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Previous Winners

2010

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards Book of the Decade

Winner
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
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The first volume in Derek Landy's brilliant Skulduggery Pleasant series.


Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
Room by Emma Donoghue
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Man-Booker shortlisted novel is an intriguing, beautiful read.


Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award

The Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award has proved an enormous popular success. Last year's winner was Gene Kerrigan's Dark Times in the City.

Winner
Dark Times in the City by Gene Kerrigan
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Gene Kerrigan just gets better with every book.


Sunday Independent Best Irish Newcomer of the Year

This award was created to reward the most promising first-time author published in Ireland in any given year. The award is unrestricted by genre and previous winners include Gisele Scanlon for The Goddess Guide and Ronan O'Brien for Confessions of a Fallen Angel.

Winner
JFK in Ireland: Four Days that Changed a President by Ryan Tubridy
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RTE presenter Ryan Tubridy tells the fascinating story of John F Kennedy's 1963 visit to Ireland.


The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year

One of the mainstays of the Irish book-trade, Argosy book wholesalers joined the first expansion of the Irish Book Awards in 2006. Previous winners include Stepping Stones, by Dennis O'Driscoll and Seamus Heaney, and last year's winner A Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall by Neil Richardson.

Winner
A Coward If I Return, A Hero If I Fall by Neil Richardson
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The inspirational story of Ireland’s forgotten soldiers of World War 1.


The Easons Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year

Easons have been in the vanguard of promoting Irish popular fiction for decades. Previous winners include Anita Notaro, Marian Keyes and Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.

Winner
The Oh My God Delusion by Ross O'Carroll Kelly
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Hilarious chronicle of the real effects of the recession.


The International Education Services Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

International Education Services Ltd transferred their sponsorship form the Best Newcomer category to the Best Irish-Published category in 2010.

Winner
Good Mood Food by Donal Skehan
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Simple, healthy home cooking.


The Irish Sports Book of the Year

Club Energise Sport have relinquished their sponsorship of the sports category. No replacement sponsor has been appointed as yet.

Winner
A Football Man - My Autobiography by John Giles
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The story of a dream pursued and fulfilled.


The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award

The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award has replaced the Ryan Tubridy version but we are delighted that our close relationship with RTE is being maintained and look forward to many more years of the Listeners' Choice Award.

Winner
Come What May: The Autobiography by Dónal Óg Cusack
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This is unlike any other Irish sporting memoir ever published.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Snr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil by Derek Landy
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The return of Skulduggery and Valkyrie.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
On the Road with Mavis and Marge by Niamh Sharkey
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A zany bunch of pals succumb to wanderlust and get more than they bargained for.


2009

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
THE SECRET SCRIPTURE by Sebastian Barry
More »

The story of centenarian and mental hospital patient, Roseanne McNulty, is at once shocking and deeply beautiful. Refracted through the haze of memory and retelling, Roseanne’s story becomes an alternative, secret history of Ireland’s changing character and the story of a life blighted by terrible mistreatment and ignorance. Winner of the Costa Book of the Year 2008.


Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award

The Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award has proved an enormous popular success. Last year's winner was Gene Kerrigan's Dark Times in the City.

Winner
BLOOD RUNS COLD by Alex Barclay
More »

Kidnap and murder collide in Alex Barclay's heart-stopping new thriller featuring FBI Agent Ren Bryce. When an FBI agent is found dead on the white slopes of Quandary Peak in Colorado, a brilliant but volatile agent is drafted in from Denver to lead the investigation. Alex Barclay is the rising star of the hard-boiled genre.


Sunday Independent Best Irish Newcomer of the Year

This award was created to reward the most promising first-time author published in Ireland in any given year. The award is unrestricted by genre and previous winners include Gisele Scanlon for The Goddess Guide and Ronan O'Brien for Confessions of a Fallen Angel.

Winner
CONFESSIONS OF A FALLEN ANGEL by Ronan O'Brien
More »

Following a near-death experience as a child, the narrator becomes cursed with the ability to foresee the deaths of the people closest to him. Set in the fictional Dublin suburb of Rathgorman, this is a story where dreams come true but can turn into nightmares; a place where true love will prevail and where death is only the beginning.


The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year

One of the mainstays of the Irish book-trade, Argosy book wholesalers joined the first expansion of the Irish Book Awards in 2006. Previous winners include Stepping Stones, by Dennis O'Driscoll and Seamus Heaney, and last year's winner A Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall by Neil Richardson.

Winner
STEPPING STONES by Seamus Heaney and Dennis O’ Driscoll
More »

Widely regarded as the finest poet of his generation, Seamus Heaney has been the subject of no book-length portrait until now. In response to Dennis O’Driscoll’s subtle questioning, the poet sheds a personal light on his work and on the artistic and ethical challenges he faced, providing an original, diverting and absorbing store of reflections, opinions and recollections.


The Easons Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year

Easons have been in the vanguard of promoting Irish popular fiction for decades. Previous winners include Anita Notaro, Marian Keyes and Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.

Winner
THIS CHARMING MAN by Marian Keyes
More »

This charming man, Paddy de Courcy, is getting married. Stylist Lola is his girlfriend but definitely not the bride-to-be. That’s Alicia Thornton. Journalist Grace wants the scoop on Paddy and guess who was her sister Marnie’s first love? Four very different women. One awfully charming man. And the dark secret that binds them all. Marian Keyes’ darkest and most uncompromising novel to date.


The International Education Services Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

International Education Services Ltd transferred their sponsorship form the Best Newcomer category to the Best Irish-Published category in 2010.

Winner
THE PARISH by Alice Taylor
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A profound and benign book, The Parish deals with the growing realisation that local community is very precious and must be nurtured. Through a series of vignettes of life in her own village, Innishannon, Taylor explores the positive values of social community and the extraordinary things that the members of a close-knit community do for each other.


The Irish Sports Book of the Year

Club Energise Sport have relinquished their sponsorship of the sports category. No replacement sponsor has been appointed as yet.

Winner
RONAN O'GARA, MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY by Ronan O'Gara
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Ronan O'Gara is quite simply one of the greatest sportsmen Ireland has ever produced. In this illuminating autobiography, O'Gara tells the story of his many on-field successes but does not shy away from addressing the darker days, most notably at the 2007 World Cup. Here is the story of a passionate representative of the people of Cork and Ireland.


The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award

The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award has replaced the Ryan Tubridy version but we are delighted that our close relationship with RTE is being maintained and look forward to many more years of the Listeners' Choice Award.

Winner
THE SECRET SCRIPTURE by Sebastian Barry
More »

The story of centenarian and mental hospital patient Roseanne McNulty is at once shocking and deeply beautiful. Refracted through the haze of memory and retelling, Roseanne’s story becomes an alternative, secret history of Ireland’s changing character and the story of a life blighted by terrible mistreatment and ignorance. Winner of the Costa Book of the Year 2008.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Snr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT - PLAYING WITH FIRE by Derek Landy
More »

Baron Vengeous makes a bloody escape from prison and dead bodies and vampires start showing up all over Ireland. With Baron Vengeous after the deadly armour of Lord Vile, and pretty much everyone out to kill Valkyrie, the daring detective duo face their biggest challenge yet. Latest in the rip-roaring Skulduggery series.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
BEFORE YOU SLEEP by Benji Bennett
More »

This is an affectionate and wonderfully illustrated children’s bedtime story book by first-time author, Benji Bennett. It offers parents a unique opportunity to enter the fascinating world of a child and express their love for their child through a series of magical adventures, powerful verse and imaginative illustrations.


2008

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
THE GATHERING by Anne Enright
More »

Booker Prize-winning "The Gathering" is a family epic, condensed and clarified through the lens of the author's unblinking eye.


Sunday Independent Best Irish Newcomer of the Year

This award was created to reward the most promising first-time author published in Ireland in any given year. The award is unrestricted by genre and previous winners include Gisele Scanlon for The Goddess Guide and Ronan O'Brien for Confessions of a Fallen Angel.

Winner
WITH MY LAZY EYE by Julia Kelly
More »

The freshest voice in Irish fiction since the wonderful early novels of Edna O'Brien said John Banville.


The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year

One of the mainstays of the Irish book-trade, Argosy book wholesalers joined the first expansion of the Irish Book Awards in 2006. Previous winners include Stepping Stones, by Dennis O'Driscoll and Seamus Heaney, and last year's winner A Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall by Neil Richardson.

Winner
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter
More »

Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.


The Easons Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year

Easons have been in the vanguard of promoting Irish popular fiction for decades. Previous winners include Anita Notaro, Marian Keyes and Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.

Winner
TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW by Anita Notaro
More »

Most of us can remember a defining moment in our lives. This is the story of the moment that changed Lily Ormond's forever.


The International Education Services Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

International Education Services Ltd transferred their sponsorship form the Best Newcomer category to the Best Irish-Published category in 2010.

Winner
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter
More »

Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.


The Irish Sports Book of the Year

Club Energise Sport have relinquished their sponsorship of the sports category. No replacement sponsor has been appointed as yet.

Winner
TREVOR BRENNAN: HEART AND SOUL by Trevor Brennan with Gerry Thornley
More »

Superb account of a brilliant at times turbulent rugby career.


The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award

The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award has replaced the Ryan Tubridy version but we are delighted that our close relationship with RTE is being maintained and look forward to many more years of the Listeners' Choice Award.

Winner
JUDGING DEV by Diarmaid Ferriter
More »

Timely and wise reassessment of the career of the Ireland's greatest statesman.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Snr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
WILDERNESS by Roddy Doyle
More »

Few writers know how to engage the imagination of young readers like Roddy Doyle and Wilderness is as good as anything he's done.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
THE STORY OF IRELAND by Brendan O'Brien
More »

Superbly illustrated and artfully conceived, The Story of Ireland encapsulated for children in an extraordinarily fresh and exciting way.


2007

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
Winterwood (Bloomsbury) by Patrick McCabe
More »

Acclaimed as Patrick McCabe's finest novel since Butcher Boy.


Sunday Independent Best Irish Newcomer of the Year

This award was created to reward the most promising first-time author published in Ireland in any given year. The award is unrestricted by genre and previous winners include Gisele Scanlon for The Goddess Guide and Ronan O'Brien for Confessions of a Fallen Angel.

Winner
The Goddess Guide (Harper Collins) by Gisele Scanlon
More »

A highly covetable hardback, guaranteed to give every woman the life of a goddess.


The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year

One of the mainstays of the Irish book-trade, Argosy book wholesalers joined the first expansion of the Irish Book Awards in 2006. Previous winners include Stepping Stones, by Dennis O'Driscoll and Seamus Heaney, and last year's winner A Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall by Neil Richardson.

Winner
Connemara (Penguin Ireland) by Tim Robinson
More »

Another Connemara classic from the rugged pen of the great Tim Robinson.


The Easons Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year

Easons have been in the vanguard of promoting Irish popular fiction for decades. Previous winners include Anita Notaro, Marian Keyes and Ross O'Carroll-Kelly.

Winner
Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade (Penguin Ireland) by Ross O'Carroll Kelly
More »

The saga of South Dublin legend, the Rossmeister, continues, roysh!


The International Education Services Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

International Education Services Ltd transferred their sponsorship form the Best Newcomer category to the Best Irish-Published category in 2010.

Winner
Lifelines: New and Collected (Townhouse) by ed. Niall McMonagle
More »

The definitive collected Lifelines anthology. Every home should have one.


The Irish Sports Book of the Year

Club Energise Sport have relinquished their sponsorship of the sports category. No replacement sponsor has been appointed as yet.

Winner
Back from the Brink (Century) by Paul McGrath
More »

Paul McGrath's extraordinary story is possibly the most candid sports book ever written.


The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award

The John Murray Show Listeners' Choice Award has replaced the Ryan Tubridy version but we are delighted that our close relationship with RTE is being maintained and look forward to many more years of the Listeners' Choice Award.

Winner
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (David Fickling) by John Boyne
More »

John Boyne has written A Holocaust novel like no other. Truly a small masterpiece.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (David Fickling) by John Boyne
More »

John Boyne has written A Holocaust novel like no other. Truly a small masterpiece.

Winner
The Incredible Book Eating Boy (Harper Collins) by Oliver Jeffers
More »

A deliciously inventive children's story as the intriguing title suggests.


2006

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
The Sea by John Banville
More »

John Banville's shining literary hour arrived with this multi-award winning novel.


The Argosy Irish Non-Fiction Book of the Year

One of the mainstays of the Irish book-trade, Argosy book wholesalers joined the first expansion of the Irish Book Awards in 2006. Previous winners include Stepping Stones, by Dennis O'Driscoll and Seamus Heaney, and last year's winner A Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall by Neil Richardson.

Winner
In the Dark Room by Brian Dillon
More »

Fine memoir which won the inaugural Argosy Irish Non-fiction Book of the Year.


The Specsavers Irish Children's Book of the Year - Jnr

We are delighted to welcome Specsavers as the new sponsors of the Children's Category. Specsavers are already at the heart of the UK book industry and they represent a valuable addition to the IBA sponsors' roster.

Winner
The New Policeman by Kate Thompson
More »

Worthy winner of the inaugural Dublin Airport Authority Irish Children's Book of the Year.


2005

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
Havoc in its Third Year by Ronan Bennett
More »

The 2005 winner was this powerful historical novel replete with contemporary significance.


2004

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
Dancer by Colum McCann
More »

This beautiful and daring novel on Nureyev deservedly lifted he 2004 Hughes & Hughes award.


2003

Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year

Inaugurated in 2000,The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year counts among its distinguished winners the late John McGahern, Colum McCann, John Banville and last year's winner Emma Donoghue for Room.

Winner
That They May Face the Rising Sun by John McGahern
More »

John McGahern's magnificent last novel is as good as any Irish novel ever writeen.


Bord Gais
  • National Book Tokens
  • Sunday Independent