Trim bookstore in running for top award

Antonia's Bookstore in Trim is in the running to be named Bookshop of the Year award at the prestgious An Post Irish Book Awards which take place in the Dublin Convention Centre tonight (Thursday).

The independent Trim bookstore, which celebrates 20 years in business next week, is one of six bookshops from around the county vying for the title.

A long list of 12 bookshops was compiled following a public vote and this was whittled down to six by a judging panel in a process which included myster shopper visits to the shortlisted stores.

Other local interest include Chapters Bookstore on Dublin's Parnell Street which was re-opened by Michael Finucane of Nobber and business partner Kevin Neary just over three years ago, which also made the shortlist.

Antonia Daly said she was "thrilled" to make the longlist when there is such tough competition, and that to make the final six was "huge".

"It is an honour any year, but to make it this year the week before we celebrate our 20th anniversary is particularly special."

"To make the long list is based on public vote and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us. We wouldn't be here 20 years if we didn't have the support of those people."

She also spoke of the wonderful talent among Irish writers and thanked them also for keeping them in business saying if it wasn't for them, they would have the same books on their shelves all the time.

"There are so many great Irish authors both adults and kids at the moment, a huge amount of our stock is Irish."

Antonia's Bookstore will celebrate its 20th anniversary in store on Wednesday, 3rd December.

There will be celebrations in the shop all day with discounts and giveaways, and The Late Lunch with Gerry Kelly on LMFM will also be broadcasting from the shop. There will be cake and champagne that eveningat 6pm.