This article is from page 42 of the 2007-09-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 42 JPG
A BUDDING author from north Clare was last week nominated and short-listed for the most prestigious prize in literature in Ireland today. Micheal de Barra, who hails from Kilfenora, is one of just five writers short-listed for this year’s Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge Adult Book of the Year prize for his book An Bothar go SY-eLe Ee rexey
Micheal was born and raised on the outskirts of Kilfenora, an area he considers his ‘spiritual home’ but is currently living in Kildare with his wife Siobhan.
Having spent a number of years as a primary and secondary school teach-
er in both Ireland and Argentina, An Bothar go Santiago is Micheal first prose work.
An Bothar go Santiago tells the story of Micheal’s experiences along the pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, Europe’s most famous pilgrim walk.
The camino or path begins in France and ends in Spain, covers 900 kilometres, and is a real challenge for any walker who attempt it.
Besides An Bothar go Santiago, de Barra is also researching a book on the notable Irish figures who went to Argentina between 1500 and 1900 under the working title “Gaeil 1 dTir na nGauchos’. ;
Micheal will take on Liam O Muirt-
hile (Sanas), Eoin Mac Lochlainn and Ciaran O Coigligh (Aiséiri/Req- uiem), Séamus Ennis (Mise an Fear Ceoil) and Brian O Conchubhair (Gearrscéalta Ar Linne)
Leabhar na Bliana 2007 is a unique literary competition, focusing main- ly on excellent publishing standards, while also acknowledging the sig- nificant role of the authors.
Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge and Oire- achtas na Gaeilge organise this event on an annual basis and this year’s winners will be announced at the O1- reachtas na Gaeilge festival in West- port on November 2.
“In presenting these awards, Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge manages to ad- vance the various aspects of our
mission statement – to sustain Irish- language writing, publishing and reading,’ said Aedin Ni Bhroin, D1- rector, Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge.
‘This is a great opportunity to in- form the general public of the wide range of excellent Irish-language books available, as well as giving well-earned recognition to the dif- ferent publishers and writers.”
Meanwhile, the prize for the young readers Book of the Year will be contested by Biddy Jenkinson (An Bhanrion Bess agus Gusai Gaimbin), Laoise Ni Chomhrai (Ag Taisteal le Tarlach sa tSeapain), Dermot Som- ers (Buaic) and Caitriona Nic Sheain and Andrew Whitson (Gaiscioch na Beilte Uaine)