Humans of Longford curator and former teacher Tiernan Dolan pens his first book
Sips magical adventures set to bring joy
You're ever too late to start a new project might be the motto of retired teacher Tiernan Dolan.
This Saturday sees the launch of his first book, “Sips, the Magic Pony”.
The book will be launched by well known Longford author John Connell on Saturday, February 10 at 12 noon in the Longford Library.
The story behind this children's book is fascinating in its own right. Sips, is a Connemara pony gifted to Tiernan's niece by a very generous neighbour.
A few years ago, his niece was a patient in Great Ormond Street hospital, London. So to cheer her up, Sips used to write regular letters to her recounting the magical world of animals and nature in the kingdom of Crieve (Killoe).
The stories were kept, but were gathering dust until Halyna Budilova, of “Little Beetle Press”, heard about them.
Halyna is a Ukrainian publisher, based in Ballinalee since the Russian invasion. Using her considerable powers of persuasion, she convinced Tiernan to have the letters published in book form.
The illustrations accompanying the stories are the work of an incredibly talented young lady, Anastasia Soliar, who is based in Ukraine. Due to continued Russian bombarding, communications between the author and Anastasia were challenging to say the least.
The Ukraine connection doesn't end there. The book has been professionally translated into Ukrainian and is available on audio. Proceeds go to support the Little Steps for Ukraine- the Longford project which has sent almost 1,000 shoe box gifts to vulnerable children who remain trapped by the war.
Sips, the Magic Pony would make a perfect gift for a child - it's brimful of lovely, happy stories of nature and animal life.
Children who have received advance copies are absolutely thrilled to read about Sips, and her heart-warming adventures in Longford.
Both Sips and her owner are now thriving and still enjoying a magical life!
Everyone is invited along to Longford Library on Saturday, February 10 at 12 noon to experience the magic.