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Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year
The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year is both the senior award and the foundation stone of the new Irish Book Awards. Inaugurated in 2000, it counts among it's distinguished Irish winners the late John McGaherm, Colum McCann, Ronan Bennett, and John Banville. The worthy 2007 winner was Patrick McCabe for Winterwood.
Winner
THE GATHERING by Anne Enright more >>
Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.
Nominated
ZUGWANG by Ronan Bennett more >>
Set in St Petersburg in 1914, Zugzwang is another startlingly original historical thriller from Ronan Bennett.
REDEMPTION FALLS by Joseph O'Connor more >>
Set just after The American Civil War "Redemption Falls" is Joe O'Connor's brilliant follow-up to "Star of the Sea."
THE SILVER SWAN by Benjamin Black more >>
Benjamin Black's cracking crime series builds momentum with this the second volume in the Quirke series.
The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year
One of the mainstays of the Irish book-trade, Argosy book wholesalers, joined the first expansion of the Irish Book Awards in 2006 when their Nonfiction prize went to Brian Dillon for his searing memoir In the Dark Room. The 2007 winner was Tim Robinson for Connemara.
Winner
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter more >>
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.
Nominated
THE HIGH SOCIETY by Justine Delaney Wilson more >>
The book that blew the lid off the cocaine story in the words of the users themselves.
FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS by Stephen Walker more >>
Wonderfully vivid account of the lives of men who enlisted to fight an enemy but ended up being killed by their own side.
FOLLOW ME DOWN TO DUBLIN by Deirdre Purcell more >>
A book to be savoured by all who have enjoyed a passing acquaintance with Anna Livia and her court.
The Dublin Airport Authority Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr
The Dublin Airport Authority, along with Argosy,completed the the three-sponsor roster for the first Irish Book Awards in 2006. That year the winner was Kate Thompson for The New Policeman. In 2007 the DAA award winners were Oliver Jeffers in the junior category and John Boyne in the senior category. PJ Lynch received a special award for illustration. The titles below refer to the junior category for readers aged 8 and under.
Winner
THE STORY OF IRELAND by Brendan O'Brien more >>
Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.
Nominated
THE LEGEND OF THE WORST BOY IN THE WORLD by Eoin Colfer more >>
Funny, quirky fiction with brilliant black-and-white illustrations by Tony Ross throughout. Another winner from Eoin Colfer.
THE WAY BACK HOME by Oliver Jeffers more >>
A star-spangled inter-galactic adventure tale characterised by Jeffers' imaginative brilliance and wonderful illustrations.
ANGELA AND THE BABY JESUS by Frank McCourt more >>
Delightful Christmas story from the author of Angela's Ashes, destined to become a perennial Christmas classic.
The Dublin Airport Authority Irish Children's Book of the Year - Snr
The titles below refer to the the senior category for children in the 9 + age group.
Winner
WILDERNESS by Roddy Doyle more >>
Few writers know how to engage the imagination of young readers like Roddy Doyle and Wilderness is as good as anything he's done.
Nominated
SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT by Derek Landy more >>
An amazing debut which became the publishing sensation of the year and promises to develop into one of the great children's series.
THE THING WITH FINN by Tom Kelly more >>
Poignant story of a bereaved boy who embarks on an emotional journey - and ultimately finds his way home.
THE ALCHEMYST by Michael Scott more >>
Terrific new series from the prodigiously productive pen of Michael Scott.
International Education Services Ltd Best Irish Newcomer of the Year
This award was created to reward the most promising first-time author published in Ireland in any given year. The award is unrestricted by genre and the first winner was Gisele Scanlon for The Goddess Guide. We're delighted that 2008 sponsorship of this award was recently taken up by International Education Serices Ltd of Leixlip.
Winner
WITH MY LAZY EYE by Julia Kelly more >>
The freshest voice in Irish fiction since the wonderful early novels of Edna O'Brien said John Banville.
Nominated
SECRET DIARY OF A DEMENTED HOUSEWIFE by Niamh Greene more >>
Dead-on and extremely funny chronicle of a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother.
THERE ARE LITTLE KINGDOMS by Kevin Barry more >>
Richly imagined and riotously entertaining stories from a bright new talent.
IN THE WOODS by Tana French more >>
A fine multilayered psychological thriller and A startlingly accomplished debut from Tana French.
The Eason Irish-Published Book of the Year
Adding a major player like Easons to the roster of sponsors is a huge advance for the Awards and it's fitting that Easons, Ireland's senior bookselling company, should choose to sponsor an award aimed at rewarding a book emanating from the vibrant Irish publishing sector. Lifelines: New & Collected, a splendid poetry collection, was the first-time Easons winner.
Winner
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter more >>
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.
Nominated
LINES I LOVE by Mary Kennedy more >>
For those moments when you're looking for the perfect phrase, this gem of a book will always come through for you.
ROSS O'CARROLL-KELLY'S GUIDE TO SOUTH DUBLIN by Ross O'Carroll-Kelly more >>
The incomparable, irredeemable Ross O'Carroll-Kelly gives the ultimate low-down on the centre of the universe, South Dublin.
THE STORY OF IRELAND by Brendan O'Brien more >>
Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.
The Energise Sport Irish Sports Book of the Year
Long recognised for their massive contribution to sports promotion in Ireland, Club Energise Sport hope to establish their Irish Sports Book of the Year as the premier award in a crowded field. Paul McGrath, for Back from the Brink, was an immensely popular first winner in 2007.
Winner
TREVOR BRENNAN: HEART AND SOUL by Trevor Brennan with Gerry Thornley more >>
Superb account of a brilliant at times turbulent rugby career.
Nominated
THE GAMBLER by Oisin McConville & Ewan MacKenna more >>
GAA star relives his darkest days while also recalling the highlights of a great career.
RULE 42 AND ALL THAT by Sean Kelly more >>
Inside account of a defining struggle in Irish sport, one that both ended and inaugurated an era.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON'S JOURNEY TO THE OPEN by Padraig Harrington more >>
A stunning portrait of an extraordinary Irish sporting hero.
The Tubridy Show Listener's Choice Book of the Year
This award is a huge feather in the cap of the Irish Book Awards since Ryan Tubridy is fast becoming the most influential media personality actively promoting books in Ireland. A massive public vote awarded the first TTS award to John Boyne for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
Winner
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter more >>
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.
Nominated
THE GATHERING by Anne Enright more >>
Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.
ON CHESIL BEACH by Ian McEwan more >>
Wonderfully-poignant Booker Prize short-listed novel from a master of the contemporary novel form.
THE SILVER SWAN by Benjamin Black more >>
Benjamin Black's cracking crime series builds momentum with this the second volume in the Quirke series.
THE GHOST by Robert Harris more >>
Robert Harris is the leading current exponent of the intelligent literary thriller. "The Ghost" is his most compelling novel yet.
THE ROAD by Cormac McCarthy more >>
'A work of such terrible beauty that you will struggle to look away' according to one reviewer.
The Galaxy Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year
Another stellar addition to the awards roster, the food giant, Galaxy, (also sponsors of the British Book Awards) launched the first Irish Popular Fiction Award in 2007. Paul Howard (aka Ross O'Carroll-Kelly) won the prize for Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade.
Winner
TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW by Anita Notaro more >>
Most of us can remember a defining moment in our lives. This is the story of the moment that changed Lily Ormond's forever.
Nominated
BAD BEHAVIOUR by by Sheila O'Flanagan more >>
What does a girl do when her best friend nicks the love of her life from right under her nose?
THE LAST TO KNOW by Melissa Hill more >>
Melissa Hill's many fans will love this typically sharp and witty offering.
SECRET DIARY OF A DEMENTED HOUSEWIFE by Niamh Greene more >>
Dead-on and extremely funny chronicle of a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother.
SHIP OF DREAMS by Martina Devlin more >>
An extraordinarily personal tale of the tragedy that befell a relative of the author on the fateful voyage of The Titanic.
THIS CHAMPAGNE MOJITO IS THE LAST THING I OWN by Ross O'Caroll Kelly more >>
Another hilarious slice of South Dublin life from fictional super-ledge, your own Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.
Lifetime Achievement in Literary Ireland Award
The Cork-born novelist, playwright, and short story writer, William Trevor, was honoured with The 2008 Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award. He was described by guest speaker, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern as "one of our country's most prolific writers and above all, a master storyteller."
Nominated