Gradam Réics Carló 2021 winner announced

This year’s premier prize for children’s books in Irish, Gradam Réics Carló, has been won by CLUASA CAPAILL AR AN RÍ (The King with Horse’s Ears). 

The annual publishing awards were announced on the 5^thOctober at an online event hosted by Oireachtas na Gaeilge. Na Gradaim Foilsitheoireachta are the premier prizes for excellence in literature and publishing in the Irish Language. 

Cluasa Capaill ar an Rí is written by Bridget Bhreathnach, illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald and published by An Spidéal-based Futa Fata.

The story of Labhraí Loingseach, the king with horse’s ears, is known and loved in Ireland and is an international folktale, told and retold across the world in different versions, for hundreds, maybe thousands of years.  

In this retelling, Bhreathnach’s words and Macdonald’s images both humanise the tragedy of Labhraí and set it in the rich tradition of the Irish popular imagination. 

This is the second year in a row for Macdonald to scoop this prestigious award.  Last year she won for her book, written by Máire Zepf, An Féileacán agus an Rí.  

Cluasa Capaill ar an Rí is available nationwide in all good bookshops and online here.