Féilim James, back centre, at the An Post Irish Book Awards in the Convention Centre, Dublin

We at Smashing Times are thrilled for our colleague Féilim James – Smashing Times Newsletter and Tintreach Editor, and professional writer – whose poem ‘Dream of an Atrocity’ was nominated for the New Irish Writing: Best Poetry category at the 2024 An Post Irish Book Awards. The poem portrays the aftermath of a bombing in Northern Ireland, which, together with the poet’s own family history, is used to examine the nature of political violence and militant ideology. It can be read here (with an Irish Independent subscription).

Although ultimately unsuccessful, losing out to Eilín de Paor’s impressive ‘Onionskin’ (which can be read here), Féilim had a terrific experience attending the awards ceremony in Dublin’s Convention Centre on Wednesday, 27 November. With about 600 in attendance and Miriam O’Callaghan as the MC, the set-up was extraordinary, and our colleague had the valuable opportunity to speak with authors he admires and a number of publishers and agents.

Now in its 19th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. The winners were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, 27 November, 2024 at the Convention Centre, Dublin. Dónal Ryan, Sally Rooney, Hector Ó hEochagáin, and Johnny Sexton were among the winners across the 20 categories. Click here for the full list of winners.