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Colum McCann talks about winning the National Book Award

CAHIR O'DOHERTY

Irish Voice Reporter

Published Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 12:51 PM

Updated Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 1:49 PM

Irish Consul General Niall Burgess, Speaker Christine Quinn, former U.S. ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith and Colum McCann at a reception Burgess hosted for the author

The award has seen McCann’s star ascend even further. McCann got a phone call from President Mary McAleese, and his mother in Dublin ended up on the nine o’clock news.

With an award this big come certain changes, but McCann is optimistic.

“A little terror comes with that too, the question is what do you do next, but that only lasts a short while,” he said.

“In the end all that matters is that I have other books to do and time to do them in. It bides me some time and some space. Being the first Irish born person to get it was an honor.”

Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Collins congratulated McCann on his achievement.

"I would like to congratulate Colum on having achieved this great honor. The National Book Award is an eminent literary award. It is recognition of Colum’s magnificent talent and a wonderful tribute to 'Let the Great World Spin,' a powerful, moving novel,” he said.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity at the embassy in Washington to host a reading by Colum last month, at which he read from 'Let the Great World Spin.' Ireland takes great pride in his success and we wish him the very best in the future."

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