In the world of contemporary fiction, Irish writng is considered to be one of the most vibrant traditions, and one which continues to produce talented and exciting new writers every year. With this in mind, and the popularity of the short story in Ireland, Phoenix Irish short stories 1996 was initiated to select the very best Irish short fiction in a given year. This 3rd annual anthology reflects the healthy state of the Irish literary tradition. Sixteen new stories from established names like Eilis Ni Dhuibhne and talented newcomers like Blanaid Mckinney, on a variety of themes from sex to death, demonstrate the excellence of the contemproary form.