Limerick’s Sam Windrim wins Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition 2025

Pictured is Limerick writer Sam Windrim, whose work draws on his roots in Ballynanty and Moyross, has been chosen as a winner of the 2025 International Debut Novel Competition. Photographer Andres Poveda

Limerick writer Sam Windrim announced as one of 12 winners of the International Debut Novel Competition 2025 with The Irish Writers Centre

The Irish Writers Centre has announced the twelve winners of its prestigious International Debut Novel Competition 2025, selected from a large international field of aspiring novelists from 37 countries.

Each winner will now prepare to pitch their manuscript directly to top publishers and literary agents during the Centre’s exclusive Pitch Days on 4th and 5th December – an unparalleled opportunity to bypass the slush pile and present their work to key industry decision-makers.

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Limerick writer Sam 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. Sam said, “By the time noon rolled around… I figured, better dust your hopes off, boy…”

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 twelve 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.”
 
Joining Sam as winners announced this week are: Bronagh Slevin, Catherine Godfrey, Cian Hamilton, Judith Pasztor Duffy, Karla Hirsch, Luke Brennan, Mary McKeone, Paul Jeffcutt, Stephanie O’Reilly, and Susanne Stich.