Why Join The Story Cup
The Fudge & Gandol Story Cup helps young storytellers grow by crafting plots, building imagination, and strengthening literacy skills.
Open to all students in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - from First to Sixth Class (P3–P7 NI), this competition is the perfect chance for children to write and submit an original story inspired by Fudge & Gandol Story Cards.
The winning student receives a €100 Smyths voucher and their very own personalised Fudge & Gandol story.
How to Create a Story
Using the Fudge and Gandol Story Cards, select your characters, a setting, and an enchanted element. Build a plot bringing in the selected cards.
The child has complete creative freedom to build their story. They are encouraged to use as many cards as needed. We recommend 2–3 characters, 1–2 locations, and one enchanted element.
Each set of cards contains numerous Story Sparks that act as story starters. Students are free to use these or build their own plot with the characters.
Follow @fudgeandgandol on Instagram and Facebook for more story ideas!
KEY DATES TO REMEMBER
School Intent to Participate: Friday, 21st November
Let us know you’re taking part by sending a quick email to hello@fudgeandgandol.com
Final Submission Deadline: Friday, 5th December, by 4:00 PM
Winners Announced: Monday, 15th December
HOW TO SEND US YOUR STORIES
Submitting your students’ stories is simple and flexible. Choose the method that works best for you:
- Post: Fudge & Gandol Ltd, c/o AIM Innovation Centre, Sligo, F91 WV7R
- Email: Send a scanned copy or clear photo of the story to: hello@fudgeandgandol.com
Follow @fudgeandgandol on Instagram and Facebook for more story ideas!
AGE CATEGORIES & PRIZES
To ensure every storyteller has a chance to shine, we’ve created the following categories:
- 1st–2nd Class (P3–P4)
- 3rd–4th Class (P5–P6)
- 5th–6th Class (P7 +)
Prizes:
🥇 1st Prize: €100 Smyths voucher + a personalized Fudge & Gandol story
🥈 2nd Prize: A personalised Fudge & Gandol story
🏫 School Prize: A Story Card set or Story Box for overall creativity
TEACHER NOTES/INSTRUCTIONS
Group Activity: Give each group a set of 5–6 cards and let storytelling begin before students write their own entries.
Drama Warm-Up: Inspire a quick role-play session starring your favourite story characters and settings.
Drawing Scenes: Encourage students to draw their scene or character—unleash vivid detail and creativity!
School Prize: A Story Card set or Story Box for the most creative classroom
PARENTAL PERMISSION NOTE
By submitting, you confirm that students have Parental/Guardian permission for their stories (or story excerpts/photos) to be shared on Fudge & Gandol’s website and social channels.
JUDGING CRITERIA FOR THE STORY CUP
Entries will be judged by a panel consisting of the Creator of Fudge & Gandol, a Teacher Advisor, and a Creative Guest.
Stories will be evaluated based on the following six key points:
- Creativity and originality
- Story structure (clear beginning, middle, and end)
- Use of imagination or descriptive detail
- Age-appropriate effort
- Use of imagery to support the story
Bonus points are awarded for a Video submission reading the story.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Schools must notify Fudge & Gandol of intent to participant in the competition by Friday 21st of November.
- One entry per child.
- Group entries permitted (but prizes will be shared by the group).
- Entries must include: Students Name, Age, Class, School Name, Teachers Name and school email / best contact information.
- Entries from individuals permitted if school is not entering. Details of parent must be provided.
- Winners will be notified via school / parent.
- Open to Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland schools.
Ready to unlock the creativity in your classroom?
Let us know you're in by Friday, November 21, by sending us an email from your school email address. Tell us which class(es) are participating, and we will send a free starter kit directly to your school. Please include your school's address. This competition is open to schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland only.