Mayo writer picks up prestigious prize at Children’s Books Ireland Awards

KEVIN Moran, a primary school teacher from Castlebar, has been announced as winner of the Eilís Dillon Award for best début novel for his book, The Doomsday Club, at this year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards.

The Doomsday Club is a début authored novel set in Dublin that blends adventure, fantasy and humour as school students Jack, Conan and Yash make a strange discovery in the school yard.

Announced by host Rick O’Shea at a ceremony held in Merrion Square, in partnership with International Literature Festival Dublin, a total of six awards were presented to Irish authors and illustrators, including Kevin Moran.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland said: “Children’s literature in Ireland is ever-evolving and this year’s winners undoubtedly reflect that. The winning titles are deeply imaginative and original, and by turns side-splittingly funny and incredibly moving. It’s a joy to see neurodivergent characters so strongly represented in this inclusive selection of excellent books.

“We’re proud to celebrate the authors, illustrators and publishers behind the books, and offer them our warmest congratulations.”

Damian Smyth, joint Head of Literature and Drama at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Congratulations to this year’s winners who’ve produced outstanding books published in the last year. These awards recognise some of the most talented writers and illustrators on the island of Ireland today, sharing stories that connect with the minds and hearts of young audiences everywhere.”