AN OIREACHTAS PUBLISHING AWARDS – SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED

Spiddal, Co. Galway based publisher, Futa Fata along with new imprint, Barzaz, are thrilled to have five titles shortlisted for the prestigious Oireachtas na Gaeilge Publishing Awards.

Gradam Réics Carló celebrates excellence in writing for younger readers and the 2021 shortlist includes Cluasa Capaill ar an Rí by Bridget Bhreathnach, illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald.  A modern age retelling of the mythological tale of Labhraí Loingseach, the king with horse ears! Go Ceann Scríbe is a contemporary short novel for younger readers by author Ailbhe Nic Giolla Bhrighde.  It focuses on friendship against the backdrop of marital breakdown told through the eyes of a pre-teen boy. Cover illustration by Lauren O’Neill.

Gradam de Bhaldraithe celebrates translation both for adults and children.  Futa Fata are delighted to have two titles shortlisted for this award too. The publishing company has worked with Jeff Kinney for a number of years and are delighted that their translation by Máirín Nic Con Iomaire of An Awesome Friendly Kid – Dialann Dlúthchara has been shortlisted for this award along with the Irish edition of Catherine Jenkins’ The Frozen North. An Rás Chuig an Mol Thuaidh was translated by newcomer to Futa Fata, Fearghas Mac Lochlainn.  The novel focuses on adventurer Matthew Henley who achieved amazing feats against all the odds but who went uncelebrated due to the colour of his skin.

Finally, Gradam Uí Shuilleabháin celebrates excellence in writing for adults.  Madame Lazare is the first novel for adults to be published under new Futa Fata imprint, Barzaz.  Written by award-winning author Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, Madame Lazare is an intricately woven generational story of love, mystery, and loss.

Futa Fata and Barzaz would like to thank An Oireachtas for their recognition and await the winner’s announcement in October with excitement!