Publishing Ireland Announces the Inaugural Winner of The Breakthrough Award

The Breakthrough Award:

The Breakthrough Award is a new open application award from Publishing Ireland intended to offer an entry-point to the world of publishing for an applicant who has experienced economic, social or cultural barriers to participation. It’s designed to support an individual who has potential to blaze a trail in publishing, speaking from a perspective that has yet to be heard within the industry and enriching our field through their unique creative voice.

The Breakthrough Award Winner (2024–2025):

Publishing Ireland is delighted to announce the winner of The Breakthrough Award (2024–2025): Róisín Ní Neachtain.

Róisín Ní Neachtain is a writer and artist living in Kildare. Her work has placed and been shortlisted in a number of competitions. She is a professional member of the Irish Writers Centre and of Visual Artists Ireland. She is passionate about diversity in publishing, education and the arts and hopes to publish poetry chapbooks soon with Orphic Press, which she founded in 2019 and through which she currently publishes The Orphic Review online.

As part of The Breakthrough Award, Róisín will gain work experience at various Irish publishers of different sizes and specialities, participate in Publishing Ireland training courses, attend London Book Fair 2025, and more.

On receiving the award, Róisín said: “I can’t quite put it into words what this award means to me. It’s a life-changing opportunity and a dream come true. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and looking forward so much to the opportunities and work ahead.”

This award is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.