This evening (Tuesday, 30^th September 2025) at a celebration of publishers and writers of Irish-medium books in the National Irish Language Theatre, An Taibhdhearc, Galway, An tOireachtas, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, announced the winners of the 2025 Irish Language Book of the Year Publishing Awards.  

Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults), was bestowed upon Bódléar, a powerful and imaginative work by Darach Ó Scolaí, published by Leabhar Breac. Gradam Réics Carló (Book of the Year for Children), shone a spotlight on Éanna Corr by Antain Mac Lochlainn, also published by Leabhar Breac, a book that captures both youthful wonder and literary artistry. Gradam de Bhaldraithe (publications translated to Irish) was awarded to Tír Bheag, a finely wrought translation of French novel Petit Pays by Gaël Faye translated by Antain Mac Lochlainn, published by Barzaz.

This year’s awards drew together a remarkable nineteen (19) shortlisted works, reflecting the breadth of talent and creativity in new Irish writing today. The 2025 winners received their awards from the Oireachtas President, Éamon Ó Cuív who paid tribute to the depth, artistry, and vibrancy of contemporary Irish-language publishing.

“These awards showcase the creativity, diversity, and richness of Irish-language publishing today”, said said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas. “I congratulate Leabhar Breac and Barzaz on their remarkable achievements this year. Tonight we celebrate not only the winners, but all the authors, translators, illustrators and publishers who continue to bring passion and excitement to the creation of new Irish writing.”

The Irish-language publishing sector will also be recognized at the Kildare Readers' Festival in the Naas Library and Cultural Centre, Co. Kildare at 19:00 on Wednesday, 7^th October 2025 when the winners of the 2025 Publishing Awards will join Tristan Rosenstock (RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta) for An Tolg Liteartha, an event to celebrate the abundance of excellent books for all age-groups as Gaeilge on the market today.

A host of new and established Irish-language writers will be recognized at the Oireachtas na Samhna festival in Belfast, from 29^th October – 2^nd November 2025, when the winners of 2025 Oireachtas Literary Competitions will be announced. The Presentation Ceremony is just one of a spectacular, multidisciplinary programme of events to be held during the course of the festival - others include: the Oireachtas Media Awards, performing arts competitions, seminars, book/CD launches, song and dance sessions, workshops, festival clubs, information sessions and so much more. All up to date information can be found on www.antoireachtas.ie.

More Information: Caitríona Ní Chonaill, An tOireachtas T: +353 (0)87 463405  E: caitriona@antoireachtas.ie  

--ENDS--

RESULTS: The 2025 Irish Language Publishing Awards
GRADAM UÍ SHÚILLEABHÁIN Irish Language Book of the Year for Adults 
BÓDLÉAR
Author: Darach Ó Scolaí - €2,500 
Publisher: Leabhar Breac - €5,000 

GRADAM RÉICS CARLÓ Irish Language Book of the Year for Children
ÉANNA CORR
Author: Antain Mac Lochlainn - €1,250 
Publisher: Leabhar Breac - €5,000 

GRADAM DE BHALDRAITHE Book of the Year for Publications translated to Irish 
TÍR BHEAG
Translator: Antain Mac Lochlainn - €500 
Publisher: Barzaz - €1,500 

Notes for Editor

1. An tOireachtas (also trading as Oireachtas na Gaeilge) is an Arts & Culture organization established in 1897 to promote literature and the performing arts in Irish.
2.  An tOireachtas is a lead organization in the Irish-Language sector charged with ‘Organising & Promoting Events as Gaeilge & Establishing Irish-Language Networks’ and receves core funding from Foras na Gaeilge. 
3. The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht provides funding for two other major initiatives:
                   i)  Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí (Irish language Network for Public Sector Employees); &
                   ii) National Action Plan to Develop, Strengthen & Promote Performing Arts in the Irish Language.
4. The national arts & culture festival, Oireachtas na Samhna, is the annual showcase event organized by An tOireachtas featuring the best of sean-nós (traditional old style) performing arts.  The festival programme includes junior and senior competitions, formal and informal music and singing sessions, exhibitions, seminars, drama and a host of fringe events. This year’s festival will be held in Belfast from the 29^th October – 2^nd November 2025.
5. An tOireachtas organizes and promotes an extensive calendar of events, including the Annual Oireachtas Media Awards, to celebrate excellence in the Irish language media; the Oireachtas Literary Competitions, to promote new Irish writing; and a series of sporting, cultural and arts events in various locations throughout the 32 counties and all up to date information regarding our events is available online at www.antoireachtas.ie