Introduction
The Lord Walter FitzGerald Prize, sponsored by the County Kildare Archaeological Society, is awarded every 2 years on the basis of an essay reporting original research on any aspect of the archaeology or history of county Kildare or surrounding districts. In this context, research about persons or families of Kildare, or those well known to have resided there at one time, is part of the history and archaeology of Kildare. The prize commemorates Lord Walter FitzGerald (1858-1923), a founder member of this Society and one of the principal contributors to its Journal throughout its early decades.
Submission
Applicants are invited to submit an essay of 5000 to 7000 words, including footnotes. A prize of €500 and a medal will be awarded for the essay recommended by the judging panel and agreed by the Council. The competition is open to all applicants, regardless of their place of residence. While it is intended to offer the Lord Walter FitzGerald Prize biannually, a prize will not be awarded unless essays of sufficient quality are received. All essays submitted will be considered for publication in the Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society.
Timing
This prize will be advertised in the Journal, on this website and in appropriate local and national media. Entries should be submitted no later than 30 September in the year prior to the awarding of the prize. Entries should be accompanied by a completed application form, available from the Honorary Editor or you may print out the Application Form. Receipt of entries will be acknowledged. Entrants will be informed of the results and presentation details by 30 April in the award year.
Judges
The panel of judges comprises the President of the Society, the Honorary Editor of the Society’s Journal, one Council member, one representative of the County Library, and two external judges of merit to be appointed by the Honorary Editor in conjunction with the Council.
Awards
The Lord Walter FitzGerald Prize for Research will consist of a medal, especially designed and struck by the Society, and €500 in cash. All awards will be based on the recommendations of the panel of judges and agreed by the Council.