East Meath schoolchildren to become published authors

Three primary school classes in East Meath are set to become published authors this year, releasing their own original works of fiction based on local history.

Pupils from Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Laytown, Réalt na Mara BNS, Donacarney and Whitecross National School will create their own piece of historical fiction inspired by the destruction of a railway bridge on the main Dublin to Belfast line before the Battle of Drogheda.

Funded by the Department of Tourism under their Commemorations fund, Meath County Council Library Service appointed author Brian Gallagher as Writer-in-Residence to work with the schools on a project inspired by the destruction of the bridge in 1922.

A full-time writer whose plays and short stories have been produced in Ireland, Britain and Canada, Brian’s work also includes a large collection of historical fiction for children and young adults, including ‘Pawns’, ‘Friend Or Foe’ and ‘Taking Sides’.

Over the course of six weeks, Brian worked with classes in the three school to delve into the events of July 1922 and to guide them in using the facts to create their own piece of historical fiction. The budding writers learned about the importance of plotting and characterisation, as well as the importance of cover artwork and satisfying endings.

The Programme was launched in Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Laytown by Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan and Director of Services, Barry Lynch. Addressing the class of writers, the Cathaoirleach said she was proud to be there to launch such a worthwhile project: “I’m delighted that you had the opportunity to collaborate with Brian and to see you working so diligently on your stories. Creative Writing is a great opportunity for schools to expand and think outside the box, allowing students to be creative and try different things.”

County Librarian Maedhbh Rogan-McGann said that this was the third Writer-in-Residence Programme organised by Meath County Council Library Service and that the combination of local history, creative writing and art has proven highly beneficial for teachers and students alike. Several students attested to this, one remarking: “It has given us a reason to look forward to Mondays!”

Once completed, the three classes will have their original works uploaded to BorrowBox, a free-to-use online service for library members, where they can be downloaded as eBooks for their friends and families to enjoy.