In a celebration of International Francophonie Day (20 March annually), Doireann Ní Ghríofa was announced as the winner of the tenth annual Literary Award of the Francophonie Ambassadors in Ireland for her book A Ghost in the Throat, published in the French language by Éditions Globe in April 2024 as Un fantôme dans la gorge. The translator of A Ghost in the Throat, Élisabeth Peellaert, was also recognised by the Award and received a prize of €1,500 presented by Literature Ireland.
The annual selection of titles to be considered for the Award is made in partnership with Literature Ireland, the national organisation for the promotion of Irish literature abroad; the other shortlisted works were Spies in Canaan by David Park (Un espion en Canaan, Éditions La Table Ronde, 2024), Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon (Un Acte de Gloire, Éditions Buchet Chastel, 2024), and The Pages by Hugo Hamilton (Les Pages, Éditions Phébus, 2024).
In A Ghost in the Throat, Doireann Ní Ghríofa weaves a haunting and lyrical narrative that blends memoir, history, and poetry. The book explores the life of 18th-century poet Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, author of the poem, Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire, intertwined with Ní Ghríofa’s own reflections on motherhood, identity, and the power of language.
Ní Ghríofa was given her award by the Ambassador of Austria to Ireland, Melitta Schubert, at a ceremony at the Austrian Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin. Peellaert was presented with her translation award by the Director of Literature Ireland, Sinéad Mac Aodha.
Mac Aodha said: “We are delighted to work as Irish partners with all the Ambassadors of the Francophonie on this special literary prize which recognises the best of Irish literature and its great reach in French translation to readers across the Francophone world. Literature Ireland congratulates Doireann Ní Ghríofa on her hugely original and moving writing, which has captured so many hearts. We also congratulate Élisabeth Peellaert on her sensitive and beautiful French translation. We also commend Éditions Globe, the French publishers, for producing such a beautiful book. Comhghairdeas ó chroí libh go léir.”
Posted to News on 22 Apr 2025.