Niall Williams wins €20k Irish Novel of the Year award
Williams was announced the winner at the opening night of the Listowel Literary Festival, a celebration of literature which features events with acclaimed writers, panels, workshops, and performances across Listowel until June 1.
Now in its 31st year, the award remains one of the most esteemed literary honours in the country, celebrating outstanding Irish fiction.
The award, sponsored by Kerry Group, has a prize fund of €22,000, with €20,000 for the winner and €500 for each shortlisted author.
This year's adjudicators, acclaimed authors Carol Drinkwater and Paul McVeigh, reviewed over 50 submitted novels before selecting the winner from a powerful shortlist that included Christine Dwyer Hickey, Joseph O'Connor, Colm Tóibín, and Donal Ryan.
Niall Williams, winner of the 2025 Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award for his novel Time of the Child, pictured with the winner is Ned O'Sullivan Writers Week. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.
McVeigh said that judging the prize this year was no small task and complimented the quality of the entries, which he said 'a testament to an extraordinary time in Irish literature'.
'Any of the shortlisted books could have won but, in the end, Time of the Child by Niall Williams rose to the top,' he said.
'I don't remember the last time I read a book that made me stop, so frequently, unable to continue until I had savoured a sentence. He is an extraordinary writer and a worthy winner of the Irish Novel of the Year.'
Drinkwater described Williams's writing as exciting and exquisite and touched on how he brings his characters to life on the page.
'Reading his sentences was like sitting in a magnificent cathedral and listening to a great soprano singing, notes reaching to the rafters and returning to me, to nestle in my heart. It is a novel full of compassion,' she said.
"The characters are so vulnerable, they tear you apart. It has been several weeks since we chose Niall's novel as our winner.
"Still, I sit at my desk and picture myself in that doctor's surgery. I hear the child crying; I can smell the newly washed nappies; I long for these people, that father and daughter, to be given the miracle they so crave.
'This is the third time I've judged this prize and each time I'm reminded of the richness of Irish fiction today. Ireland truly is a treasure chest of brilliant modern novelists.'
Chief corporate affairs officer at Kerry Group Catherine Keogh praised the continued partnership with Listowel Writers' Week.
'Every year, the calibre of writing reminds us why Ireland continues to lead on the global literary stage,' she said. 'We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Niall Williams on this well-deserved recognition,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
WATCH — Proposal at Mumford & Sons Dublin concert melts hearts online
Mumford & Sons fans were left in tears on Friday night following an impromptu proposal during the band's Dublin gig. Thousands of concert goers flooded Malahide Castle ready to sob and sway to the likes of 'Little Lion Man' and 'I will wait', when one young man got down on one knee and popped the all important question. Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW Racking up over 14K views overnight, many are eager to know the identity of the mystery love birds. Mumford and Sons fans were left in tears on Friday night following an impromptu proposal during the band's Dublin gig. Pic:The short clip, which was shared by TikTok user @clairegibz, sees the young couple being cheered on by their fellow concert goers during the monumental moment. Drapped in raincoats, the emotional pair embraced in the muddy lawn as those around them whipped out their phones and toasted the young couple with plastic glasses of beer. They can be seen sharing an intimate kiss as the band's frontman Marcus Mumford serenades them in the background. The identity of the mystery lovebirds has yet to be revealed, with Claire captioning the sweet video: 'Crying about this, never been so happy for people I don't know, proper buzzing Hahahha. Congrats guys.' In true Irish style, Mumford and Sons played an impromptu show at the beer garden in O' Donoghues pub in Dublin, before their appearance in Malahide, surprising and delighting Friday evening punters with an acoustic rendition of some of their biggest hits. A video of the band playing Little Lion Man was shared to TikTok by Universal Music, with some fans of the band who were in the city (just not the pub) raging that they missed out on the intimate gig. 'One day I'll be in the right place at the right time,' one person wrote, while another commented 'damn it I should have stayed in Dublin just 1 extra night.' Another person who was in the beer garden managed to get several videos of the secret gig, where Marcus joked that the fans needed to 'play a game of shut the f**k up' (granted, it was probably necessary as there were no mics), before the crowd sang along with them and regaled them in an olé olé chant.
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Oasis reignite in Cardiff – Here's what to expect in Croke Park
The drought ended to fevered applause as Oasis exploded on to the stage in Cardiff last night for the opening gig of their much anticipated comeback tour, the first of a number of shows in their 'LIVE 25 World Tour', planned for the summer ahead. The opening night was a huge triumph by all accounts, with fans of the band describing it as their best gig ever, since their break up in 2009, Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW With Cardiff now an undoubtable success, the Gallagher brothers will, no doubt, be looking ahead to the Irish leg of the tour next month. The drought ended to fevered applause as Oasis exploded on to the stage in Cardiff last night for the opening gig of their much anticipated comeback tour, the first of a number of shows in their 'LIVE 25 World Tour', planned for the summer ahead. Pic: Samir Hussein/WireImage Oasis will play Manchester, London, and Edinburgh before heading across the pond to Dublin on August 16 and 17. So, if you are one of the lucky ones who managed to get your mitts on a ticket for one of the Dublin shows, then here is all of the information you are going to need ahead of the highly anticipated gig. There are a number of ways to travel to Croke Park for concerts, but its very important to plan ahead in order to avoid delays. The opening night was a huge triumph by all accounts, with fans of the band describing it as their best gig ever, since their break up in 2009, Pic: AFP STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images Where possible, use public transport, instead of driving as the roads surrounding the stadium are residential roads. This means car parking is limited and restrictions will be in place within the locality. Dublin Bus offers a high-frequency, accessible and easy to use service from all over Dublin. A number of services bring you close to Croke Park and many others will get you to the city centre from where the stadium is a 15 minute walk. Transport for Ireland (TFI) have invaluable information on their website and a quick look could save you a lot of hassle in the run up to travelling to the gig. Gates open at 5pm and the concert is scheduled to start around 6.30pm with support act Richard Ashcroft and Cast taking to the stage shortly after. Oasis are due on stage around 8.15pm and judging by last nights show, will play for in and around two hours. So, what are the rules and regulations around the gig? Well if you're under 16 then you absolutely MUST be accompanied by an adult, whereas if you're under 14, then you're not allowed in the standing areas and MUST have a seat. With Cardiff now an undoubtable success, the Gallagher brothers will, no doubt, be looking ahead to the Irish leg of the tour next month. Pic: AFP STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images The show is completely sold out, and hotels in and around the area of Croke Park, on the northside of the city are scarcely available. MCD has described an Oasis concert as 'unlike anything else'. 'The roar that greets them as they step on stage. A set full of wall-to-wall classics. The spine-tingling sensation of being in a crowd singing back every word. And especially the charisma, spark and intensity that only comes when Liam and Noel Gallagher are on-stage together'. If last nights triumphant return to live performance is anything to go by, then the fans heading to Dublin in August are in for an amazing couple of nights. In a nutshell, Use public transport if you can. Do not assume you can park near Croke Park, you can't! Don't assume you will find a cheap hotel room at this stage – you won't. And obey the Gardai and Stewards on the day, remember they are there to keep you safe and ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable time. For more information closer to the time, check out
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy belly-friendly crinkle dress for summer after it lands on racks
DUNNES Stores fans are rushing to buy a new belly-friendly crinkle dress for summer after it landed on racks. The Gallery Alba Hybrid Crinkle Dress is available in stores and online now. 2 The lemon dress is available in stores and online now 2 It is a bargain at €35 It is priced at just €35 and comes in sizes 8 to 20. The retailer said: "This unique hybrid dress features a relaxed fit bodice crafted from a softly ribbed cotton-rich fabric, and a pleated skirt made from a lightweight plissé material. "A gathered panel at the waist creates a flattering silhouette. "Gallery is available exclusively at READ ,MORE IN FABULOUS The lemon dress is very easy to style and can be worn with trainers, sandals or heels. Meanwhile, fashion fans are also loving a In the caption of the Most read in Fabulous 'Gorgeous' cry fashion fans as shopper shows off Dunnes Stores haul "I really thought it was worth trying it; the top is so different and super cute, with a zipper on the side to make it easier to put on. "Loved the lace trim and the adjustable bodice to make it cropped or a bit longer – great idea, I have to say. "And the skirt... Well I love silk so this is my ideal outfit, can look super cute with heels or more funky with trainers." In the video, she can be seen wearing a gorgeous silk co-ord, in a lovely green colour. She stuns in the outfit that is perfect for any In a caption inserted into the post, Monica noted: "What do you think of the new outfit?" The top features a plunging v-neckline, complete with short sleeves and a lace trim along the neckline. The sides of the top are ruched, with buttons in the centre. Monica added: "With a lace trim top and adjustable bodice. So different." She shows that on either side of the top are two strings to control how loose or tight the top is. Monica added: "Both with zips to make dressing easier." The maxi skirt features a zip up the side and has a flattering fit. When worn together, it looks like a stunning dress that is perfect for a THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
