New Irish Writing: Poetry by Paul McMahon

New Irish Writing’s winning poetry entry for April 2025

Paul McMahon, April 2025's selection for New Irish Writing poetry

Paul McMahon

Paul is from Belfast and lives in Clonakilty. He was awarded the Keats-Shelley Poetry Prize by Carol Ann Duffy. Other poetry awards include first prizes in The Moth International, the Nottingham Open Poetry Prize and the Listowel Writers’ Week Poetry Collection Prize. His poetry has appeared in Poetry Review, London Magazine and The Stinging Fly. For more details visit: www.paul-mcmahon.com

It was obvious from the way the crows came stumbling over the hill