Kerry's cultural and literary hub Listowel, was buzzing at the opening of the Annual Writers' Week festival, where John Banville scooped the coveted €15,000 award for his highly praised novel Infinities.

Adjudicators Author, Giles Foden and Actress Kate O'Toole had the unenviable task of selecting the winner from this year's acclaimed short-listed novels. Presenting the 2010 Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award, Maria Rohan, commented; "Our Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award grows in stature each year. This year's shortlist included five exceptionally gifted Irish writers, each of whom will inevitably continue to contribute to Irish literature on the world scene. Congratulations to John Banville for his outstanding and enriching novel which confirms that Irish fiction is in a very vibrant state."

The evening was immensely lively and successful with many literary greats in attendance including Colm Toibín, Claire Kilroy, John McKenna, Jennifer Johnston, Ed O'Loughlin, Sheila O'Flanagan, Roddy Doyle, Michal Harding and Rachel Cusk.

Nationally and internationally acclaimed novelists, poets, playwrights and broadcasters including Kate Adie, Lynn Barber, Joseph O'Connor, Paul Durcan, Peter Sheridan, Rachel Cusk, David Mitchell, Aifric Campbell, Christopher Reid and Darren Shan will be in attendance at this year's festival. Its widely diverse programme includes workshops, theatre, lectures, interviews, film, music, readings, book launches and art, together with a comprehensive programme of children's events, literary pub trails and much much more.

Festival Chairman Mike Lynch said he was delighted to tell the packed audience that out of 22 eligible books, 16 Nominees for the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award (including 5 past winners) were included in the recent Bord Gáis Books of the Decade List.