Spotlight on Success: Ellen Ryan, Author & Writer

Ellen Ryan is an award-winning author and Griffith College alumna, having completed the BA (Hons) in Journalism and Visual Media (now known as the BA (Hons) in Communications and Media Production). 

She wrote the award-winning Harper Collins published book, 'Girls Who Slay Monsters: Daring Tales of Ireland's Forgotten Goddesses', a collection of unsung stories about ancient Irish goddesses re-imagined for today's children. The book went on to win several awards, such as the 'An Post Irish Book Awards Children's Book of the Year' in 2022, the 'Junior Juries Award', and 'Overall Book of the Year' at Children's Books Ireland Awards in 2023. 

In 2023, Ellen released her second book, 'Gods Don't Cry: Unsong Stories of Ireland's Forgotten Immortals', which won 'Children's Book of the Year: Senior' at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022 and was shortlisted for Overall Book of the Year. On YouTube, you can watch insightful interviews with Ellen where she discusses her inspiration and aspirations for both 'Girls Who Slay Monsters' and 'Gods Don't Cry'.

Ellen also uses her talent and passion for writing by working as a freelance writer for the likes of The Irish Times and the Irish Independent.

During her time studying at Griffith, Ellen also worked as a sub-editor with the Evening Herald and Advertising Sales and as a Contributor for Griffiti Magazine. These additional commitments made her achievement of a 1st Class Honours all the more impressive.

Visit our Faculty of Journalism and Media Communications page to learn more about the variety of courses on offer here at Griffith.

You can see more of our Alumni Profiles at: https://www.instagram.com/griffithcollegealumni/. 

Griffith College marks its fiftieth anniversary in 2024. You can learn more about the events happening this year on our GC50 page.