Limerick City and County Council is inviting poets from Limerick, across Ireland and around the world to submit work for the next edition of the Stony Thursday Poetry Book, to be published in Spring 2027.
Produced by the Council’s Arts Office and supported by the Arts Council, the Stony Thursday Poetry Book is one of Ireland's longest-running and most respected literary publications, providing a vibrant platform for both established and emerging voices in contemporary poetry.
The publication celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, with founders John Liddy and Jim Burke returning to edit a special commemorative edition.
Building on that rich literary legacy, Limerick City and County Council Arts Office is delighted to announce acclaimed poet and writer Vivienne McKechnie as Editor of the 2027 edition. The Arts Office warmly welcomes her to the role and looks forward to working with her on the next chapter of this landmark publication.
Describing her editorial approach, Vivienne McKechnie said:
“I am interested in work that is emotionally honest, formally alive and alert to the power of language. To follow Mary Oliver’s advice, poets should: ‘Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it’. I hope to continue the interweaving of visual art by local artists, as was done in the 50th anniversary edition.
“Above all, I want Stony Thursday to remain a journal of excellence: generous in spirit, serious in its standards, and alive to the dynamic force of words. My aim is to produce a journal that feels rooted in Limerick yet open to the world; respectful of tradition yet alert to change; inclusive, inspiring and creatively ambitious.”
Etain McCooey, Arts Officer with Limerick City and County Council, is inviting poets to contribute to a publication that has been at the heart of Irish literary life for half a century:
“The Stony Thursday Poetry Book is an integral part of the Limerick Arts Office programme and has been an important part of Ireland’s literary landscape for fifty years. It provides a platform for poets at every stage of their creative journey. We are delighted to welcome Vivienne McKechnie as Editor for the 2027 edition. Vivienne brings a deep understanding of poetry, a strong connection to Limerick’s literary community, and a distinguished record as both a poet and editor.
“We look forward to seeing the collection of voices and perspectives that will emerge through this year’s open call and encourage poets locally, nationally and internationally to submit their work.”
Poets are encouraged to take this opportunity to become part of a publication with a proud history of championing poetry and literary excellence for more than fifty years. The Stony Thursday Poetry Book welcomes new voices and fresh perspectives alongside established poets, creating a collection that reflects the diversity and vitality of contemporary poetry today.
Full details on the poetry call out can be found at: Open Call for Poetry Submissions for the Stony Thursday Book 2027 | Limerick.ie
Closing date for receipt of poetry submissions is 5pm, Monday 2nd November 2026.
Queries to: Limerick Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council,
061 556370 / artsoffice@limerick.ie
About the Editor
Vivienne McKechnie (née Darling) was born in Dublin and now lives in Limerick. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she also holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Limerick.
Her debut poetry collection, A Butterfly's Wing, was published by Arlen House in 2013. Her work has appeared in a range of publications, including Stony Thursday, Revival and Windharp: Poems of Ireland since 1916, edited by Niall MacMonagle. Her poetry has also been broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM and RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Miscellany. Her poem Today featured on the Leaving Certificate English examination paper.
Vivienne has made a significant contribution to literary life in Limerick as both a writer and editor. She edited Dream of a City: An Anthology of Contemporary Poetry for Limerick City of Culture 2014 and, with Jo Slade, co-edited A Last Farewell: Collected Poems by Maeve Kelly.
In 2023, her poem Stuff of Dreams was commissioned by Joseph O'Connor for Dreams: An Anthology Celebrating 50 Years of Creativity, Culture and Community at the University of Limerick. She is also a member of the committee of the Limerick Literary Festival in honour of Kate O'Brien.
Her second poetry collection, Shades of Red, was published by Revival Press in April 2026.
About the Stony Thursday Poetry Book
Founded in 1975 by Limerick poets John Liddy and Jim Burke, the Stony Thursday Poetry Book has been a significant presence in Irish literary life for more than 50 years.
Throughout its history, the publication has showcased the work of established and emerging poets while maintaining strong links to Limerick's vibrant literary tradition. Its enduring success is reflected in the calibre of editors who have guided it over the decades.
These have included Mark Whelan, Kevin Byrne, Patrick Bourke, Knute Skinner, Thomas McCarthy, Ciarán O'Driscoll, Mary Coll, Jo Slade, Paddy Bushe, Peter Sirr, Mary O'Donnell, John Davies, Nessa O'Mahony, Martin Dyar, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Christodoulos Makris and Victoria Kennefick.
Today, the Stony Thursday Poetry Book remains one of Ireland's longest-running literary publications, continuing its tradition of championing contemporary poetry and supporting new and established voices alike.
