March 11 Edit Sent note to Editor of magazine and received this answer:
Hello Ann,
No. Your story does not have to have an Irish theme - it can be on any subject, set in any context.
Good luck
George


Here's a notice of a short story contest for anyone interested, I have no connection with the magazine or the sponsoring book store. Just making it available in case anyone interested.
A WARM WELCOME FROM VIRTUAL IRELAND

So you've got your eye on our $4,000 prize - well someone has to win it and there's no reason why it shouldn't be you.

We've also got some great runner up prizes of Book Club parcels from our friends and sponsors, Kennys Book Shop, Galway, Ireland.

We're serious about creating the best short story competition and we've even gathered together a formidable panel of internationally known judges, drawn from the world of Irish literature, including Mary A. Larkin (The Wasted
Years), Colin Bateman (Divorcing Jack), Marie Jones (Stones in His Pockets),
Paddy Logue (Being Irish), Keith Baker (Lunenburg), Des Kenny (Kennys Bookshop), Eamonn Mallie (Endgame in Ireland) and Bob Joyce (James Joyce Centre, Dublin).

So go on, impress us with your stories. They can be in any style or genre and you have until 31st May 2002 to enter, but there's no time like the present. Judging will be completed by the end of August and the winners
announced on the Virtual Ireland web site in early September. 'It could be you' !!

Okay, it's now over to you - Below you will find a copy of the officialRules & Conditions, giving details of story length, entry fee etc.. If you want more useful information on how you can submit your story online or download an official Entry Form pay us a visit here:

http://www.virtualireland.com/story/default.asp?page=comp&sstory=intro

So happy writing and Good Luck !

George Larmour
Editor - Virtual Ireland.
Email: george@virtualireland.com