“A good bookseller does what the internet never can.”
Emma Shannon from Dubray Books Cork wins The O’Brien Press Bookseller of the Year Award 2024
Emma Shannon from Dubray Books Cork has been named this year’s winner of The O’Brien Press Bookseller of the Year Award. The announcement was made by The O’Brien Press on Monday 26th February at the annual Irish Book Trade Conference and Dinner, held by Bookselling Ireland & Publishing Ireland, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport.
Emma is the 30th recipient of the award, which is presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievement or an invaluable contribution to the book trade by an individual bookseller. Winners are presented with ‘The Elements’, a bronze perpetual trophy sculpted by one of Ireland’s leading sculptors, Rowan Gillespie, and a framed commemorative certificate.
In selecting Emma for the award, who worked for nearly 20 years in Dubray Rathmines before setting up the store in Cork, she was described as a wonderful bookseller and a true asset to the book industry in Ireland.
The store is a beautiful and brilliant addition to Cork City, where Emma goes above and beyond to make it a wonderful destination for customers. She is kind and caring and always full of ideas, never flagging in her enthusiasm, calm efficiency and encouraging leadership skills. Always good for a book recommendation, Emma is a passionate supporter of Irish published books.
Speaking about the Award, Ivan O’Brien, Managing Director, The O’Brien Press said that the thirtieth winner of the O’Brien Bookseller of the Year award combines experience with flair.
“A great shop-floor bookseller, Emma set up the first Dubray shop in Cork and made it a real destination. In a tight field with lots of potential winners, she was the outstanding candidate.
“When The O’Brien Press was founded 50 years ago, the instincts and actions of a few key booksellers were instrumental to our success. The importance of knowing what customers will want – whether in a big chain or through hand-selling to long-standing customers – has never been greater. A good bookseller does what the internet never can.”
