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An Post extends sponsorship for Irish Book Awards
An Post has renewed its sponsorship of the Irish Book Awards, with a new writing competition launched as part of the agreement.
The organisation first sponsored the initiative in 2018 and this new announcement extends the agreement until 2025. The news comes after many literary prize organisers spoke of increased difficulties around securing sponsorship.
As part of the extended sponsorship headline agreement, An Post is launching a new writing competition called ‘New Voices: The An Post Writing Prize’. This year, the focus is on the Irish-based Ukrainian community, with writers from this community aged 16 and above invited to compose a new and original short story, essay or poem describing their experiences of flight and exile in no more than 1,000 words. Submissions will close on 22nd September.
The winner will be announced at the An Post Irish Book Awards Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in the Convention Centre Dublin on November 22nd.
“Now in its 18th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible,” organisers said. “Each year it brings together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of Irish writing talent.”
The awards feature 18 categories, including Novel of the Year, Children, Cookbook, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Lifestyle, Short Story, Irish language, Poem, Newcomer, Teen and Young Adult, Irish Published and Biography.
Hundreds of books are submitted for consideration annually and, over the past 18 years, winners have included Marian Keyes, Mike McCormack, Donal Ryan, Cecelia Ahern, Sinead Moriarty, Graham Norton, Oliver Jeffers, Sally Rooney, Roddy Doyle and Tana French among others.
In addition to category winners, another winner is also announced at the event. The Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the contribution of distinguished Irish writers and poets, and winners have included writers such as Anne Enright, Sebastian Barry and Colm Toibín.
David McRedmond, c.e.o. at An Post, said: ‘”An Post loves the written word, and the transformational power of reading. Books are essential to good living, and we fulfil our purpose ‘to act for the common good’ by sponsoring these awards.
“An Post has supported Ukrainian refugees with free postage and other services, in fraternity with our colleagues in UKRPoshta. Now we recognise the unique contribution they can make in Ireland with this new prize for new literary voices, which this year focuses on Ukrainian refugees.”
Maria Dickenson, member of Irish Book Awards Board said: “We are delighted that An Post will be sponsoring the Irish Book Awards until 2025. Since 2018, An Post and The Irish Book Awards have worked closely together to promote reading and to celebrate and highlight the wealth of both new and established writers and illustrators in Ireland.
"The Irish Book Awards is a landmark event in the bookselling calendar and every year, brings together the vast Irish literary community. We are excited that An Post is continuing on our journey with us as the Irish Book Awards goes from strength to strength.”
The full shortlist for the A Post Irish Book Awards 2023 will be announced on 19th October, while the winners will be presented with their trophies at ceremony in Dublin on 22nd November. A television programme will be broadcast on RTÉ One television in December, culminating in one of the 2023 winning titles being announced as the "An Post Irish Book of the Year 2023".
