Happy New Flash Fiction Armagh

Between one thing and another, (Covid and industrial action to be specific) I didn’t manage to attend any Flash Fiction Armagh events in 2022 at all. When my wonderful co-host, co-organiser, co-founded of FFA and friend Réamonn got a wonderful promotion to CEO of Gael Linn and wasn’t going to be able to afford the time to FFA, I wondered if it was time to wrap it up. But I had one more avenue to explore…

A phone call later, I knew there were still legs in FFA and that it has a long way to run yet.

That phone call was to the talented young Rachel Toner, who had been on my radar for a while as an emerging writer and as an Arts manager (she has an MSc in Arts Management from QUB.) A young woman, working hard to build her own career, I was worried that she might not be able to fit in coming on board for FFA, but I was overjoyed when she gave a resounding “Yes!”

Delighted to have the next generation involved with FFA, I’m confident that there are many years ahead of us of listening to great stories from new, emerging and experienced writers. Safe to say, I’m starting 2023 with great optimism and enthusiasm thanks to Rachel!

Our first event last week – Flash Fiction Saturday Night at the Museum 2023 – was a rip-roaring success.

We began with a minute to remember our dear Jay who passed away in December, and said a sad goodbye to Réamonn; ah, not goodbye really, just a slán go foil– Goodbye for now – as we presented him with a thank you card and gift voucher for Mulberry Bistro – the venue where it all began. Rachel took hold of the reins confidently and the stories were amazing. You can watch the videos of the stories at this link.

As usual, the audience was generous, warm and good craic as the photo of everyone waving shows.

We were delighted with the numbers – a full house/museum gallery. I love the museum as a venue. It is cosy and comfortable and the staff are so welcoming. All these things are ingredients for a wonderful event and I’m just lucky that I get to stir them together.

Our next event is in Aonach Mhacha (the Irish Culture Centre) at the Shambles as part of the AE Festival on 1st April 2023 at 8pm. You can get your tickets here. The theme is “Lost Childhood”  and you can submit via the contact form. Simply cut and paste your story (no more than 700 words) into the “Comment or message” section before 1st March 2023.

So Happy New Year and I hope 2023 to be a vast improvement over the last few years… Good things are coming!

Byddi Lee