Irish poetry collection submitted ‘in error’ makes TS Eliot Prize shortlist

A collection from Irish poet Eilean Ni Chuilleanain has been shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize despite being submitted by publishers “in error”.

The Map Of The World is among the 10-strong books of poems that have been shortlisted for the prestigious award, narrowed down from 186 applications, it was announced on Tuesday.

However, the collection from Cork-born Ms Chuilleanain, as well as Standing In The Forest Of Being Alive by American poet Katie Farris, did not meet the eligibility criteria of being at least 48 pages long and was put before the judges by mistake.

On announcing the prize shortlist, it was confirmed judges Sasha Dugdale, Denise Saul and chair Paul Muldoon declined to exclude both collections.

Pulitzer Prize winner Mr Muldoon said: “We are aware that two of the titles on the list fall short of the 48 pages required.

“However, both are fully achieved poetry collections that merit their inclusion on the shortlist.”

Among the shortlisted names is fellow Irish poet Jane Clarke, who was born in Roscommon but now lives in Co Wicklow, for her work titled A Change In The Air.

Fran Lock, whose family hail from Ireland, has also been shortlisted for her poetry collection titled Hyena!, alongside British-Irish poet Joe Carrick-Varty for More Sky.

Former TS Eliot Prize winner Sharon Olds features in the shortlist for her work titled Balladz, while Jason Allen-Paisant was also named for Self-Portrait As Othello, Kit Fan for The Ink Cloud Reader, School Of Instructions poet Ishion Hutchinson and Abigail Parry for I Think We’re Alone Now.

Mr Muldoon said: “We are confident that all 10 shortlisted titles not only meet the high standards they set themselves but speak most effectively to, and of, their moment. If there’s a single word for that moment it is surely ‘disrupted’, and all these poets properly reflect that disruption.

“Shot through though they are with images of grief, migration, and conflict, they are nonetheless imbued with energy and joy. The names of some poets will be familiar, others less so; all will find a place in your head and heart.”

The TS Eliot Prize is awarded annually to the writer of the best new poetry collection published in the UK and Ireland, with Anthony Joseph scooping the prize last year for his collection Sonnets For Albert.

The upcoming winner of the prize will receive £25,000 during an award ceremony on January 15 2024, where the shortlisted poets will also be presented with cheques for £1,500.