The Abbey Theatre has today announced playwright Ciara Hanley, as the recipient of the 2026 Lady Gregory Bursary for Playwrights, awarded for her play Dublin Underground.

The Lady Gregory Bursary for Playwrights provides space and time for the recipient to work on their play in the Abbey Theatre Artists’ Studio with dramaturgical support of Literary & New Work Associate, Rían Smith. Every script submitted via the Abbey’s year-round script submissions process is automatically considered for the bursary opportunity. Lady Gregory’s creative values of energy, intensity, a belief in the power of community and a sense of justice are all considered when selecting a suitable recipient.

Commenting, Patron of the Abbey Theatre, Dr Cecily O’Neill, said: “We were presented with six very promising scripts and it was quite a challenge to select one writer to receive the Lady Gregory Bursary. Our final choice was Dublin Underground, by Ciara Healy. Inventive and poetic, it presents a unique persecutive on Dublin. Surreal at times, the play shows a deep understanding of female friendship. We wish Ciara every success in the future.”

Pictured at the announcement of the Lady Gregory Bursary 2026 are: Executive Director of the Abbey Theatre, Mark O’Brien; Rachel O’Neill; Lady Gregory Bursary recipient, Ciara Hanley; Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy at the Abbey Theatre, Marie Lawlor; Literary & New Work Associate at the Abbey Theatre, Rían Smith. Photography, Mark Stedman.