DONEGAL journalist Mark Tighe has been included in a list of the best Irish books of the past two decades as part of the An Post Irish Book Awards 20 year celebrations.
A past student of Royal and Prior in Raphoe, Mark’s award winning book ‘Champagne Football’ followed the career of John Delaney and pulled back the curtain on the FAI’s mismanagement.
It will feature on a curated list featuring 60 of the best books from category winners over the past two decades of one of Ireland’s most distinguished and popular literary events .
Selected through the votes from leading booksellers nationwide, the list comprises 20 Fiction, 20 Non-Fiction and 20 Children’s titles drawn from An Post Irish Book Awards winners since the ceremony first began in 2006.
Books by a wide range of celebrated authors including Seán Ronayne, Emilie Pine, Joseph O’Connor, Emma Donoghue, Peter Donnelly and Catherine Ryan Howard feature on the list, which has been carefully curated to reflect the breadth and impact of Irish writing over the past 20 years. The full list of 60 titles can be found at anpostirishbookawards.ie
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite titles from the Top 60 list. Voting opened on Monday and close on Monday, April 13 at 6pm. The final Top 20 Favourite Irish Books of the past 20 years will then be revealed on Sunday, April 19.
Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw, with a range of prizes on offer, including €100 in National Book Tokens, a selection of books from the list, and tickets to the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026 ceremony.
Bookshops across Ireland will also support the campaign with special in-store displays celebrating the 60 selected titles.
Alastair Giles, CEO of the Irish Book Awards, says: “Over the past 20 years, the An Post Irish Book Awards has celebrated the depth and diversity of Irish writing. This curated list of 60 books offers a snapshot of some of the most memorable and influential titles recognised by the awards since 2006, reflecting the exceptional talent that has shaped Irish literature over the past two decades. We’re delighted to invite readers across the country to vote for the books that have meant the most to them, and we look forward to revealing the Top 20.”
David McRedmond, CEO atAn Post, says: “An Post’s commitment to the Irish Book Awards is steadfast. To celebrate 20 years of the awards we want to showcase the extraordinary breadth of talent in Irish writing which is truly world-class. The top-60 books over the period of the awards have delighted and inspired readers, and this opportunity to revisit them is the best way to celebrate Irish writing.”