Kildare writer brings Irish myths to life in debut book

There is a quote attributed to the former Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis that goes: “there is no greater enemy to art than the pram in the hall” - whilst the tenant of said vehicle Daniel grew up to win three Oscars.

Yet, this is what Crookstown native, and former reporter with the Kildare Nationalist Conor Forrest (36) has managed, writing his first ever book Heroes of Light and Shadow whilst still helping Trish raise two kids under six.

The book is a fantasy story based on old Irish mythology, and aimed primarily at readers aged 10 to 15, and will be launched at Athy Library next Tuesday (3 March) at 6pm.

So where did the idea come from?

“I was randomly trawling Wikipedia one day when I landed on the Tuatha de Danann page, and just thought if they were real what would it be like, and it started going down that path,” explained Conor.

“It all began back in 2012 when I was out of college and there were no jobs, that was when I first started writing it,” he said.

“I used to scribble as a teenager, but began to formalise this after college.

“I know I said it’s aimed at the 10+ age bracket, but if a 40-year-old wants to buy it, he’s more than welcome!”

Conor is very much the dyed-in-the-wool Lilywhite, attending Crookstown NS, Coláiste Lorcáin in Castledermot, before attending UL where he read History and Sociology.

He now works with the civil service in Naas following his departure from The Kildare Nationalist.

And what about extending his publishing CV?

“I have an idea, but we’ll see how this one goes first. Hopefully, some of my other ideas will see the light of day someday, fingers crossed,” he said.

“I haven’t sold the film rights yet, I’m just happy the book is out, and we’ll take it from there”.

And what about their two kids?

“They’re aware dad has a book out, and they are very proud, so I’ll probably keep a copy for them when they’re older,” he said.