LIMERICK writer Sam Windrim has been announced as one of 12 winners of the Irish Writers Centre’s prestigious International Debut Novel Competition for 2025.
Selected from a large international field of aspiring novelists from 37 countries, Windrim is known for his humorous short fiction, poetry collaborations, and theatre work. A working-class voice shaped by Ballynanty and Moyross, he now lives in Hillcroft Close with his family.
Originally launched as the Novel Fair in 2011 and reimagined in 2025 as the International Debut Novel Competition to reflect its global ambition, the competition has a proven track record in transforming careers, with many alumni now agented, published and award-winning.
This year’s 12 winning writers represent a vibrant mix of backgrounds, geographies, and genres – from literary fiction to domestic suspense, experimental crime, and vivid coming-of-age narratives. Upon receiving the news, each winner shared their reaction to “The Call”, a moment that has become legendary among past participants.
Mags McLaughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, said: “Every year, the International Debut Novel Competition reminds us how much unseen talent is out there—writers working at their kitchen table, in cars outside schools, in snatched moments after the day job or attending a writing group for many years.”
“This year’s winners represent extraordinary breadth, courage and craft. We are proud to support them as they take this next, career-defining step. The competition is a flagship event for us as we continue on our mission to support all writers at every stage of their work.”