Daideo abú! Daideo by Áine Ní Ghlinn (Cois Life 2014) 12 November 2014 – Posted in: Uncategorised
Congratulations to …. us, actually! Well, very particularly to Áine Ní Ghlinn. At a ceremony in Belfast’s arts venue, Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich tonight it was announced that Áine’s book Daideo (published by Cois Life) has won Gradam Réics Carló – basically Irish language Book of the Year for Young People. Daideo tells the story of a young boy running away from his parents – and an old man running away from his children. They meet on a Dublin-bound train, they listen to each other’s story, they understand each other. What will become of this new friendship? Read Daideo and find out! Were extremely grateful to Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge in Foras na Gaeilge and to Oireachtas na Gaeilge who organise the awards.
Áine, of course, is a best-selling writer, always in demand. Daideo was an innovative project for Áine and Cois Life, being the first professional audiobook in Irish given away free of charge as an mp3. Cois Life in the vanguard yet again – we always try to make publications available in different platformss and in different media. The author herself recorded the superbly dramatic reading – and the audiobook is still available for download here. Listening to the recording with the book in front of you is a super way to improve your Irish. The actual book can be bought in paperback or as an ebook (for kindle, iPad or your own choice of device) by clicking here.
The other books on the shortlist for this prize were POP! by Caitríona Nic Sheáin, illustrated by Andrew Whitson (published by An tSnáthaid Mhór); Róbó-Mhadra, by Máire Ní Ghallchobhair, illustrated by Peter Donnelly (Leabhar Breac); Uinseann Donn by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin (Futa Fata); and finally yet another book by Áine Ní Ghlinn – Nílim ag iarraidh dul ar Scoil (LeabhairCOMHAR).
Another Cois Life book was shortlisted for the other ‘Book of the Year’ prize – and it was by another female author – Orna Ní Choileáin (may one say ‘cailínchumhacht’ or ‘girlpower’ or will we be accused of failing in our duties towards equality?).
Sciorrann an tAm (Cois Life), is a super collection of short stories by Orna Ní Choileáin and figured on the shortlist for the award for best adult book – Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin. This is the second collection from the author of Canary Wharf. The other shortlisted books were: Anamlón Bliana (Cló Iar-Chonnacht), extracts from the diaries of Seán Ó Ríordáin, edited by Tadhg Ó Dúshláine; Seal san Aetóip (Cló Iar-Chonnacht), a travel book by Frank Reidy; Aneas (Futa Fata), about Kerry folklore by Brenda Ní Shúilleabháin; and Ár Naomhoidhreacht (Foilseacháin Ábhair Spioradálta), a collection of prayers by Éilis Ní Thiarnaigh.
