The Shortlist for the Percy French Prize for Witty Verse has been announced by the judge Margaret Hickey, and is as follows:
Pat Borthwick, East Yorkshire, England (“My Neighbour’s Myna”);

D.G. (Greg) Geis, Houston, Texas, U.S.A., (“Class of 67”);

Joe Greaney, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo (“Apachees on Mi-Wadi”);

James Martyn Joyce, Renmore, Galway (“The Reading”);

Mike Greenhough, Cardiff, Wales (“Kneeology”);

Jimmy Rafferty, Loughgall, Co. Armagh (“Fifty Shades”);

Mike Roycroft, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary (“A modern Passenger’s Lament”);

Tom Sigafoos, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal (“Blanket on the Ground (Unexpurgated)”);

Michael Swan,  Oxfordshire, England (“J (I like places beginning with J)”); and

Alice Walsh, Perth, Scotland (“Off the Wall”).

Thanks to all who participated, and congratulations to the shortlisted poets.  The results will be announced in Strokestown at the 19th Festival on the 28th of April 2017.