The Stony Thursday Book is seeking submissions from local, national and international poets for its next issue, to be published in Spring 2027.
The Stony Thursday Book is one of the longest-running literary journals in Ireland and this will be its 48th edition, No.22 in the new series.
The Stony Thursday Book was founded by Limerick poets John Liddy and Jim Burke in 1975, and has been edited by poets such as 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. Last year marked the 50 Year Anniversary since the founding of the book with John Liddy and Jim Burke generously returning to edit that very special edition. This year marks 51 years since its founding.
We are delighted to welcome back John Liddy and Jim Burke in an advisory role this year as we look to the future of this publication and its continued development.
The Editor of this issue of the Stony Thursday Poetry Book is Vivienne McKechnie. We warmly welcome her to the role.
Vivienne McKechnie (nee Darling) was born in Dublin and now lives in Limerick. She is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and has completed an MA in Creative Writing in University of Limerick. Arlen House published Vivienne’s debut poetry collection, A Butterfly’s Wing, in 2013. Her poem, ‘Letting Go’, was published in Windharp, Poems of Ireland since 1916, edited by Niall MacMonagle. Vivienne’s poetry has been published in Stony Thursday, Revival, read on Lyric FM and on Sunday Miscellany. Her poem ‘Today’ featured on the English Leaving Certificate paper. Vivienne edited Dream of a City, An Anthology of Contemporary Poetry from Limerick City of Culture 2014 and, with Jo Slade, A Last Farewell Collected poems by Maeve Kelly in March 2016. In 2023, the 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 edited by Joseph O'Connor, Eoin Devereux and Sarah Moore. Vivienne is on Limerick Literary Festival in honour of Kate O’Brien committee. Her second poetry collection, Shades of Red, was published by Revival Press in April 2026. Vivienne McKechnie — Official Website
Submission Guidelines:
- Each poet should submit up to 3 poems.
- All work should be submitted in .doc AND .pdf format – we request pdf to maintain poetry layout and formatting.
- Submitted poems must not be previously published or currently pending publication.
- Each poet should include a short bio (max 50 words).
- Submissions are accepted from local, national and international poets.
- Texts in other languages are welcome, as long as they are accompanied with English translations.
- Submission is free of charge.
- Copyright remains with all poets featured in the Stony Thursday Book.
Diversity & Inclusion
- We encourage submissions from underrepresented groups, and while final selection is at the Editor’s discretion they are asked to consider this commitment when reviewing submissions.
- We welcome requests for reasonable accommodations during the process of poetry submission.
Poetry submissions to The Stony Thursday Book can be submitted here: Stony Thursday Submissions Portal
Closing date for receipt of poetry submissions: 5pm, Monday 2nd November 2026.
Please note that by submitting, you are giving Limerick City and County Council permission to add you to our Stony Thursday mailing list and to share your details with the relevant third parties in order to facilitate publication e.g. Editor, Publisher etc.
The Stony Thursday Poetry Book is funded by The Arts Council & Limerick City and County Council.