Chalk Talk: Kilbride NS teacher wins Novel of the Year at An Post Irish Book Awards

Trim’s Kilbride National School has a lot to celebrate this week, as teacher Roisín O’Donnell has been awarded the prestigious Eason Novel of the Year for her powerful novel Nesting at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025.

The awards ceremony, held at Dublin’s Convention Centre, is one of the biggest nights in Ireland’s literary calendar and Roisín’s win is a proud moment not just for her, but for her school and the wider Meath community.

Nesting tells the story of a woman fleeing a threatening home environment with her two young children and another on the way. The book has struck a chord with readers and was also longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025.

Roisín, who teaches at Kilbride NS, is known by her students and colleagues for her creativity, empathy and love of literature qualities clearly reflected in her writing.

She was among a stellar list of winners on the night, which included some of Ireland’s best-known authors such as Joseph O’Connor, Elaine Feeney, and Cecelia Ahern.

Now in its 20th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate the richness of Irish writing. This year’s event also honoured former President Michael D. Higgins with a Lifetime Achievement Award and unveiled a new trophy inspired by the Celtic goddess Brigid.

Speaking at the event, the organisers highlighted the incredible range of talent in Irish literature today, praising both established names and fresh voices.

From the classroom in Trim to the national literary stage - what a journey! Congratulations to Ms. O’Donnell on this amazing achievement.