Dreams really do come true.
In a Cinderella-like story, blossoming novelist and college janitor, Caitriona Lally, recently encountered a life-changing experience as she was presented with the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, one of Ireland’s most respected literary honors, for her debut novel “Eggshells.”
The renowned title, presented annually by Trinity College, is awarded to writers under 40-years-old with “great talent and exceptional promise.”
However unlike other acclaimed authors, Caitriona Lally works an unexpected job to support her literary pursuits — working as a janitor at the college she once attended. Years ago, Lally was an undergraduate student studying English at Trinity College.
Every morning for the past three and a half years, Lally sports her blue janitorial smock and heads over to the college, cleaning lecture rooms and libraries before returning home to take care of her 14-month-old daughter, Alice. “The bills must be paid and until that six-figure sum comes a-knocking, everyone needs a day job,” she said. Her unwavering determination and positive attitude are the qualities that attribute to her success today.
Receiving the message she had won the Rooney Prize on what she recalls as a “rough day,” Caitriona Lally was over the moon, describing it as “the happiest shock of (her) life.” In a surreal moment of disbelief, Lally asked the person on the other side of the phone to repeat the astonishing news she had just heard.
Alongside the distinguished title, Lally was also rewarded with a 10,000 euro prize, equating to about $11,500 US dollars.
The literary recognition came unexpectedly, as Lally didn’t actually apply for the award, but a well-established selection committee determined the nominees. The chairman for the selection committee stated, “Eggshells’ is a work of impressive imaginative reach, witty, subtle and occasionally endearingly unpredictable.”
Over the years, many Rooney Prize winners have become some of Ireland’s most recognized writers.
Caitriona Lally’s journey demonstrates the power of passion, as her untiring determination to pursue her literary dreams, no matter what it took, is something to be both applauded and emulated.
Describing her Roomey Prize recognition as “just pure magic,” Lally continues to pursue her efforts as an author, with another novel already in the works.
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