Gustav Parker Hibbett wins John Pollard Prize
Books newsletter: a roundup of the latest news and preview of Saturday’s pages
Author Shane Tivenan: ‘People who veer away from the norm have always had a magnetic effect on me’
The author on the curious title of his short story collection, To Avenge a Dead Glacier; how his music career helped his writing; and his admiration for Aphex Twin
Listowel literary festival’s fresh start
Books newsletter: Bullaun and Gallery on major shortlists; Ballyscullion Book Festival; Poetry trail
Author Lisa Harding: ‘I have never been scared to look at the dark side of life’
The novelist on her latest book, Wildelings; her penchant for unlikeable characters; and how her acting background is a boon to her writing
Jane Casey and Stuart Neville shortlisted
Books newsletter: a preview of Saturday’s pages and a wrap of the latest news
Ardal O’Hanlon on Father Ted at 30: ‘I thought it was a sh*t idea. Who was going to want to watch a sitcom about priests?’
It’s one of the funniest TV sitcoms of all time, but success wasn’t preordained. Some of the key players look back at making its three classic series
Author Caroline Madden: ‘My luck turned when I created a female protagonist seething with quiet resentment’
The author of The Marriage Vendetta talks about what it takes to get published, her Jane Austen-inspired world record, and a surprisingly funny book
Two Irish writers feature on £25,000 Walter Scott Prize shortlist
Kevin Barry’s The Heart in Winter and Ferdia Lennon’s Glorious Exploits make six-strong shortlist
Author Catherine Ryan Howard: ‘A great cure for writer’s block is having to cover the rent’
Catherine Ryan Howard on her new thriller, Burn After Reading; heavy-drinking Hemingway; and the upcoming TV adaptation of her novel 56 Days
Andrew Krivák wins Moth Poetry Prize
Books newsletter: a preview of tomorrow’s pages and a round-up of the latest literary news
Author Oisín Fagan: ‘The Irish have gone everywhere and been among the best and the worst’
The writer on his new novel, Eden’s Shore; his support for Irish neutrality; and being described as like ‘Father Ted scripted by Philip K Dick’
ILFD 2025 programme revealed
Books newsletter: Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s French award; Hubert Butler Essay Prize; Ewart-Biggs Prize; Strokestown poetry shortlist; Global Book Crawl; preview of tomorrow’s pages
Bullaun Press wins Republic of Consciousness prize
There’s a Monster Behind the Door by Gaëlle Bélem, translated from French by Karen Fleetwood and Laëtitia Saint-Loubert, is also longlisted for the International Booker Prize
Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025: Miranda July, Elizabeth Strout and four debuts make shortlist
The winner of the £30,000 award will be announced on June 12th, along with the winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction