Local
Kid's bring Roscommon book to life for 2014 SiarScéal Festival
The Battle
for Coman's Wood ― 25 October 2014, Roscommon County Library
A new children's book, The Battle
for Coman's Wood, sculpted from the imaginations of the children of the
Abbey School Roscommon and Castleplunkett N.S. will be launched as part of
the 2014 SiarScéal Festival on Saturday 25 October.
"Who needs to create a Hogwarths when you have amazing sites like
Roscommon Abbey, Rathcroghan and Oweynagat to develop a story?" says writer
Mario Corrigan. "We have so much to work from in this country and we are
natural storytellers. What we sometimes fail to recognize is the latent talent
within the limitless imaginations of our children and we have a responsibility
to develop that."
Writer Mario Corrigan and artist David Butler first collaborated in 2011
on a children's book for two Kildare
National Schools
In 2013 they brought the idea to Listowel and to Roscommon visiting five
schools and almost 250 children. It resulted in two books set locally. Listowel: The Writer's Revenge,
published in May 2014, and The Battle for
Coman's Wood to be launched at the 2014 Siarscéal Festival in time for Halloween.
A rip-roaring tale of
mythical proportions!!
An
American family have come to Ireland for The Gathering, back to their ancestral
home in Roscommon Town, but they have no idea of the adventure that is about to
unfold.
Their
arrival in time for Halloween, for the ancient Festival of Samhain, becomes a
quest to thwart the evil plans of Queen Medbh and The Morrigan, to bring forth
a terrible army from the OtherWorld! Ireland
and indeed the whole world is in danger and only the true-blooded heirs of
Turlough O'Connor, High King of Ireland
Terrible,
evil creatures issue forth from beneath the earth, driven hard by the warrior
queen who plans to conquer everyone and everything that stands in her way. Men
rally round the ancient banners and defend what they hold dear. Plans are laid
and a terrible battle must be fought, but help is on hand from unknown
quarters....from long dead Kings and loyal Followers. Time is running out. Our
brave heroes must face the might of these supernatural forces, for it is the blood
in their veins that gives hope for salvation. All hell breaks loose, literally,
in an epic showdown in the ancient wood, Coman's Wood, near Owneynagat; gate to
the OtherWorld ... the gate to terror and destruction.
Gwen McNamara Bond, founder of
the SiarScéal Festival is elated. "I recognised the
potential from the outset, but am delighted that we are finally able to bring
this project to life. It focuses not on one or two talented minds, but whole
classrooms. Who knows, maybe we will help develop a future generation of
writers and illustrators as we give this project to the younger generation of
the county as a whole. In partnership with Richie Farrell of Roscommon Library
we feel our remit is not only to showcase existing talent, but help prepare the
canvas that is yet to be drawn. We sincerely hope that young and old readers alike
will enjoy the story and take pride in their surroundings as they board the
rollercoaster ride that is The Battle For
Coman's Wood. Likewise we hope the people of Roscommon take this year's
Festival to their hearts and enjoy the programme of events and support it as
they have on previous occasions. Without them and our sponsors it would be
impossible to continue."
For full details of the 2014 SiarScéal Festival visit
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