Celebrating Irish Book Awards Shortlist Success
The School of English, Irish and Communication at the University of Limerick is celebrating three fantastic achievements following the announcement of the shortlist for the 2026 An Post Irish Book Awards.
Professor Donal Ryan has been shortlisted for Novel of the Year, while recent MA in Creative Writing graduates Neil Tully and Emma Beard have also been recognised, with Neil shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year and Emma for Poem of the Year.
These shortlisting announcements are a wonderful recognition of the talent and creativity within the School’s literary community, celebrating both an established and acclaimed author and the achievements of its recent graduates.
Professor Donal Ryan is widely celebrated for his contribution to contemporary Irish literature, with a distinguished body of work that includes The Spinning Heart, From a Low and Quiet Sea, Strange Flowers and The Queen of Dirt Island. His writing has received numerous awards and accolades, establishing him as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary novelists.
The shortlisting of Neil Tully and Emma Beard also highlights the talent emerging from UL’s MA in Creative Writing, with both graduates receiving recognition in their respective categories.
The School is delighted to celebrate all three writers and their achievements. Their shortlisting reflects the strength of the creative writing community at UL and the contribution its writers continue to make to Irish literary life.
Huge congratulations to Donal, Neil and Emma on this fantastic achievement!
