Bucket full of talent from the well

A short story anthology published annually in Cork has reached a major milestone.

Now in its 21st year, ‘From the Well’ Short Story Anthology 2025 will be launched at West Cork Literary Festival. ‘From the Well’ continues to provide an opportunity for writers in the short story genre to have their work published.

Eamonn Doggett is the winner of this year’s competition and his story ‘Jellied Minds’ will give the anthology its title. His stories have been published in The London Magazine, The Irish Times and Southword, among others.

He has won the Hennessy First Fiction Award and was the joint-winner of the Sylvia O'Brien Prize.

Two runners up, Seán McNicholl and Sophie Treacy have also been selected to read stories at the launch.

Patrick Holloway, who has previously featured in this anthology in 2023, selected 20 stories from over 150 submissions.

Among selected stories there is a submission from Valentine Jones who is an already accomplished writer at just 18-years-old.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “The 21st edition of Cork County Council Library and Arts Service’s annual short story anthology ‘From the Well’, features 20 stories from emerging and established writers.

“Writers from across Ireland have contributed to this wonderful collection and build on the legacy of the anthology.

“We are very proud to continue to publish ‘From the Well’ in its 21st year,” she added.

The anthology launch will take place at Bantry Library on 18 July at 6pm. This event is free to attend and all are welcome.