The quality and standard of publishing in the Irish language was recognized when the shortlist for Irish Language Book of the Year (Leabhar na Bliana) was announced by Páidí Ó Lionáird at The New Theatre, Temple Bar, in Dublin as part of the IMRAM literary festival.

Leabhar na Bliana, which is funded by Foras na Gaeilge and administered by Oireachtas na Gaeilge is a unique literary competition recognising the excellent standard of publishing and writing in the Irish language. 

Irish language publishers from around the country were invited to submit books to compete for the two prestigious annual awards, Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Adult’s Book of the Year) and Gradam Réics Carló (Young People’s Book of the Year). Twelve books in total were shortlisted for this year’s awards which carry a combined total prize fund of €25,000. 

Coiscéim, who are based in Dublin have secured two books on this year’s shortlist for Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin. (Adult’s Book of the Year)  

They are Iqbal, a collection of prose and poetry from the great Pakistani poet Iqbal, translated by Gabriel Rosenstock and Aguisíní a diverse anthology of the previously unpublished work of the late Seán Ó Tuama arranged by Seán Ó Tuama himself and poet Louis De Paor.

Cló Iar-Chonnachta also have two books on the shortlist for adults , Ar an gCoigríoch, an anthology of stories detailing the various stages of Irish emigration chosen by Aisling Ní Dhonnchadha and Máirín Nic Eoin and  Pádraic Ó Conaire – Rogha Scéalta, a new collection of Pádraic Ó Conaire’s short stories selected by Diarmuid de Faoite. 

An Damer – Stair Amharclainne, a history of The Damer Theatre published by Gael Linn and written by Máiréad Ní Chinnéide also made it onto the list. 

The final book in this category is Filíocht Ghrá na Gaeilge, a collection of love poems in Irish with translations in English which is edited by Ciarán Mac Murchaidh and published by Cois Life. 

Those shortlisted for Gradam Réics Carló (Young People’s Book of the Year) include two entries from publishers Cois Life. Dialann Sár-Rúnda Amy Ní Chonchúir by Siobhán Parkinson is aimed at teenagers and it follows Amy, a teenager herself through her day to day dramas. 

Also by Cois Life, Cén t-am é? by Siobháin Grogan helps the very young to learn to read the time in a fun and colourful way. Also shortlisted is Peigín Leitir Móir a collection of Irish songs and rhymes that will remind most of us of our schooldays, written by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin and published by Futa Fata. 

Joining these books on the shortlist is Deirdre agus Mic Uisnigh, a modern twist on an old tale in the form of a graphic novel by Colmán Ó Raghallaigh and published by Cló Mhaigh Eo. Móinín, winners of Gradam Réics Carló 2008 is again shortlisted this year with Eachtraí Uchtaigh, a collection of short stories with themes ranging from courage to hope by Esther Göbl Uí Nualláin. 

Completing the shortlist for Young People’s Book of the Year is Balor, a story from ancient folklore brought to life by Andrew Whitson’s illustrations, written by Caitríona Hastings and published by An tSnáthaid Mhór. 

Speaking about the awards, Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, CEO of Foras na Gaeilge said:  “The range of books on this year’s shortlist illustrates the artistic and commercial achievements of Irish language publishers. 

We’re delighted to be able to support these awards that recognise the great work being done by Irish Language Publishers and Writers”.