Prestigious prize rewards authors writing as Gaeilge

EIGHT Irish-language books have been shortlisted for a national literary prize.

The Oireachtas na Gaeilge Irish Language Book of the Year awards feature five adult and three children’s titles. The prestigious competition plays a key role in encouraging publishers and writers to produce Irish-language books. About 200 new titles are printed in Irish every year, with annual sales worth about €1.3 million.

The shortlisted works feature a collection of short stories and poetry, theadventures of three teenagers, a bilingual phrasebook for parents and a novel about an 18th century manuscript.

The children’s book entries include an illustrated collection of traditionalrhymes, contemporary translations of a Norse legend, and of one of the bestknown epics in the Irish language, An Táin.

More than 40 books were entered in the adult competition, with 16 competing in the young people’s section. Each shortlisted title has been selected for their content, design and layout,including text and illustrations, standard of printing and how they meet theneeds of their audience.

The overall winners will be announced in November, with prize money totalling around €25,000 for authors and publishers.

Oireachtas na Gaeilge national director Liam Ó Maolaodha said: “Each one of the shortlisted books is visually appealing and enjoyable to read and I congratulate the publishers for their careful marketing and commitment to excellence.

“I challenge adult and young readers to pick up an Irish-language book next time they visit their local library or bookshop because there is great quality and a broad range of Irish books available for all levels.”