Southside mums book their way into national finals

TWO new Southside mums have made it to the finals of a high profile national story writing competition.

Anne McDonnell, a full time mum of two from Sandyford, and Sara Falconer, a mum of three from Rathfarnham have been chosen as two of 10 Irish finalists in the annual Munch Time competition.

Now in its third year, Munch Time Ireland received more entries than ever before, with authors-in-the-making hoping to be in with a chance of winning the top prize of e1,000.

Two runners-up will also be selected from the public vote and will receive a cash prize of e500 each.

However, the national profile could also help propel budding authors into the limelight and a chance to become full time writers.

Anne and Sara’s stories were chosen from the huge volume of entries received by a judging panel which included Dr Gerry Shiel from the Reading Association of Ireland and Director of MyKidsTime.ie, Jill Holtz.

Anne wrote her short story entitled

‘What’s for lunch?’ after reading hundreds of children’s books over the years.

“One of our family’s most precious times is when we read bedtime stories,

? she explained.

“My children love to hear stories and I began creating my own adventures for my kids.

“My children Rory (13) and Clodagh (9) are both thrilled that I have been shortlisted.

“I’m hoping that all of my family and friends will vote for What’s for lunch?

Sara’s story, which is entitled

‘Munch’s Big Adventure’ was inspired when she heard about the Munch Bunch short story writing competition and thought this was her chance to put pen to paper.

“Munch the cow was a great character to work with and she took the starring role in a story that I regularly make up for my children,

? she said.

“I have three children, the youngest of which, Matthew is just 18 months, but my eldest two, Adam, (9) and Patrick (6) are over the moon.

“We’re hoping that people will really enjoy reading Munch’s Big Adventure.

?

You can read and vote for Anne and Sara’s stories at www.munchtimeireland.com