Irish Book Awards 2009 shortlists announced

"The shortlists for the Irish Book Awards 2009 feature an extraordinarily eclectic mix of authors including major literary figures such as Seamus Heaney, Sebastian Barry, Maeve Binchy and Marian Keyes alongside famous names from the world of entertainment and sport including Rachel Allen, Kathryn Thomas, Ross O'Carroll Kelly and Ronan O'Gara. The IBAS is the only industry wide event of its kind in the history of the Irish book sector and no other literary awards cover as broad and varied a range of categories. This year you can cast your public vote online for all categories (except Lifetime Achievement.) The eventual winners will be announced at The Gala Awards Dinner in Dublin's Mansion House on May 6, 2009."