Louth illustrator to launch book of local mythology

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) say they are delighted to host a book launch in conjunction with its research centre NetwellCASALA and one of the centre’s users, Declan Kerr.

A Louth based author and illustrator, Kerr is a friend of NetwellCASALA where he participates in their Living Lab research and education activities.

This event which will take place on the 29th of June at 3pm on campus in DkIT’s MacAnna Theatre promises to be an afternoon of animation, illustration and storytelling, celebrating our local Mythology and folklore.

Commenting on the books that he has created, Declan Kerr said:

“Animation and storytelling has been in my veins as long as I can remember, the first time I picked up a comic book I felt alive.

“Illustrator first, author second, I delved into drawing for Marvel Comics in the '70s.

“Since retirement I've gotten back to my childhood passion and was totally inspired by reading children's archived stories from the 1950's which told tales of local mythology and folklore.

“I now have three books in this series which include tales from Louth, Meath and Kildare."

He added:

"A few years ago I was recollecting some of the old tales I remembered as a kid in Ardee, and from growing up in Slane. Searching online, I uncovered the Duchas website and the Schools’ Collection.

“So many of the Louth and Meath stories that I remembered, were on it.

“These Duchas stories inspired my illustrations and these books.

“They are a document of past times, a vernacular history of beliefs and versions of actual incidents that need to be remembered and passed on.”

NetwellCASALA, which conducts research on ageing and technology, works closely with citizens and regional community groups such as men’s sheds, to explore how technology can support people into older age.

“As part of our work in the area of health and wellbeing, we are delighted to recognise the value of intergenerational education and creativity, that uses digital tools,” said Suzanne Smith, NetwellCASALA’s Centre Manager, “and to have introduced Declan’s stunning work to some of DKIT’s students for an inspirational collaboration.”

Students, from DKIT’s one-year certificate in 2D & 3D animation course, have transformed some of Declan Kerr’s illustrated stories into animations, to be featured at the book launch.

To register for this event: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/netwellcasala-book-launch-tickets-636384883317?aff=oddtdtcreator