Shortlists Announced For The 2021 Irish-Language Book Of The Year Awards
The shortlists were announced today, 16th of August 2021, by An tOireachtas, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, for the Irish-Language Book of the Year 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).
Eighteen (18) books in total have been shortlisted – seven (7) in the category, ‘Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults’; five (5) in the Children’s Book category and six (6) in the category for translated works.
The Publishing Houses shortlisted include Barzaz, An tSnáthaid Mhór, Cló Iar-Chonnacht, Cló Léann na Gaeilge, Coiscéim, Dalen Éireann, Éabhlóid, Futa Fata and Leabhar Breac. 2 works were independently published by Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair and Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.
The criteria for adjudication included:
Treatment of the subject matter; standard of Irish; design, including text, cover, illustrations and adherence to good practice in publishing; and the extent to which the publication caters for demand in the market.
"The increased volume and the exceptional standard of the works entered in the 2021 competition for the Irish Language Publishing Awards is indicative of a highly innovative and entrepreneurial performance from the publishing sector in Ireland at present.
“I congratulate the Publishing Houses appearing on this year’s shortlists and commend the energy, creativity and meticulous attention to detail with which they bring us the works of our talented Irish writers.
By making a conscious decision to buy, read or gift an Irish-language book we can each play a part in supporting writers, artists and Irish industry, while enriching our own lives.
The treasure trove of Irish-language books brought to the market over the last year is truly remarkable”said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, Acting Director of An tOireachtas.
The Foras na Gaeilge Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Edel Ní Chorráin, said:
“I congratulate everyone working in the publishing sector for their hard work in publishing quality books again this year.
This year's shortlisted authors, illustrators, translators and publishers deserve special praise.
The publishing houses are succeeding in raising the standard every year and providing books that cater for Irish language readers and encourage more readers towards Irish language books.
I wish everyone on the shortlists every success”.
The winners of the awards will be announced in early October 2021.
A collective prize fund of €17,000 will be awarded.
Details of all publications are available at here.
