Roisín O’Donnell Wins Novel of the Year at An Post Irish Book Awards

Roisín O’Donnell has been awarded the prestigious title of Novel of the Year for her book Nesting at the An Post Irish Book Awards held on March 15, 2024. The ceremony took place at the Convention Centre in Dublin and celebrated the achievements of numerous talented Irish authors.

Among the notable winners were Manchán Magan, who received the Best Irish-Published Book of the Year award for his posthumously published work, Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun), illustrated by Megan Luddy. Other awardees included esteemed authors such as Joseph O’Connor, Elaine Feeney, Andrew Porter, and Cecelia Ahern.

O’Donnell’s Nesting tells a compelling story of a woman who escapes her abusive husband with her two young children, highlighting the themes of resilience and survival. This work has also gained recognition as it was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025.

The An Post Irish Book Awards, which began in 2006, aims to promote and celebrate Irish literature. This year’s judging panel included prominent figures such as author and columnist Paul Howard and Literary Editor at the Sunday Independent Madeleine Keane. The public voting segment was supported by National Book Tokens.

In a noteworthy moment of recognition, former President Michael D Higgins received the Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to literature, which include five poetry collections and various essays on art and politics.

Additionally, the awards introduced a new trophy designed by Irish ceramic artist Ciara O’Keeffe, inspired by the Celtic goddess Brigid. Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, expressed his admiration for the diverse range of Irish literature showcased this year, stating, “We are delighted to offer our warmest congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”

The complete list of award recipients includes:

– Eason Novel of the Year: Nesting – Roisín O’Donnell (Scribner Books from Simon & Schuster)
– Best Irish-Published Book of the Year: Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun) – Manchán Magan, illustrated by Megan Luddy (Gill Books)
– Non-Fiction Book of the Year: Deadly Silence – Jacqueline Connolly with Kathryn Rogers (Hachette Books Ireland)
– Lifestyle Book of the Year: Sophie’s Swaps – Sophie Morris (Gill Books)
– Sports Book of the Year: Heart on My Sleeve – Andrew Porter (Eriu)
– History Book of the Year: Great Irish Wives – Nicola Pierce (The O’Brien Press)
– Biography of the Year: A Time for Truth – Sarah Corbett Lynch (Hachette Books Ireland)
– Listeners’ Choice Award: The Ghosts of Rome – Joseph O’Connor (Harvill, Penguin)
– Children’s Book of the Year (Junior): Run Home, Little Fox – Tom McCaughren and Erika McGann, illustrated by Shannon Bergin (The O’Brien Press)
– Children’s Book of the Year (Senior): Animalopedia – Kathi and John Burke (Gill Books)
– Teen and Young Adult Book of the Year: Solo – Gráinne O’Brien (Little Island Books)
– Best Short Story: All the Birch Trees Were Waving – Pádhraic Quinn
– Best Poetry: ‘There’s never a crowd at the poetry section’ – Vincent Barton
– Newcomer of the Year: Show Me Where It Hurts – Claire Gleeson (Sceptre, Hachette)
– Popular Fiction Book of the Year: Paper Heart – Cecelia Ahern (Harper Fiction, HarperCollins)
– Crime Fiction Book of the Year: It Should Have Been You – Andrea Mara (Bantam, Transworld)
– Author of the Year: Elaine Feeney
– Bookshop of the Year: Chapters Bookstore, Dublin

This year’s awards highlight a vibrant literary scene in Ireland, showcasing both established and emerging voices in the world of literature.