Budding bards from across the land are invited to proclaim their talents through the SeaCat Irish National Poetry Competition, in association with Poetry Ireland. The competition is open to residents of all ages from the whole of Ireland. The winners will be drawn from three categories - primary, secondary and adult (over-18).

Joseph Woods, general manager of Poetry Ireland, says the competition aims to "bring poetry back to the people". "The purpose is to reintroduce poetry and the beauty of language into the lives of as many people as possible.

"This competition is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a poet yet was afraid to try. We are confident that the competition will bring out a new breed of Irish poets."

Poems are welcome in both English and Irish and must have a maximum of 40 lines. All adult entries must be submitted to Poetry Ireland by July 9th, and a shortlist will be announced in August. Under-18 entries must be submitted by October 2nd.

Winners in each of the three categories will be presented with a trophy and cash prize by President McAleese at an awards ceremony in November. The winning adult entry will receive £5,000 and secondary and primary students will get £500 and £250 respectively.

Details of the competition are available at www.seacat.co.uk or www.irishpoetry2001.com and from bookshops and local libraries.