Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney is to be honoured for his contribution to Irish literature with the Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards next month.
The shortlist was announced last night and include Sebastian Barry, Neil Jordan, Benjamin Black and Derek Landy as well as newcomers John Butler, Belinda McKeon and Paul Kimmage.
A number of Irish Timescontributors and journalists are on the shortlist including finance correspondent Simon Carswell's book Anglo Republic. Cystic fibrosis campaigner Orla Tinsley is on the best Irish newcomer shortlist for her memoir Salty Babywhile Ross O'Carroll Kelly (aka Paul Howard), Conor O'Clery, Belinda McKeon and Anna Carey are also listed.
The winners will be named on November 17th.