Local publishing houses Cló Iar-Chonnacht, Barzaz, Futa Fata and Leabhar Breac are among the 10 companies which have had books shortlisted in the Irish-Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards. The other six are An tSnáthaid Mhór; Cork University Press; Dalen Éireann; Éabhlóid; LeabhairCOMHAR and Picnic Press.

Nineteen books are shortlisted in the three categories – six in the ‘Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults’; seven in the Children’s Books and six in the category for translated works.

In the Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin adult category, the novel Fiche by Colm Ó Ceallacháin, published by Leabhar Breac, is shortlisted. A story of love and tragedy set in a parallel world, not too different to ours, it won a prize in the 2023 Oireachtas Literary Competitions.

An Ghluaiseacht: Scéal Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeltachta by Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, published by Cló-Iar Chonnacht, chronicles the full story of the radical generation that stood up for the rights of people living in Gaeltacht areas.

Also shortlisted in this category is Darach Ó Scolaí’s novel Bódléar, published by Leabhar Breac, which explores the change in lifestyle and culture in rural Ireland during the 19th century. Bódléar won a prize in the 2024 Oireachtas Literary Competition.

In the Gradam Réics Carló Award for children, Ceol na Mara by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, illustrated by Tarsila Krüse and Úna Woods, published by Futa Fata, is shortlisted. This collection about the sea, presented by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, Caitlín Ní Chualáin and pupils from Scoil Sailearna, Indreabhán, includes new songs as well as new covers of classics.

Óró by Alan Titley, illustrated by Dómhnal Ó Bric, and published by Leabhar Breac, is an adventure novel. A teenager escapes on a ship and goes across the seas in search of El Dorado.

Éanna Corr by Antain Mac Lochlainn, illustrated by Caomhán Ó Scolaí, and published by Leabhar Breac, is about Éanna, who lives on the margins of life, alone among the other pupils in Pobalscoil na Carraige. But Éanna’s story takes a turn when a new student arrives.

Bearradh Gruaige d’Eoinín, by Muireann Ní Chíobháin, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy, published by Futa Fata, is the fourth book in the series about Eoinín, a little lamb.  He’s overdue a haircut and he needs help from his young readers!

The shortlist in the Gradam de Bhaldraithe for translation includes Tír Bheag, by Gael Faye and translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn, published by Barzaz. Growing up in Burundi in 1992, Gabriel is blissfully unaware of the political tensions surrounding him.  Things take a darker turn however, when civil war ravages Gaby’s mother’s home country, Rwanda.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 30, in at An Taibhdhearc in Galway City when a collective prize fund of €17,000 will be awarded.

Full details at www.antoireachtas.ie.