A DEBUT novel by a West Belfast writer has been selected as one of the 12 winners of the prestigious Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition 2026.
Originally from Riverdale but now living in Cork, Paul McMahon is an acclaimed poet and playwright whose work has received numerous national and international awards.
His poetry has appeared in leading literary publications, while his latest play was developed with The Abbey Theatre.
Now his debut novel, 'The Playboy of West Belfast' is one of 12 winners of Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition in 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the most respected opportunities for unpublished novelists seeking their publishing breakthrough. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the competition attracted an impressive 804 submissions from 38 countries.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News, Paul said: "The novel is entirely set between Riverdale and the Glen Road. It is a dark comedy, set on July 10 1981 which was one of the worst days of the riots during the hunger strikes.
"It is not a Troubles book as much. It is about a 17-year-old virgin trying to get across the riot zone to meet his girlfriend because they had planned to have sex for the first time.
"I have been writing for many years. I have another three unfinished novels. I hope readers enjoy the novel as I think many people will be able to relate to it.
"I entered the competition and couldn't believe it when I got the call to say I was one of the winners."
The 12 winning writers will now have the opportunity to skip the traditional publishing queue, pitching their debut novels directly to leading publishers and literary agents during two dedicated Pitch Days taking place on September 10 and 11.
During these exclusive sessions, the writers will pitch their work either face-to-face or over Zoom with some of the publishing industry’s leading decision-makers.
