Tullamore author nominated for prestigious literary prize

A Tullamore author has been nominated for the Libraro Prize 2026 in recognition of her literary work.

Mary Minnock is one of six authors on the shortlist for the prestigious award, the winner of which will receive a book publishing deal from Hachette UK and €50,000.

Minnock's novel 'Love Lost' is the only Irish entry for the literary prize the overall winner of which will be announced at a reception in London on May 13.

Confirming her nomination for the Libraro Prize 2026 on social media, Minnock said she was "excited" and "thrilled" to be on the shortlist for the inaugural award.

"I'm one of six authors selected from almost 2,000 entries from all over the world. Over 15,000 readers contributed their opinions and I'm now in the running for a book deal with Hachette UK.

"A huge thank you to Libraro who are changing the way books get selected for publishing by involving readers in the process," Minnock said.

According to the author Love Lost is "a deeply moving, intimate portrayal of a divorced mother and father facing the mysterious death of their daughter, while navigating their shared past".

A past pupil of Killina National School, Rahan and St Joseph of Cluny, Ferbane, Minnock's love of writing literature stemmed from her time living in the US gaining confidence from her participation in a writing class.

She has self-published her first two novels 'Homesick' and 'Love Lost'.

The Libraro Prize 2026 celebrates authors who create "bold, original fiction with the potential to become a future bestseller".