Author launches her second novel for young teen readers

Carrigaline author Janet O’Leary celebrated the launch of her second novel for young teens, The Chosen Child, in the newly refurbished Carrigaline Library.

James Granell introduced Janet and spoke about reading her first novel, An Encounter with the Number Twelve, and the taster chapters of the new book.

Janet then spoke of her journey, as a writer, in creating her characters.

She read some carefully selected extracts from both books, highlighting the link between the two stories and how one was born from the other.

More than 40 people were present at the library and the afternoon was enjoyed by all who attended.

The Chosen Child is a sequel, but is written to work equally well as a stand-alone read.

Peadar and Lucy, the central characters, have grown up since the first book and are now 14.

The passing of two years has brought changes for both of them. Peadar is now back living with his parents and in second year at school.

During those two years, he has not been able to forget Lucy, the human child he met briefly in Fairyland while on a rescue mission. Lucy is a stolen child and has lived in the fairy realm since infancy.

As everyone knows, a stolen child can never return to the human realm, but what seems impossible has not stopped Peadar from trying in the past.

He is certain that they are meant to be together and that Lucy belongs back in the human world.

The story opens with a letter, inside a birthday card, which has just managed to arrive from the human realm in time for Lucy’s 14th birthday.

The letter reignites the deep connection the pair experienced when they first met.

And so the adventure begins, which takes the reader on a journey with Peadar and Lucy to try and bring her back to her place of birth. It is a story of courage and determination, the stirrings of first love, and the importance of true and trusted friendship in the pursuit and realisation of a dream.

This book will appeal to a slightly older readership of 10- to 15-year-olds and those preparing for the adventure of secondary school.

It will be available soon from the Carrigaline Book Shop and other local independent book shops.
Also online at www.bookhubpublishing.com.

Wrenboys in Carrigaline

To facilitate the Wrenboys Street Festival in Carrigaline on St Stephen’s Day, Main St will be closed to traffic from 10am to 2pm.

No access will be allowed from the Heron roundabout to the Corner House. The Wrenboys will arrive from the south, at the Gig Rig outside Phelan’s Pharmacy, at 11am, and Straw Boys will arrive from the north. The South Union Hunt is at noon.

A collection will be held in aid of Marymount Hospice and Cork Simon. The Wrens will visit all the pubs playing and singing as they go and while traffic will be diverted, all car parks will be accessible. All are welcome to attend.

Theatre group seeks members

The newly established Carrigaline Community Theatre has issued an appeal for new members to join its ranks.

In a post on social media the group said it was looking for actors aged 10 years and over, stage crew (stage manager, lighting and technical), directors and “ambitious writers”.

“Experience will be very much welcomed, but we are a community theatre, that means everyone is welcome!

“We will meet early in the New Year to discuss how the group navigates our first year on the boards.”

Anyone interested in joining the group can make contact through the Carrigaline Community Theatre Facebook page or contact Seán on 083 1726741.

“For now, leave us a like and share far and wide, you don’t have to be from Carrigaline!”

Wilkins Christmas swim

Carrigaline-based charity Edith Wilkins Street Children Foundation India will be holding a Christmas swim at Fountainstown at 11am on Christmas Day.

In 1982, Edith Wilkins, a native of Cork city, decided to move to India, in order to work with impoverished children.

Edith, a qualified nurse, only intended to stay for “a couple of years”. Instead, Edith ended up staying in India for 28 years, dedicating her life to working with some of the poorest and most marginalised children in India.

“Look out for the group and poster at Fountainstown beach on Christmas Day. You can swim at the beach nearest to you if you prefer. If you’re not able to swim but would still like to come and support, please do,” said Edith who lives in Crosshaven.

“Many thanks to everyone who has supported our charity during 2024,” she added.

Donations on the day or phone Edith at 085 767 0499. The foundation is a registered charity with an account at AIB, Douglas Road, Cork.

Long Puck competition

The 2024 Carrigaline GAA Long Puck competition, sponsored by Walter Hearing Clinics, will take place at 10am on New Year’s Eve, December 31. There will be four prize categories: overall, family, juvenile girls and juvenile boys, with registration between 10am and 12.30pm on the day The entry fee is €15 for a team of three, with all proceeds going to Carrigaline Meals On Wheels. There will be live music in the bar afterwards from 2pm-4pm.

Stephen’s Day bus services

Bus services from Cork through Carrigaline from 10am on St Stephen’s Day will not come down through Main Street. Route 220 from Cork will be diverted at the Heron Roundabout; travelling west on to the Ballea Road with a temporary bus stop outside the Carrigaline Court Hotel; then turning left at the traffic lights onto Pottery Road; turning right on to Lower Kilmoney Road to continue the route as normal.

Route 220 from Crosshaven/Camden/Carrigaline will be diverted left at the traffic lights on Lower Kilmoney Road along Pottery Road, and right at the traffic lights with the Ballea Road. A temporary bus stop will be outside the Intreo Office and turning left at the Heron Roundabout to continue the route as normal on Cork Road.

Route 225 from Kent Station to Haulbowline will shorten the route by turning left at the Church and have a temporary bus stop by the Holy Well Junior School and continue as normal along Church Road.

Route 225 from Haulbowline to Kent Station will shorten the route by continuing straight at the traffic lights on Church Road with a temporary bus stop by the Church. After turning right at the Heron roundabout, the route will continue as normal along Cork Road.

All bus routes will return to normal from 2pm onwards.

Have Carrigaline and Crosshaven news to share? Contact bill.browne@theecho.ie