Maynooth University Library and publishers Taylor & Francis sponsored an academic writing award to mark the launch of the 2016 themed issue of New Review of Academic Librarianship (NRAL) and the launch of a virtual Irish issue - contributions to NRAL from Irish librarians during the past seven years - at Maynooth University on 20 October 2016. The award - sponsored by Taylor & Francis and Maynooth University Library - supports the publication of an Irish academic paper in the area of librarianship. Dr Jessica Bates and Geraldine Delaney from Ulster University were the recipients of the award.