Two Westmeath authors on shortlist for book awards

Two authors from Westmeath have made it to the shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022.

Manchán Magan, who lives in Collinstown, has been shortlisted for the Odgers Berndtson Non-fiction Book of the Year award for his ‘Listen to the Land Speak’, published by Gill Books, while Una Leonard of 2210 Patisserie on Mount Street has been shortlisted in the Avoca Cookbook of the Year category for ‘Sweet Therapy: The Joy of Baking’, published by Hachette Books Ireland.

In just less than two months, Una has come to public prominence, following her appearance on The Late Late Show, where she spoke of her cake and baking business, and how it had been her ambition to publish a book by the time she was 30.

In his new book, the prolific author and documentary maker Manchán sets out on a journey through bogs, across rivers and over mountains, to trace the footsteps of our ancestors, and the esteemed poets, seers, monks, healers and wise women who were deeply connected to the land.

He uncovers the ancient myths that have shaped our national identity and are embedded in the strata of land that have endured through millennia – from ice ages through to famines and floods.

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a ceremony hosted by RTÉ’s Miriam O’Calllaghan at the Convention Centre in Dublin on November 23.

To tie in with the announcement of the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist, the public are asked to cast their votes online for the best books of the year on the An Post Irish Book Awards website anpostirishbookawards.ie.

All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five €100 National Book Token vouchers. Voters can cast their votes from 9am on October 21 until voting closes on November 10.

A one-hour special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTÉ One TV on Wednesday December 7, exploring the six books and authors competing for the accolade of ‘An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2022’, culminating in the reveal of this year’s overall winner.

An Post are also continuing with their successful #ReadersWanted campaign, celebrating the value and joy of reading and encouraging everyone to pick up more books, more often. Simply search for the hashtag online to get involved.

Brendan Corbett, chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, said: “This year’s shortlist, once again, displays the talent of Irish writers and exemplifies the diversity of Ireland’s literary culture. Each category is steeped with exceptional writing and truly deserving writers and authors, as well as publishers and booksellers.”