Sligo’s link with Booker prize

AN Irish writer with strong Sligo links has been nominated for the Man Booker Prize.

Sally Rooney’s latest novel, which won’t be published until September, is one of 13 novels nominated for this year’s £50,000 Man Booker Prize.

Sally’s father, Kieran, who works for Telecom Eireann, is originally from Church Hill, Sligo.

She grew up in Castlebar and her mother runs the Linenhall Arts Centre in the town.

Her acclaimed book ‘Conversations with Friends’ published last year received rave reviews.

Sally (27) is the editor of The Stinging Fly literary magazine,.

Her nominated book, ‘Normal People’ is a deeply moving portrait of a relationship which casts a cool eye on Irish society, class and the urban/rural divide.

In all, three Irish novelists have made the 13-strong longlist. Donal Ryan is nominated for From a Low and Quiet Sea and Anna Burns for Milkman.

The shortlist of six books will be announced on September 20 th. The winner will be revealed on October 16 th.