Carlow primary schools invited to enter Right to Read short story competition
Right to Read campaign
PRIMARY schools across Carlow are being invited to take part in a new short story competition for 4th, 5th and 6th Class pupils, as part of Carlow County Council’s Right to Read Programme.
The programme is run by the council’s Local Enterprise Office and Library Service and aims to promote literacy, creativity and lifelong learning across the county.
Pupils are asked to write a story of no more than 400 words titled “My Favourite Local Business”. It should name the business, say who they are, what the business does and why it is the pupil’s favourite.
Each class year has a different question to accompany the story. Fourth Class pupils are asked who their favourite author is, 5th Class pupils what they want to be when they grow up, and 6th Class pupils what their favourite place or thing to do in Carlow is.
The closing date for entries is 5pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026, and late entries will not be accepted. Entries must be sent by schools in an envelope marked “My Favourite Local Business” to Carlow LEO, Enterprise House, O’Brien Road, Carlow.
The top stories in each class year from each school will be invited to an awards ceremony at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel at 7pm on Thursday 19 November 2026. The top two county winners in each of the three class years will be announced on the night. First prize in each is an Amazon Kindle and second prize is a €75 book voucher. Every participating pupil will receive a certificate.
A draw for a €100 hospitality voucher will be held for participating teachers on the night, along with a draw for a €500 Jones voucher for participating schools.
As part of the programme, a series of videos featuring author Caroline Busher has been developed. In them, she shares advice on developing characters, building plots and sparking imagination. The videos will be available through Carlow County Council, Carlow Library Service and participating schools.
Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council cllr Tommy Kinsella said: “The Right to Read Programme is a wonderful opportunity for young people across County Carlow to discover the enjoyment and benefits of reading.”
Kieran Comerford, head of economic development and enterprise, said: “Strong literacy skills are fundamental not only to education but also to employability, entrepreneurship, and economic development.”
Lisa Hutton, EU project co-ordinator with Carlow County Council, is co-ordinating the competition. Schools can contact her at huttonl@carlowcoco.ie or 059 912 9783 for more information.
