McBride wins top literary award for first her novel at Listowel Writers Week

A 38-year-old author last night scooped the richest literary award confined to Irish writers for her first novel.

The €15,000 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award went to Eimear McBride for her book, A Girl Is A Half-formed Thing.

The winner was announced at the official opening of the 43rd Listowel Writers’ Week. Also on the shortlist were Deirdre Madden, Colum McCann, Frank McGuinness and Donal Ryan.