Anne Enright,the award-winning Irish writer, was named the first Laureate for Irish Fiction at an Arts Council event this past January. The Irish fiction laureate title lasts three years with a 50,000 euro per annum pay check. The new title was the brainchild of the Arts Council, which had further support from New York University, UCD, and The Irish Times.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced the winner at the ceremony saying, “The Laureate for Irish Fiction is awarded on the basis of literary accomplishment and excellence, and is the highest honor that the Irish State can bestow on a writer in this genre.”
Among Enright’s many duties will be the teaching of one semester at each of the universities, an annual lecture series, and the hosting of a number of public events both in Ireland and America.
Enright was enthused by the honor and is looking forward to getting started saying, “It is a great honor to be chosen. I hope I can rise to the role, and maybe have some fun along the way.” ♦
Anne Enright Named First Irish Fiction Laureate
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