Well Ropes 2008 is entering the final stages, it has gone to print so congrats to all those that were selected for this year's journal. We received an overwhelming number of submissions which made our work even harder, but as a team we can safely say that the best has been chosen.

In other news, this year we have also decided to take another step with Ropes and publish an audio cd with a limited number of copies. This is a great opportunity to hear submissions read by the authors or by specially chosen readers. A special thanks to Pa for this, full of bright ideas!


We would also like to congratulate all those that entered the Hemingway 6 Word Short Story Competition. Once again we received and overwhelmingly positive response and got some fantastic entries. However, as it would be impossible for us to publish all of the entries we have shortlisted 9 for publication with the winner being announced the night Ropes is to be launched. In no particular order our short list is:
Kevin Fahy, Siobhan Fox, K Murphy, Christopher J. Byrne, Meg Swanton, Paula Lawless, Fergal McNally, Justin Butler & Hubert McIntyre. Congratulations to all!


On Wednesday 2 April, we hosted a 90s table quiz in the college bar in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, which was an overwhelming success. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that came along and took part, or that donated money on the night. Congratulations to the Wibbley, Wobbley Wonders who won the quiz and also the girls that provided the entertainment! We are delighted to announce that we raised 540 euro for the Cystic Fibrosis cause!!!On another note a big thank you to Caroline for her fantastic quizmaster skills!


And last, but certainly not least, Ropes 2008 will be launched as part of the Cuirt International Festival of Literature that takes place in Galway from the 22- 27 April. Ropes is launched on Thurday 24 at 5pm in the Town Hall Studio & Bar. Refreshments are provided along with readings from some of our talented submitters! It promises to be a great evenings entertainment & all are welcome!!!!

While the 29 February is gone and passed, don't fret if you didn't submit in time......we are pleased to announce the deadline for the Hemingway Six Word Short Story Competiton has been extended! Hemingway called his six word short story possibly his best ever writing...what do you think?

"For sale: baby shoes, never used".

If you think you could do better than Hemingway himself, send us your short story to ropesgalway@gmail.com

Go on...it's only six words...how hard can it be?!?!

This year we are delighted to announce we are working in conjunction with CF Ireland. Through fundraising events and sales of Ropes, we want to raise awareness and dosh for this worthy charity. The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI) is a voluntary, non-profitable, charitable organisation. It was set up in 1963 to increase knowledge and awareness of CF and to give advice and support to people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families. The Association provides support and assistance to people with CF and their families. There are currently 22 branches of the Association throughout the country, with approximately 1,500 members nationally.

SO, by submitting your work, and of course buying Ropes, not only will you be helping fledgling publishers but also aiding CF Ireland!