools last year to compare financial products like mortgages and loans. Our sponsorship of The Complaints Bureau is an excellent way to raise awareness of our resources and help empower, inform and safeguard consumers.” 

Eoin McGee commented, “I am excited to return for the second series of ‘The Complaints Bureau’. It’s important for consumers to know that they’re not alone in resolving these issues – the team is here and ready to advocate for consumers and help those who have hit a brick wall. 

“Every story is a chance to educate and empower others and I am looking forward to helping more people navigate and understand their consumer rights, and make better financial decisions.”

Gerry McGuinness, Commercial Partnership Manager RTÉ said, “After a hugely successful first series, we are thrilled to welcome back the CCPC as sponsors of The Complaints Bureau which returns to our screens on 13 March on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

“This popular consumer series will once again help people resolve their complaints big and small with the help of their team of experts to help investigate and solve consumer dilemmas. This sponsorship is a perfect fit for the series and we look forward to another successful partnership.”

The eight-show series will air weekly on RTÉ One on Thursdays at 7pm, beginning 13 March until 1 May, and will also be available on RTÉ Player. For more on consumer rights and personal finance, visit ccpc.ie/intheknow.  

//Ends//

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing and promoting compliance with competition, consumer protection and product safety law, with new and expanding roles in digital and data regulation. We make markets work better and empower consumers to make informed choices.

For consumer queries and complaints, contact the CCPC helpline on 01 402 5555 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or via email at ask@ccpc.ie

[1] Source: Nielsen

[2] For the main show, excluding repeats and RTÉ One only; source: Nielsen

RTÉ Prime Time interview Kerry mother whose 5 year old daughter and husband died in arson attack 

– Kelly O’Brien spent 10 years seeking answers after Gardaí ruled fatal house fire an accident
– In 2022, a man came forward confessing to being a part of the crime

In 2012, Kelly O’Brien’s husband, Anthony, and their five-year-old daughter, Nadine, were killed in a house fire. For years, Kelly insisted the fire was deliberate but Gardaí ruled it an accident and closed the case.  In 2022, Philip Griffin came forward with a confession that he and another man had broken into Kelly’s home and the fire was deliberately set. Tonight, in her first television interview, Kelly O’Brien speaks to RTÉ Prime Time about that night and her continued fight for justice.

On the night of the fire, Anthony managed to get Kelly out of a first-floor window of their home, but he was unable to save himself or Nadine.

Recalling the night of the fire Kelly tells RTÉ Prime Time, “I was screaming for help, I was screaming ‘help Anthony, help Anthony’. The plan was I was to catch Nadine. So, I was just sitting there with my hands open, screaming for help and waiting for Nadine. But I got a bad feeling, I knew something was wrong.”

When fire crews gained access to the house in the early hours of that morning, they found Anthony and Nadine together in the back bedroom beneath the window.  Nadine was cuddled into her father.

“I carry them with me all the time, the strength I saw from Anthony that night, and even Nadine, she was five, she fought, she did, she fought to try and be here.  The only comfort I have is that Anthony had her in his arms, she didn’t die alone.”

The intervening years took a toll on Kelly’s mental health, “I was put in and out of psychiatric (care).  I attempted to take my life several times.  I was in there because I was told that I wasn’t accepting the fact my husband and daughter were deceased.  I was explaining ‘no I know they’re deceased; it’s the reason why they’re deceased that I have a problem with.”

After a decade, Philip Griffin confessed to Gardaí that he and another individual had broken into the O’Brien house in the early hours of 12 May 2012, and the other man set fire to a couch because of a disagreement on the previous day. At a Central Criminal Court hearing in December 2024, the court heard that Gardaí had closed the file on the case in 2013 after no evidence of a crime was found. Mr. Griffin pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison.

A fresh Garda investigation to bring to justice the other person involved in the crime continues. Kelly O’Brien says she will continue to keep pressure on those with information to bring it forward. She is urging people to ‘do the right thing’.

Watch the full interview on Prime Time tonight March 11, at 9:35pm RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and read the online report on RTÉ.ie/primetime.