Eileen’s book will keep Annabel’s spirit alive
Shane King
There were heartwarming scenes in the Annebrook House Hotel last Wednesday as Delvin woman Eileen Loughlin launched her debut children’s book, Annabel’s Adventures at the Beach, in memory of her daughter Annabel, who passed away seven years ago.
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Eileen Loughlin with her debut children’s picture book at the launch last Wednesday.Image 2 of 7
Eileen reading the book to the children who have gathered around to hear the story.Image 3 of 7
Eileen Loughlin with her family Senan, Enda, Isla and TJ at the launch of the picture book last week.Image 4 of 7
Senan Loughlin, Patricia Loughlin, Enda Loughlin, Isla Loughlin, Eileen Loughlin, TJ Loughlin, Ailish O’ Driscoll and William O’Driscoll.Image 5 of 7
Olive Kelleghan, Catherine Fealy and Mary Dunne enjoying the event last week.Image 6 of 7
Mark Carroll, Emma Lyons and Kate Carroll at the book launch last Wednesday.Image 7 of 7
Laura Kelleghan, Mae Carroll and Julie Ann Carroll (illustrator of the book).A primary school teacher, Eileen, family and friends have been involved in a number of initiatives honouring Annabel’s memory, including the Annabel’s All-Stars fundraiser. Her latest project, she said, was inspired by “an amalgamation of lots of different trips we would have taken to the beach”.
Around 60 adults and 30 children attended the private launch, which featured face painting, colouring activities, and a reading of the story by Eileen. The book’s illustrator, Julie Ann Carroll from Tullamore, who has also written and illustrated her own children’s book, was among the guests on the day.
Addressing those gathered, Eileen reflected on the origins of the project and her wish to keep Annabel’s spirit alive through the picture book. “Annabel is almost seven years in heaven now,” she told the audience. “Initially I started writing down some of our memories together because anyone who knows me knows I do not have a good memory, so I wanted to keep track of them. It was from these little notes and scribbles and memories that the storybook came together.
“Back in the early days I always worried that Annabel would be forgotten, but now I know that will never actually happen. And even more so now we have this special picture book to share with so many. It’s just another way of keeping her spirit alive.”
Eileen also paid tribute to illustrator Julie Ann Carroll: “How you transferred my scribbles into those pictures amazes me. It’s not just your artistic talents, but your generosity with your knowledge. You made my dream a reality, and I’ll always be indebted to you for your help, support, and encouragement.”
Annabel’s Adventures at the Beach is available now, and five per cent of net proceeds will go to the Children’s Health Foundation, directed specifically to bereavement services at Temple Street Hospital – a cause close to Eileen’s heart, as her family received support from the service after Annabel’s passing.
“Writing this book was both healing and heartbreaking,” she said. “It allowed me to pour my love for Annabel into something lasting, something that might bring joy to other children and families. Today was not just about the book, it was about celebrating Annabel’s light, and I’m so grateful that so many were here to do that with me.”