Booker winner Enright receives tributes

TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to the 2007 Man Booker winner, Dubliner Anne Enright.

The 45-year-old outsider became the second Irish writer in three years to win the €70,000 award, which guarantees increased sales and recognition.

Ms Enright’s book, The Gathering, beat competition from five other writers, including previous winner Ian McEwan.

President Mary McAleese said: “This is a most deserved affirmation of the talents of Anne Enright, an imaginative and insightful writer who continues the long tradition of literary richness which flows from Ireland.”

Arts Minister Seamus Brennan said the award was a testament to Ms Enright’s talent and maturity as a creative artist.

“She has fused tragedy with humour to deliver a novel that is compelling and at times haunting. Ireland can be truly proud of her success against such a prestigious and internationally recognised shortlist,” he said.

The Arts Council hailed the win as proof of the wealth of literary talent which continues to emerge in Ireland.

Director Mary Cloake said: “This is a wonderful achievement and honour for Anne Enright, whose commitment to the craft of writing is paramount.

“Significantly, it puts the international spotlight on Enright’s work and on Irish literature generally — this is the second Irish win in three years.”

The Gathering is the fourth novel written by mother-of-two Enright.

It is the second Irish Booker win in three years — John Banville took the prize in 2005 for The Sea — and just the fourth Irish win in its history.

The others were Iris Murdoch for The Sea, the Sea in 1978 and Roddy Doyle in 1993 for Paddy Clarke, Ha, Ha, Ha.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes listed Enright as the 12/1 outsider, with McEwan’s book, On Chesil Beach, the 6/4 favourite.