The scene of the incident in Kilmallock this Sunday night
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03 Nov 2025
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03 Nov 2025
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The authors selected for the shortlist are Anne Tiernan, Katherine O'Donnell and Aoife Fitzpatrick
THE SHORTLIST for the annual Kate O'Brien Award has been announced.
The award highlights a debut novel from an Irish female author and will be presented as part of the 40th annual Limerick Literary Festival.
This year, the books that have been shortlisted are Slant by Katherine O'Donnell, The Red Bird Sings by Aoife Fitzpatrick and The Last Days of Joy by Anne Tiernan.
In memory of Kate O’Brien, the festival takes place from February 23 to 25.
It is one of Ireland's most vibrant and successful festivals which has been running since 1984.
Limerick Literary Festival showcases a diverse and eclectic programme featuring the best in Irish and international contemporary literature.
The event continues to honour the life and works of Limerick author, Kate O'Brien, while attracting prominent participants from all over the world.
Building on this significant history, the Limerick Literary Festival seeks to promote Limerick nationally as a place of literary excellence and to provide a platform where readers can meet their favourite authors and other readers.
Shortlist judge Vivienne McKechnie commented on the high standard of all the submissions received for this year's award.
“This year, once again, it was wonderful to read the debut books by Irish female writers and we are delighted with our shortlist which is made up of three well written, interesting and very engaging novels,” she said.
Ms McKechnie added: We look forward to a lively discussion with the shortlisted authors at the festival in a special event on Sunday, February 25. This is an opportunity to meet these writers at the beginning of their careers and to listen to their stories.”
The judges for this year's award are Marie Hackett, Niall MacMonagle, Vivienne McKechnie, Grainne O'Brien and Donal Ryan.
The award comes with a €2000 cash prize sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan.
Last year, the festival crowned Emilie Pine, author of Ruth & Pen, as the winner of the prestigious award. The festival programme for 2024 includes talks, interviews, as well as panel discussions.
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