Ryan Tubridy got his best suit on last night to launch Kathleen Watkins’ new children’s book, Pigín of Howth, at The National Gallery of Ireland on Merrion Square West, Dublin. The book makes Kathleen a first time author at the age of 82!
Pigín of Howth is based on the stories Kathleen told her five grandchildren, Cian, Sadhbh, Saoirse, Kate and Harry, when they were growing up, and the book is dedicated to them.
Pigín is a popular, friendly, curious, impeccably dressed and most mannerly pig you could ever hope to meet. His adventures in Howth include friends Sammy Seal, Sally Seagull, The Badger of Ballsbridge and the fairies who live in Howth Castle- but none compare to his best pal Nanakit.
The Pigín stories first began years ago when Kathleen’s grandson, 11-year-old Cian was just a toddler. After every story book in the house had been read, Cian’s granny (aka Nanakit) introduced him to her friend, a little piglet called Pigín. From then on Pigín stories were a constant request from all five of her beloved grandchildren.
When speaking about her new life direction Kathleen said, ‘I can’t believe the stories created in my imagination are about to come to life. I hope Pigín and his friends will be as loved by families all over Ireland as they were by me and my grandchildren. It’s a dream come true and a nice surprise to suddenly embark on a new career at my age!’
Priced at €16.99, Pigín of Howth is available now.
