Limerick City and County Council is offering congratulations to author Paul Lynch who won the 2023 Booker Prize for his fifth novel, Prophet Song.
He is the sixth Irish author to win the most influential English-language fiction prize since it began in 1969.
Paul Lynch was born in Limerick in 1977. He was raised in Donegal but continues to have strong family links to the Treaty County.
The Booker Prize win comes just over a year after he was diagnosed with cancer. He has since been given the all-clear after treatment.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said:
"I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to Paul Lynch on clinching the 2023 Booker Prize for 'Prophet Song.' The win coming just over a year post-cancer diagnosis, adds a poignant layer to this achievement. Although raised in Donegal, Paul’s roots are firmly in Limerick. His family are from Limerick and his parents are now living here once again. I hope they enjoy celebrating this accomplishment and I wish Paul continued literary success.”
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly commented:
“Congratulations to Paul on a well-deserved honour. The exploration of political extremism and the challenges faced by refugees in ‘Prophet Song’ are very timely. It is a triumph of storytelling. Long may his words continue to inspire and provoke change."