AIS Alumni Creative Writing Competition Poetry Winner Announced

Sandra O’Connell from Corcullen, Co. Galway was selected as the overall winner of the 2025 All Ireland Scholarships Creative Writing Competition in the Poetry Category for her poem Raspberries. 

A poetry category was added to the competition for the first time this year. 

Sandra received the All Ireland Scholarship in 2008 and went onto study Biomedical Science at NUI Galway. She also holds a PhD in Physiology. Sandra worked within the biotechnology industry for nearly six years but now explores Ireland as a driver guide. As someone who grew up in the countryside, she loves exploring and reading. 

Speaking about the competition, Sandra said: ‘I had time off in January and decided to spend some of that time writing. I don’t have writing experience outside of scientific writing, but did always enjoy English at school. When I received the email outlining the Creative Writing Competition, I was curious, so I took a chance and entered the competition. I’m glad I did!’

The judges were impressed by Sandra’s winning piece, saying, ‘“With its powerful depth of feeling, evocative imagery, lovingly crafted couplets and satisfying rhythmic variation, Raspberries unanimously emerged as the winning poem.’ 

Raspberries can be read here.