Cork author wins at Children’s Books Ireland Awards
Caroline O'Donoghue: 'The Rachel Incident' is currently being filmed in Cork city and UCC.
A Cork writer has been recognised for her creativity after winning an award at the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.
Caroline O’Donoghue, who released the novel in 2023 and hosts the podcast, was announced as winner of the judges’ special award at the ceremony for her 2025 book .
A young-adult science-fiction story that takes the reader on a train from Cork to a world of different time zones, explores multilayered power dynamics and an electrifying romance.
It is an exciting time for Ms O'Donoghue, with currently being filmed for TV across the city and UCC — it has been dubbed Cork’s answer to .
The Children’s Books Ireland Awards were announced by Rick O’Shea at a ceremony held in Merrion Square, in partnership with International Literature Festival Dublin. A total of six awards were presented to authors and illustrators.
Children's Books Ireland chief executive Elaina Ryan said that children’s literature is evolving and the winners this year reflect that.
“The winning titles are deeply imaginative and original, and by turns side splittingly funny and incredibly moving.
“It’s a joy to see neurodivergent characters so strongly represented in this inclusive selection of excellent books.
“We’re proud to celebrate the authors, illustrators and publishers behind the books, and offer them our warmest congratulations."
by Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat (Andersen Press)
by Emma Shevah (David Fickling Books)
by Katy Ashworth and illustrated by Colleen Larmour (Puffin)
by Kevin Moran (The O'Brien Press)
by Caroline O'Donoghue (Walker Books)
by Gráinne O'Brien (Little Island Books)
Caoilfhionn Carlin
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