Ciaran Mac Murchaidh from Ballyreagh is celebrating after winning the prestigious Irish language Gradam Ui Shuilleabhain (Adult Reader's Book of the Year) for his anthology of poetry 'Filiocht Ghra na Gaeilge' published by Cois Life.
Spanning over a thousand years of poetry and song in the Irish language, his anthology celebrates the power of love. Here it is in all its aspects - the heady rush of first love; its capacity for fun and levity; sorrow, heartbreak and unrequited love; and the thin line between love and hate.
Ciaran, a son of Pat and the late Kathleen Murphy, brilliantly places this literature within its historical context, injecting new life into classic texts.
The passion of the poets themselves is always to the fore as they travel love's twisted highways. Anna Nielsen's illustrations also add a playful new dimension to this book.
Irish language publishers from across the country were invited to submit books to compete for two prestigious awards, Gradam Ui Shuilleabhain (Adult Reader's Book of the Year) and Gradam Reics Carlo (Young People's Book of the Year).
There was keen competition between the twelve high quality entries on the Shortlist for these awards which are funded by Foras na Gaeilge and administered by Oireachtas na Gaeilge.
Gradam Reics Carlo (Young People's Book of the Year) was awarded to the publishing house An tSnathaid Mhor for the book 'Balor' which was written by Caitriona Hastings from Tyrone. "
EPIC TALE
Balor" comes from the fountain of Irish Folklore. It's an epic tale about the fight between darkness and light brought to life by the highly detailed and artistic illustrations throughout by Andrew Whitson.
"Cois Life and An tSnathaid Mhor are worthy winners of these awards as are the authors Ciaran Mac Murchaidh and Caitriona Hastings", says Aedin Ni Bhroin, Director of Clar na Leabhar Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge. "We are delighted to support these awards which give due recognition to the high quality of Irish language publishing and support the publishers endeavours as they continue to compete at the highest possible level in the Irish literary market" she said.
Speaking about the announcement of the winners, Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge said: "I wish to congratulate Cois Life and An tSnathaid Mhor and all those involved in creating these books, Ciaran Mac Murchaidh and Caitriona Hastings in particular on the fantastic work they have produced. I hope that this award will be an encouragement to the winners and I look forward to seeing more work from those involved in the future."
Leabhar na Bliana is a unique literary competition promoting excellence and growth in the standard of publishing and writing in the Irish language.
