Laois solicitor turned children's author makes fans at ploughing

Author Brendan McDonald with John and Daniel Walsh from Doneraile, Cork at the National Ploughing Championships. Photo: Leinster Express

placeholder image — Author Brendan McDonald with John and Daniel Walsh from Doneraile, Cork at the National Ploughing Championships. Photo: Leinster Express

A Laois solicitor turned children's author met new fans at the National Ploughing Championships.

Brendan McDonald is from Killeen, only up the road from Ratheniska where he had a stand selling his colourful books, in the Laois County Council's Laois Tastes tent.

He was meeting young fans, including young Daniel Walsh from Doneraile in Cork, who stopped to get a hug from a stuffed giraffe and see the books.

Brendan who also works in IDA Ireland, has already penned and self published three books, The Sheep who Couldn't Sleep!, Elephant on the Farm, and Giraffe in the Trees. The illustrations are by an Irish author Martin Beckett.

"Two are farm based and one is based at Glendalough. I grew up on a farm," he said.

His new book is on the way but it is an adult book with a huge Laois focus.

"I am writing a novel based around the Rock of Dunamase, Teach Mochua and Oakvale forest in Stradbally," he revealed.

IN PICTURES: Laois Tastes tent buzzing with visitors at National Ploughing Championships

He was delighted to take a stand in the Laois Tastes tent for the second year running at the National Ploughing Championships.

"It's going well, it's slightly slower than last year with the rain, but there is still so much footfall. It's great to see so many neighbours here too, the tent is a magnet for Laois people as well," Brendan said.

Find his books on his website called https://bedtimestory.ie/