Local author shines spotlight on Mullingar
A crew from RTÉ’s Nationwide came to Mullingar on Tuesday May 26 to film a piece about local author and artist Dolores Keaveney. A pioneer of the Irish self-publishing scene, Dolores began writing and illustrating children’s books after turning 60 in 2009.
Nationwide will feature Dolores as part of their ‘Bealtaine’ series which focuses on new beginnings.
The arrival on Nationwide coincided with the launch of Dolores’s 17th picture book, Huwie Meets the Red Fox, and a new story trail dedicated to her work at Belvedere House and Gardens.
Dolores was filmed in Just Books, speaking to owner Stella Lynch.
Stella was interviewed by Nationwide along with children’s book editor and reviewer, Ciara O’Hara. Dolores also read from her new book to Ciara’s children, Lara and Aphra Kelly.
After that, they went to Belvedere, where Dolores viewed the story trail linked to her new book, Dee the Bee. From there, the team went to Dolores’s home to film her painting in her studio.
The Nationwide programme featuring Dolores will air on Friday, May 13, at 7pm.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from Nationwide to say that they were coming again!” said Dolores.
“They filmed a piece about me a few years ago as well. I love watching Nationwide and I feel fortunate to be appearing on it for the second time.
“As an author who only began writing in her 60s, the support I have received from the Irish media, especially the local media, has been absolutely amazing.
“Meeting the crew from Nationwide was wonderful; they were so friendly and really put us all at ease.”
Belvedere’s story trail is the sixth walk based on Dee the Bee, and Dolores is the first Irish author to have a series of story trails based on her work located across the county.
Since 2020, Dee the Bee trails have been launched in Mullingar (the Old Rail Trail Greenway), Mountmellick, Tralee, Ballinasloe and Newbridge, as well as Belvedere.
Another Dee the Bee walk is planned for Emo Court in Laois later this year.
The story trail at Belvedere will be available to the public. It will also form the basis for new bee and nature-themed birthday party events offered by Belvedere.
The Nationwide programme featuring Dolores will air on Friday May 13 at 7pm.