News
Local writer signs with JK Rowling’s publishers
By Michelle Crean
A local woman is hoping to have the same success Harry Potter author JK Rowling after being signed by the same publisher.
And not only that, but talented Barraduff woman Olivia Howe - who writes under the pen name Olivia Hope - has signed a three book deal with Bloomsbury who are famous for working with award-winning writers.
Bloomsbury recently announced the acquisition of 'Be Wild, Little One', a lyrical anthem of courage and imagination from the debut author, which will be published in May 2022.
Olivia’s second book, 'Little Lion Girl' - illustrated by bestselling, award-winning Fiona Woodcock, will be published in 2023, with a third book scheduled for 2024.
Olivia has a special love for children's fiction, and before becoming an author, she was a former record-breaking athlete, and competed internationally.
"I have been writing for about 10 years," Olivia, a mother of two boys, told the Killarney Advertiser this week.
"I have also worked with children using imaginative play."
When her youngest child was born Olivia said she couldn't find a book about a strong robin.
"I decided to write my own. It was something that just happened and that was the starting story."
Then during the Cork World Book Festival she pitched her work to a scout who loved her ideas.
The story is inspired by nature with the uplifting picture book celebrating the wildness in everyone as well as the beauty of the world around us.
"We [JK Rowling] have the same publisher and I still don't quite believe it! I can't wait until it's published next May."
Olivia currently works as a Creative Learning Assistant in Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, creating the story behind the acclaimed art exhibition for children, 'A Way Home'.
She added that she was inspired by the beautiful surroundings Killarney has to offer for the nature side of the book.
"One of the scenes near the back pages looks like Killarney National Park."
Pari Thomson, Commissioning Editor, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, said "Olivia Hope is a huge talent and we’re thrilled to be working with her".
"Brought to life by Daniel Egnéus’s luminous illustrations, 'Be Wild, Little One' is an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the natural world. I hope that its uplifting magic and beauty will enthral readers far and wide."
Shirley Hughes, famed author and illustrator of more than 200 books spanning 60 years called 'Be Wild, Little One' an "outstanding book to enchant readers of all ages" - high praise indeed for the Irish debut.
'Be Wild, Little One' is available to pre-order from bookshops.
No firm timeframe for St Finan’s masterplan
There is still no guaranteed timeline for the redevelopment of the St Finan’s site in Killarney, despite ongoing work between Kerry County Council, the HSE, and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
The issue was raised at a recent Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Maura Healy-Rae, who asked the council for an update on its engagement with the Department of Housing, the LDA, and the HSE regarding the future of the prominent landbank.
Responding to the query, a senior council official confirmed that while Kerry County Council, the HSE, and the LDA are jointly developing a masterplan and infrastructure delivery strategy for the site, progress remains contingent on support.
The official stated that a funding application has been submitted to progress the masterplan and that background work is currently ongoing.
Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins to dispose of household waste.
The matter was raised at the Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Martin Grady, who called for additional litter bins to be installed along Lower New Street, specifically along the stretch from Christy Healy’s shop to Presentation Secondary School, citing a lack of disposal facilities in the area.
In response, Kerry County Council confirmed that while bins had been taken away due to inappropriate domestic waste dumping, a litter bin will now be reinstated on a six-month trial basis.
Council officials stated they will closely monitor usage over the trial period to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is used properly.
Litter bins to return to New Street
Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins to dispose of household waste.
The matter was raised at the Killarney Municipal District meeting by Councillor Martin Grady, who called for additional litter bins to be installed along Lower New Street, specifically along the stretch from Christy Healy’s shop to Presentation Secondary School, citing a lack of disposal facilities in the area.
In response, Kerry County Council confirmed that while bins had been taken away due to inappropriate domestic waste dumping, a litter bin will now be reinstated on a six-month trial basis.
Council officials stated they will closely monitor usage over the trial period to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is used properly.
No firm timeframe for St Finan’s masterplan
No firm timeframe for St Finan’s masterplan There is still no guaranteed timeline for the redevelopment of the St Finan’s...
Litter bins to return to New Street
Litter bins were previously removed from Lower New Street in Killarney due to ongoing issues with people using public bins...
BREAKING: Move finally underway at new Killarney Community Nursing Unit
BREAKING: Move finally underway at new Killarney Community Nursing Unit The HSE has confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that the...
Private dog park to open near Gap of Dunloe
Private dog park to open near Gap of Dunloe Killarney and its surrounding areas are set to gain a long-awaited...
22 nominations for 2026 Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award
22 nominations for 2026 Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society has announced that 22 nominations have been...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
