Literature Ireland ‘Blúríní’ Series

An enormous thank you to Literature Ireland for including me in their beautiful Blúríní series of videos this year, supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Blúiríní (Irish for little snippets) promotes the work of Irish writers whose books featured in Literature Ireland’s last edition of New Writing from Ireland while also offering an insight into the writers’ work spaces and home places.

This was a really fun shoot on Ballyheigue strand, full of pensive looks, self-conscious walking, and a passing dog -- a perfect stand-in for Sammy from the book -- who came along & stole the show.

Thanks too to --

DOP & Editing: Freddie Greenall (@freddiegreenall)

Music: Natalia Beylis (@SunkenHum)

Irish Book Awards’ “New Voices: 20 Best New Irish Writers” List

A lovely surprise to be included in this list — and take part in the accompanying photoshoot, which was a new experience — celebrating the next generation of Irish writers, including the likes of Louise Kennedy, Michael Magee, Naoise Dolan, Meg Nolan, Ferdia Lennon, Colin Walsh & Sheila Armstrong.

The chair of the judging panel said, “We are delighted to continue supporting Irish writers, and, this year, to present 20 of the most promising names in Irish literature through the New Voices initiative.” 

It's a stellar line-up that showcases the strength of Irish literature at the moment -- though arguably it's the fact that you could easily double or triple this list in size without impinging on its quality that speaks to the true strength of the scene, and just what a ridiculously exciting time this is for Irish writing!

John McGahern Book Prize Shortlist 2024

Thrilled to be on the shortlist for this prestigious prize alongside these two absolute gents. Thanks to the judging panel for choosing to include TTBF.

James Tait Black Fiction Prize Shortlisting

Some lovely news – Though the Bodies Fall has been shortlisted for the James Tait Black Prize, the UK’s oldest literary prize. Some of my favourite writers have won this, so it’s a dream to make the shortlist. Congrats, too, to my fellow shortlistees.

Irish Book Award Shortlisting

I am thrilled to have been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the 2023 An Post Irish Book Awards.

‘What’s the Story?’

Tune in to What’s the Story? (Virgin Media One/Virgin Media Player) to see my first – and likely last – TV appearance. Guesting on the book show, hosted by the lovely Tara Lynne O’Neill of Derry Girls fame, I review Sebastian Faulks’ new novel, The Seventh Son, talk about my own book, as well as other literature-related topics.

TTBF an Autumn Must Read

Delighted to see Though the Bodies Fall is a pick for Sinéad & Rick’s Autumn Must Reads. Honoured in particular to see Rick O’Shea say, ‘Though the Bodies Fall is a highpoint in a decade so far of exceptional Irish debut novels.’

RTÉ Radio Interview

First ever interview on national radio (so excuse the obvious nerves at the start). Thanks to stand-in host Brendan Courtney for the warm and thought-provoking interview, as well as his very kind words about my book.