The world’s next J K Rowling could have been among the 500 young Galway authors who were honoured at a special ceremony this week as part of the annual Write a Book Awards. Now in its 10th year, the competition which is run by the Galway Education Centre, aims to generate an interest in reading and writing among young people aged five to 12 years.
Out of the 6,000 entries received this year, Irish titles featuring in the Scríobh Leabhar section included Lego Draíochta, Fagtha sa Spáinn, Turas go dti Ceanada and An Muinteoir Craiceáilte.
Caitríona Uí Bhéarra, who teaches at Scoil Sailearna in Indreabhan said: “There is a lot of emphasis on the spoken Irish language but this gives the children an opportunity to write a story and really bring the language to life. They use their creativity in every way possible from the illustrations to the binding of the booklets. The children come up with ideas and fictional worlds that adult minds would never be capable of.”
Laura Ni Cheallaigh, an 11-year-old from Scoil Dara in Renmore, was just one of the 176 all-Irish winners who based her book, entitled Mo Saolon, a girl whose quick decisive action won her the opportunity to meet this year’s Eurovision heroes John and Edward Grimes.
“I wrote about a girl called Neasa. She saves her house from burning when she sees a chimney fire while her parents are inside watching Glas Vegas on TV. She calls the fire brigade and her parents get her tickets for Jedward as a reward,” the budding author explained.
The all English first time authors had book titles including The boy who was afraid of everything, Dreaming of being rich, and The greatest feeling ever, a publication which 10-year-old author Olivia Doheny explained is about a trip to meet the X-factor judges.
A lively performance from the Tuam-based Ace High Cheerleaders and a Mexican-themed Galway wave led by Master of Ceremonies Paul Sleem entertained the packed Inis Mor Ballroom in the Radisson Hotel and was also shared with hundreds of viewers as the ceremony was streamed live online. Some 125 schools from across the city and county participated in this year’s initiative which director of Galway Education Centre Bernard Kirk said would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of their many teachers: “The young writers are remarkable and the ongoing success of this programme can only be credited to our fantastic teachers. The children and their teachers have worked hard to make this such a success.”
