In the forthcoming Listowel Writers Week there is abundant evidence that Irish writing is alive and well. By Kate O'Toole.

Along with my fellow judge Giles Foden, I have sifted through the 150-odd titles entered by publishers for this prize. I can’t say it has been easy, but one of the writers here will go ahead to win the €15,000 prize on the opening night of the Listowel Writer’s Week Festival on June 2.