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Local writer signs with JK Rowling’s publishers

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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.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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