First-time writer shortlisted

Every so often you hear of people having a natural flair for writing, Sinead Greenan seems to be one such talent. The Cootehill native has entered one competition in her life - the prestigious JP McManus 2022 All Ireland Scholarships Alumni Association Creative Writing Competition - and has been shortlisted.

Open to all 1,500 recipients of the scholarships since the JP McManus awards began in 2008 its judging panel includes Ireland’s first Prix Jean Monnet winner Donal Ryan.

Sinead received her award in 2010, courtesy of having excelled in her Leaving Cert. She progressed to study physiotherapy in Trinity, and now works in a practice in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath. Her story – which sadly we can't discuss here in order to preserve the integrity of the anonymous judging process – impressed the judges enough to make it through to the final eight.

“I was really surprised to be shortlisted because I don't have any kind of degree in writing or English or anything like that,” Sinead tells the Celt.

It was only after attending an online workshop hosted by the judges in November that she committed to entering a piece of creative writing.

“That was brilliant,” she recalls of the workshop. “They gave us a few little tips, but it wasn't rocket science, so I think that gave me the encouragement to just go for it. That spurred me on to write.”

There was one tip in particular which Sinead took on board: “It was Donal Ryan who said, to just write down a general outline of your story - once you are writing something, at least you're getting your ideas out and then you can always develop them from there. I found that really helpful. So that's what I did, and that gave me something to bounce off.”

Creative writing is quite the departure from Sinead's day job in which she deals mainly with the aches and pains of the general population, some elderly folk and the occasional person nursing a sports injury.

“Physiotherapy is a scientific degree and my practice is very evidence-based. I think that's why I enjoy writing because I don't get to express any kind of creativity in my work.

“It's a nice escape because I do love reading and writing and creating – that's what I enjoy, the chance to write something that isn't just bullet points and abbreviations.”

Her other creative outlet has been in decorating and furnishing the house she and her partner bought last year in Mountbolus, County Offaly.

“I've been absolutely loving that, I’m into interior design and painting and DIY and upcycling furniture and things.

“That's my relaxation time - doing a bit of an upcycling project, or painting or whatever it is.”

Sinead admits to have harboured dreams of being a writer when she was “really young” but never pursued it or sought formal training. As such when she picked up her pen, it was in the spirit of simply seeing how she'd get on.

“I had an idea in my head and I wrote it down very roughly and then went from there – the process was really enjoyable. I chipped away at it, and refined it as I went on.

“I was nervous submitting my writing because I had never had writing judged before, but I was excited to see the feedback, or if it did well. I was surprised then when I did get shortlisted.”

Judging will be completed in the coming weeks and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 1 - but having made it this far has been a great source of encouragement, and has rekindled her childhood dreams.

“I would love to write something longer, like a book. I don't know if that's pretentious to say, but I would love to put a bit more time towards writing and see what I come out with. I haven't written anything since, more because I've been busy, but this will have definitely given me a good boost and a bit of encouragement to pursue it a little bit further.”

“Absolutely delighted” to have been shortlisted, Sinead is not pinning her hopes on further success in the competition.

“I would be absolutely astonished if I was to win it, or even to win one of the three runner-up prizes because I don't have any background in writing or anything like that, so I would be absolutely delighted – but to have been shortlisted is amazing because this is the first writing competition I've ever entered.”