Mairi McCurdy

Accomplished educator with expertise in nurturing literacy in the classroom and effective curriculum planning, specialising in the development of inclusive learning materials for diverse and second-language learners. Demonstrates proficiency in literary analysis, close reading, and critical interpretation, complemented by experience in teacher training and language education within under-resourced contexts. Led the introduction of human rights education within school, including coordination of an Amnesty International group and facilitation of the student-led awareness-raising video project Refugee Voices. Brings a strong commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and ethical teaching practice.

• December 2025 Short story, Cracked, published by literary magazine, The Belfast Review
• August 2025 Poem, Kitchen Wizard, published in the anthology ‘Measure’ (Community Arts Partnership)
• January 2025 Short story, Bog Child, shortlisted in the Ink of Ages (World History Encyclopedia)
• July 2023 The Lies Where We Hide – novel longlisted in Jenny Brown Associates ‘Debut’ competition.
• February 2023 2nd place in ‘Look North’ short story competition, with Betrayal.
• August 2022 Weeklong retreat at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig, to complete first novel.
• September 2021 A Generous Solitude Published by Bradt in an anthology of award-winning travel writing.
• July 2021 Attended the John Hewitt Summer School being awarded a bursary for the week.
• November 2020- July 2021 Short story, Wilderness (inspired by the life of writer, Helen Waddell), featured in the Ulster Museum’s ‘Making the Future’ exhibition.
• April 2020 Poem, Reverence, selected for anthology of lockdown writing (Lights on the Horizon).
• January 2020 Gold Rush & Lizzie Murray’s Musical Evening, published ‘Foul Deeds will Rise’ (Down Museum)
• March 2019 Travel writing, The Castle of Misadventure, shortlisted and subsequently published by Bradt.
• September 2019 Where the Streets have Two Names selected for presentation by Tenx9, Belfast. Theme: Peace
• July 2018 and 2019 Poem Message from the North- ‘Highly Commended’ in the 6th Annual Bangor Poetry Comp. Achill longlisted in 7th Annual competition.
• May 2018 Short story, Ash, shortlisted in the Mairtin Crawford short story competition.
• February 2018 Bird’s Eye View – wins the international short story competition run by the British Council
• October 2017 Ash shortlisted in the Francis MacManus short story competition, RTE Radio 1. Broadcast in August
• August 2011 SIAP award from the Northern Ireland Arts Council to complete MG novel Our Dark Places.
• 2010-date Dedicated to the development of my practice, I have attended workshops run by Marita Conlon-Mckenna, Catherine McPhail, Bernie McGill, Jan Carson, Lucy Caldwell, Wendy Erskine, Clare Keegan, Paul McVeigh, Sue Divin and received one-one mentoring with Anthony Quinn and Eoin McNamee. I am regular attendee at QUB’s ‘Write Night’ and a member of two writing groups.