Mayo man announced as finalist in prestigious competition 

Mayo writer Ray Lawlor, from Castlebar, is a finalist in the 17th Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) Zebbie Awards for his RTÉ television series Obituary.

The awards ceremony, which will be presented by Tara Flynn, will take place on Tuesday, 3rd September at The Sugar Club in Dublin.

Lawlor, an award-winning writer for film and television, is a finalist in the Best TV Drama Script category for the opening episode of the first series of Obituary.

This year’s awards take place as the Writers’ Guild of Ireland celebrates its Emerald Anniversary, marking 55 years since it was first established as the Society of Playwrights in Ireland.

As part of its Emerald celebrations, the WGI will be hosting the World Conference of Screenwriters 2024 in Galway this October, where over two hundred screenwriters from all across the world will gather to discuss their craft and their industry.

Jennifer Davidson, Chair of the Writers Guild of Ireland, said:

“Once again, we’re delighted to support and celebrate the craft of our talented members through the Zebbie Awards. Now in their 17th year, the Zebbies highlight the incredible contribution that Irish writers make to our creative industries. At the Writers Guild of Ireland, we are exceptionally proud of the work that our members do. It is our privilege to hold the annual Zebbie Awards to recognise and celebrate the best writing for stage, screen and radio across seven categories. It is a real privilege to celebrate the talent of Irish writers and remind everyone of the brilliant creative minds behind your favourite films, plays, radio dramas and TV shows.

“This year, we are also honoured to present our Special Services to Writers Award to the powerhouse that is former Senator David Norris, who for many years hosted the Zebbie Awards in his own inimitable style, and who both on stage and behind the scenes has always been a fierce advocate for the Guild and for Irish writers.”