Sixth ‘Wexford Bohemian’ journal sells out less than 48 hours after launch

Just one of the offshoots of a burgeoning literary scene that has sprung up around beloved bookshop Red Books in St Peter's Square, on this occasion editor Álanna Hammel worked her way through some 4,000 submissions – short stories, poems, essays, photographs and paintings.

The result – an eclectic mix of poetry, essays and short stories from 25 writers, with contributions from four Wexford based artists and photographers.

The retention of that Wexford "feel" is important for Álanna, and as a result the majority of contributors published on the latest edition of The Wexford Bohemian are local, however, there are also pieces from Kevin Byrne, currently living in New Zealand, and Rachel Weintraub and Allison James from San Francisco who travelled all the way to Wexford to read their pieces at the official launch of the literary journal at Westgate Heritage Centre.

Renowned folklorist Michael Fortune did the honours in officially launching Wex Boh SIX and also provided a fitting foreword for the collection.

As well as containing writers of all backgrounds, this iteration of the journal also contains writers of all ages, the youngest contributors – 15 year-olds Aoife Byrne and Conor Healy – showing talent well beyond their years.

Contributor Jack Edmunds-Bergin from Riverchapel described it as "an amazing platform" and "a fantastic way to keep close to and connect with creators across the south east."

Award-winning poet Margaret Galvin said: "It's wonderful to see The Wexford Bohemian growing in stature and achieving the status it deserves as an important literary outlet. This has only come out as a result of hard work, dedication, vision and determination."

Less than two days after the official launch, the sixth issue was completely sold-out. It's the fourth time that The Wexford Bohemian has managed this feat and it provides tangible evidence that the Wexford literary scene is alive and well.

The Wexford Bohemian will be open for submissions again next summer. For more details, follow them on Instagram, Facebook or visit wexfordbohemian.substack.com.