Séamus Ennis diaries up for Leabhar na Bliana prize

A journey recreating one of Europe's most famous pilgrimages is among the books shortlisted for the Irish Language Leabhar na…

A journey recreating one of Europe's most famous pilgrimages is among the books shortlisted for the Irish Language Leabhar na Bliana (book of the year) competition.

The list also includes a meditation on an exhibition in Kilmainham Gaol and the field diaries of the famous musician and folk collector Séamus Ennis.

A total of nine books were chosen from 53 entries for both the adult and children's awards.

The books shortlisted for the adult prize are: An Bóthar go Santiago, Mícheál de Barra; Mise an feal ceoil, Séamus Ennis; Dialann Taistil 1942-1946, Ríonach uí Ógáin; Sanas, a poetry collection by Liam Ó Muirthile; Aiséirí/Requiem by Eoin Mac Lochlainn and Ciarán Ó Coiligh, based on Mac Lochlainn's exhibition in the summer of 2005; and Gearrscéalta ár Linne, a collection of short stories edited by Brian Ó Conchubhair.

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In the children's category the shortlisted books are: An Bhanríon Bess and Gusaí Gaimhbín, Biddy Jenkinson and Ríbo; Ag Taisteal le Tarlach sa tSeapáin, Laoise Ní Chomhraí; Buaic, Dermot Somers; and Gaisíoch na Beilte Uaine by Caitríona Nic Sheáin and Andrew Whitson.

There is a total prize fund of €25,000 for the competitions; a €10,000 publisher award for the adult readers' Book of the Year, with €5,000 going to the author and a €7,000 publisher award for the young readers' Book of the Year, with €3,000 going to the author.

The winners will be announced at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge festival in Westport, Co Mayo, on November 2nd.

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times