The ‘Writer in Residence’ programme came to a finish on Thursday 28th with a visit to Oldcastle Library.

The children of 3rd and 4th class absolutely loved taking part in the six workshops with author Oisín McGann. It was a joy for the teachers to witness them become so thoroughly immersed in the activities during each session. 

As teachers, we were delighted at the high level of attention Oisín elicited from the children. They were rapt – even the reluctant readers and writers. He could talk to them at length about how he came to writing and illustration and about his story-making process, and they hung on every word. 

He gave the children very good tips on how to write a great story. He got them to take these ‘Notes’ down, so that they could refer to them whenever they need to. They used this frame to plan and develop their story, and he encouraged them to Write Write Write! 

The stories they wrote were the longest and the most exciting ones that they had ever written! Everyone, from teachers to children to parents, was thrilled with the results. 

We are so happy that we were chosen for this excellent Writer in Residence experience. Thank you so much to Creative Ireland Meath for funding this. We will remember Oisín McGann and his stories and illustrations for ever. Many of our pupils have either purchased his books or borrowed his books from the Library, and many have been reading and writing much more than usual. What a great outcome for the programme!