Echoes of the Last Irish Wolf

John MacKenna and Faye Tucker embarked on a remarkable project to uncover and retell the story of the last known wild Irish wolf, whose life ended in the Mount Leinster area in 1786. This project was deeply rooted in community participation, beginning with months of dedicated research and heartfelt conversations with local residents. These individuals, who had heard tales of the event passed down through generations, generously shared their stories and insights, weaving a rich tapestry of anecdotes and historical details that formed the backbone of the narrative.

With the community's invaluable contributions, Faye Tucker set to work creating evocative illustrations that would bring the story to life. Meanwhile, John MacKenna crafted a compelling narrative, choosing to tell the tale from the perspective of the wolf itself. Through the wolf's eyes, readers would experience the final days of the last pack, the last pair, and ultimately, the last lone wolf.

In a nod to the linguistic heritage of the region, the story was written in both Irish and English, capturing the essence of the area's dual-language history. This bilingual approach added depth and authenticity to the retelling, making it accessible to a broader audience.

As the project neared completion, John and Faye envisioned their work coming together in book form, a lasting tribute to the wild Irish wolf and the cultural heritage of Mount Leinster. Their hope is that this poignant and beautifully illustrated story, enriched by the voices of the community, will soon find its way into the hands of readers, preserving a piece of history and celebrating the natural beauty of the area.

This project was supported through the Creative Places Bagenalstown 'Seed Fund' initiative.