The shortlists have been announced by An tOireachtas, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, for the Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards – Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Book of the Year for Adults), Gradam Réics Carló (Book of the Year for Children) and Gradam de Bhaldraithe (Book of the Year for publications translated into Irish).
Sixteen (16) books in total have been shortlisted – six (6) in the category, ‘Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults’; five (5) in the Children’s Book category and five (5) in the category for translated works.
The 11 Publishing Houses shortlisted include An tSnáthaid Mhór; Barzaz; Cló Iar-Chonnacht; Cló na nGael; Dalen Éireann; Éabhlóid; Foilseacháin Ábhair Spioradálta; Futa Fata; Leabhar Breac; Leabhair COMHARand Móinín.
“I congratulate the Publishing Houses appearing on this year’s shortlists as well as the authors, illustrators and translators involved in all of these exceptional books”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas.
An tOireachtas are delighted to award due credit to the exceptional calibre and outstanding quality of new Irish writing and publishing reflected in all the books shortlisted this year. There has never before been so much choice for Irish Language literature enthusiasts and I wish to commend all Publishing Houses for their invaluable work in their high standard of publishing year after year.
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha
Foras na Gaeilge Chief Executive, Seán Ó Coinn added “Our publishers, writers and illustrators depend on each other as a community in order to provide reading material for Irish speakers. With development and growth in the publishing sector, more Irish-language books are being read year after year.
However, the long-term success of Irish language publishing continues to depend on governments, north and south, to recognise the importance of literature as part of the fabric of developing a minority language. Now is the time to support the publishing sector to allow for continued growth and expansion to add to the excellent work they are currently doing.”
The awards winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Dublin in early October 2022. A collective prize fund of €17,000 will be awarded.