2008
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
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Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed
and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.
Nominated
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Set in St Petersburg in 1914, Zugzwang is another startlingly original historical thriller from Ronan Bennett.
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Set just after The American Civil War "Redemption Falls" is Joe O'Connor's brilliant follow-up to "Star of the Sea."
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Benjamin Black's cracking crime series builds momentum with this the second volume in the Quirke series.
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
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The freshest voice in Irish fiction since the wonderful early novels
of Edna O'Brien said John Banville.
Nominated
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Dead-on and extremely funny chronicle of a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother.
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Richly imagined and riotously entertaining stories from a bright new talent.
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A fine multilayered psychological thriller and A startlingly accomplished debut from Tana French.
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
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Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest
statesman.
Nominated
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The book that blew the lid off the cocaine story in the words of the users themselves.
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Wonderfully vivid account of the lives of men who enlisted to fight an enemy but ended up being killed by their own side.
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A book to be savoured by all who have enjoyed a passing acquaintance with Anna Livia and her court.
The Best Irish-Published Book of the Year
Following the loss of one of our sponsors and the transfer of Eason's sponsorship to the Popular Fiction category, this category will be unsponsored in 2009.
Winner
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Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest
statesman.
Nominated
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For those moments when you're looking for the perfect phrase, this gem of a book will always come through for you.
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Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.
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The incomparable, irredeemable Ross O'Carroll-Kelly gives the ultimate low-down on the centre of the universe, South Dublin.
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
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Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.
Nominated
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Funny, quirky fiction with brilliant black-and-white illustrations by Tony Ross throughout. Another winner from Eoin Colfer.
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A star-spangled inter-galactic adventure tale characterised by Jeffers' imaginative brilliance and wonderful illustrations.
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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
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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
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An amazing debut which became the publishing sensation of the year and promises to develop into one of the great children's series.
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Poignant story of a bereaved boy who embarks on an emotional journey - and ultimately finds his way home.
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Terrific new series from the prodigiously productive pen of Michael Scott.
The Easons Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year
Following the withdrawal of Galaxy, Easons have transferred their sponsorship from the Best Irish-Published category to the Popular Fiction category. This is a particulary appropriate switch since Easons have been in the vanguard of promoting Irish popular fiction in recent decades. We wish them well in their new role.
Winner
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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
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An extraordinarily personal tale of the tragedy that befell a relative of the author on the fateful voyage of The Titanic.
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Another hilarious slice of South Dublin life from fictional super-ledge, your own Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.
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What does a girl do when her best friend nicks the love of her life from right under her nose?
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Melissa Hill's many fans will love this typically sharp and witty offering.
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Dead-on and extremely funny chronicle of a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother.
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
More »
Superb account of a brilliant at times turbulent rugby career.
Nominated
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Inside account of a defining struggle in Irish sport, one that both ended and inaugurated an era.
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A stunning portrait of an extraordinary Irish sporting hero.
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GAA star relives his darkest days while also recalling the highlights of a great career.
The Tubridy Show Listeners' 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
More »
Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest
statesman.
Nominated
More »
Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.
More »
Wonderfully-poignant Booker Prize short-listed novel from a master of the contemporary novel form.
More »
Benjamin Black's cracking crime series builds momentum with this the second volume in the Quirke series.
More »
Robert Harris is the leading current exponent of the intelligent literary thriller. "The Ghost" is his most compelling novel yet.
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'A work of such terrible beauty that you will struggle to look away' according to one reviewer.
2007
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
More »
Acclaimed as Patrick McCabe's finest novel since Butcher Boy.
Nominated
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Crime writer, John Connolly, changes pace in this richly enigmatic pot-pourri of literary styles and genres.
More »
A stunning imaginative triumph from one of our finest young writers.
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John Boyne has written A Holocaust novel like no other. Already a massive Irish bestseller.
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
More »
A highly covetable hardback, guaranteed to give every woman the life of a goddess.
Nominated
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A precocious debut from teen sensation Ruth Gilligan.
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Refreshingly honest and heartfelt, a marvellous debut from a talented new author.
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A brilliant collection from a writer who cannot be ignored by anyone who cares about fiction.
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
More »
Another Connemara classic from the rugged pen of the great Tim
Robinson.
Nominated
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Eight Irishmen take on the Northwest Passage and live to tell the heroic tale.
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One journalist's intimate, brilliantly-written account of Iraq's protracted nightmare.
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Des Ekin's remarkable tale of 'The Sack of Baltimore' enthralls and captivates.
The Best Irish-Published Book of the Year
Following the loss of one of our sponsors and the transfer of Eason's sponsorship to the Popular Fiction category, this category will be unsponsored in 2009.
Winner
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The definitive collected Lifelines anthology. Every home should have one.
Nominated
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A wonderful pictorial celebration of the "Unsung Hero," Tom Crean from the County Kerry.
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The most comprehensive and accessible account of "Easter Week" in print.
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A marvellous portrait of the Ireland we've all but forgotten.
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
More »
A deliciously inventive children's story as the intriguing title suggests.
Winner
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John Boyne has written A Holocaust novel like no other. Truly a
small masterpiece.
Nominated
More »
Another spine-chiller from Darren Shan's truly scary Demonata series.
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Thought-provoking and challenging teen fiction from a consistently excellent writer.
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A great introduction to first words and counting for the very young.
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Irish folklore from one of the great Irish seanachies, Eddie Lenihan.
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An utterly charming book for toddlers. Full of heart.
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Latest in Eoin Colfer's magnificent series featuring teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl.
The Easons Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year
Following the withdrawal of Galaxy, Easons have transferred their sponsorship from the Best Irish-Published category to the Popular Fiction category. This is a particulary appropriate switch since Easons have been in the vanguard of promoting Irish popular fiction in recent decades. We wish them well in their new role.
Winner
More »
The saga of South Dublin legend, the Rossmeister, continues,
roysh!
Nominated
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Latest offering from the popular fiction wunderkind, Cecelia Ahern.
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Another ripping yarn from the undisputed queen of the chickliterati, Marian Keyes.
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Vintage Maeve guaranteed to delight her massive and passionately loyal readership.
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Final installment of Emma Hamilton's struggles to become a mother. Funny and heart-warming.
More »
Benjamin Black, aka John Banville, makes a dynamic debut in the crime fiction genre.
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
More »
Paul McGrath's extraordinary story is possibly the most candid
sports book ever written.
Nominated
More »
The rich tapestry of Italian football laid bare like never before.
More »
The riveting story of one of Irish sport's greatest ever comebacks.
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The story of One of the great rivalries in Irish sport from our finest sports writer, Tom Humphries.
The Tubridy Show Listeners' 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
More »
John Boyne has written A Holocaust novel like no other. Truly a small masterpiece.
Nominated
More »
An Indian novel with a thoroughly contemporary twist. Already a firm book club favourite.
More »
Marvellous novel from American Claire Messud, here writing at the height of her powers.
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A novel of profound contemporary relevance from the American master.
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A biting and brilliantly-elucidated polemic on the probablility of God's existence.
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Acclaimed as Patrick McCabe's finest novel since Butcher Boy.
2006
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
More »
John Banville's shining literary hour arrived with this multi-award
winning novel.
Nominated
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A fine novel on that rarely-addressed theme, the Irish diaspora to the USA.
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Wonderful historical novel based on the life of the English poet, William Cowper.
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Funny, tense, and insightful - more than just your average Troubles novel.
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The dark underside of the New Ireland brutally and brilliantly portrayed.
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Blends elements of science fiction with an affectionate portrait of small town Ireland.
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
More »
Fine memoir which won the inaugural Argosy Irish Non-fiction Book of the Year.
Nominated
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A landmark book which encapsulates the essence of the Irish economic miracle.
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Definitive biography of the Patron Saint of Irish socialism.
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The formative influences on one of our finest journalists tellingly portrayed.
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The late great John McGahern's crowning achievement.
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Fintan O'Toole's superlative biography of one extraordinary Irishman.
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
More »
Worthy winner of the inaugural Dublin Airport Authority Irish
Children's Book of the Year.
Nominated
More »
Another winner from one of our consistently brilliant children's writers.
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A magical, tender tale about a girl, a tiger and a great-grandmother.
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Meet Bill & Fred, the oddest couple of down-on-their-luck aristos you'll ever encounter.
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A charming and funny story of the competitive filthy-rich.
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A celebration of bedtime rituals by the massively-popular author of 'Guess How Much I Love You'
2005
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
More »
The 2005 winner was this powerful historical novel replete with
contemporary significance.
Nominated
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A heartbreaking account of a disturbed childhood that makes for compulsive reading.
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Colm Toibin's masterpiece; winner of IMPAC Award and shortlisted for the Man Booker and Hughes & Hughes awards.
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Harrowing story of one man's inability to escape from his violent past in Loyalist Belfast.
2004
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
More »
This beautiful and daring novel on Nureyev deservedly lifted he 2004 Hughes & Hughes award.
2003
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
More »
John McGahern's magnificent last novel is as good as any Irish
novel ever writeen.