UCC Creative Writing student selected for prestigious young writer programme at Cúirt

31 Mar 2025

• Angelia D’Souza announced as Young Writer Delegates for the 2025 Cúirt International Festival of Literature.
• From California, Angelia is a student on UCC’s Masters in Creative Writing.

Angelia D’Souza, MA in Creative Writing student at University College Cork (UCC), has been selected as one of five Young Writer Delegates for the 2025 Cúirt International Festival of Literature

The Young Writer Delegates programme offers emerging writers the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Ireland’s leading literary festivals, which takes place in Galway from 9 - 13 April 2025.

As part of the programme, Angelia will receive mentorship from renowned local writer Alan McMonagle and will perform readings of her work at a festival showcase in Nun’s Island Theatre on Saturday 12 April 2025 at 1:00pm

Reflecting on her selection, Angelia said: "It’s an honour to be selected as a Young Writer Delegate, since I’ll have the chance to not only represent UCC, but other young South Asian women like me who have a passion for writing. I’m thrilled to experience the festival and attend poetry readings and workshops, but I’m most looking forward to the showcase where I’ll be able to read some of my work with the other delegates.”

From Dublin, California, Angelia is currently completing her MA in Creative Writing at UCC: "I was drawn to the MA in Creative Writing at UCC because I felt that Cork was the place to be for emerging writers and artists. This has been validated both inside the classroom, where I’ve been lucky enough to build a supportive community of writers with my peers, and outside the classroom, where I’ve also had the privilege of attending book launches, workshops, masterclasses, and speaker events for prolific writers from all over Ireland.”

Now in its seventh year, the Young Writer Delegates Programme gives young writers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a literary festival and to contribute to it as active participants.

Danny Denton, Lecturer in Creative Writing at UCC and Interim Director of the MA in Creative Writing, said:  “The Young Writer Delegates programme is a fantastic opportunity for early-career writers to develop their craft, build connections, and find their place within Ireland’s vibrant literary community. At UCC, we are committed to nurturing emerging voices, and it’s wonderful to see Angelia’s talent and dedication recognised on a national platform. We wish her every success at Cúirt 2025.”

Masters in Creative Writing

UCC’s MA in Creative Writing supports emerging writers to develop their craft and connect with Ireland’s vibrant literary community. The programme combines core modules in fiction, poetry, and memoir with guest workshops led by acclaimed authors and publishing professionals. Taught by leading experts in creative writing, the MA also provides dedicated time and space for students to focus on their writing alongside a supportive community of peers.

Learn more about UCC’s MA in Creative Writing