Big turnout at launch of MacKenna’s new book

THE Last Irish Wolf, written by Carlow-based author John MacKenna and illustrated by artist Faye Tucker, was launched at Carlow library on 14 October. The book, co-published by Carlow County Council Libraries and The Harvest Press, tells the story of Ireland’s last wild wolf, living on the slopes of Mount Leinster in 1786.

The library was packed out with over 80 attendees at the launch, some of whom had to stand as seats ran out. It was opened by novelist and community musician Angela Keogh.

Mr McKenna said: “It went really well; there was a huge turnout.” 

County librarian John Shorthall introduced the event with a talk on the importance of local history and preserving memories. He said: “Carlow has a huge amount of history that will be lost or forgotten if we don’t have champions for it. It’s a joy for us to recognise the value of a children’s book about local history.” 

Mr MacKenna told the crowd that he was inspired to write the book when he moved to south Carlow 12 years ago. He said: “Wolves get bad press, but they’re fantastic animals.” 

 He read an excerpt from the book, which is written in both Irish and English.

For those who want to use the book to brush up on their language skills and learn about ancient Irish wolves, copies are available to buy in Made in Carlow shop on Tullow Street or online through the Harvest Press. Every primary and secondary school in Carlow will receive a copy of the book, as will every library in the country.

There are eight of Faye Tucker’s illustrations from the book hanging in Carlow library at the moment, and Mr Shorthall said they will be placed in Bagenalstown library in the future also.

John MacKenna plans now to go into schools in conjunction with the library and to work with Creative Places Bagenalstown, which was a supporter of the book project.