‘Primary Poetry for All', the long awaited publication from the Primary School Children of Northern Ireland, who took part in the McIntyre Poetry Awards late last year, has finally arrived and will be available to buy directly from Eason Newtownards from 2pm where it will go on sale to the public following the Official Launch. 

The project was the brain-child of local poet Cameron McIntyre from Newtownards and the event was hosted by Ald Jim Shannon MLA at The Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.  A large entry encompassed children from P5-P7 and in various categories from Special Needs Schools, Mainstream, Independent, Integrated and Preparatory from schools all over Northern Ireland. 

The event was kindly sponsored by local businesses including Titianic Quarter who sponsored all of Category ‘B', which received one of the largest numbers of entries.  All the winners were presented with their Trophies, Medals and Certificates by Mr Michael Graham - Titanic Quarter. 

Karin McBride from AKR Promotions Events organisers of the event and a voluntary non-profit organisation commented:

‘We have been overwhelmed by the success of the Awards and the standard of work produced by the children.  The excitement is building already for tomorrow's big launch, we have been inundated with calls and we would like to thank the local media who have really helped us to get the word out!  A big thank you to Michael Graham and Anne Harty from The Titanic Quarter who have not only encouraged and promoted the literary skills of the children of Northern Ireland but have assisted greatly in our determined efforts to raise funds through this little book to ease the suffering of children in great distress both in Northern Ireland and overseas, by supporting this venture.'

With over 200+ entries and Primary schools were represented from as far afield as Londonderry to Craigavad it was difficult to choose the winners however with an independent judging panel comprising Ards Arts Council representatives Emily Walsh & Catherine Charley, The Mary Peters Trust, NIICCA's CEO Ruth Bell and The NI Children's Hospice representatives - Patrick McManus from Our Lady Queen of Peace, Belfast emerged as the Overall Winner.  The Overall Art Winner was Bobbie Quaile from Beechlawn Special School whose winning drawing adorns the front cover of the new book ‘Primary Poetry for All' published by Forward Press was judged by Ards Art Council.  The Overall School's Trophy was won by Brookfield Special School - full table of results can be found online at www.akrpromotionsevents.com and one can read all these poems in the book which is available to buy online at www.3in1publishing.co.uk from now...ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE NI CHILDREN'S HOSPICE AND NIICCA.