New children's title from John Quinn

Ballivor native writer and award-winning children's author John Quinn has published another children's story 'Specky Becky Bucks' with Poolbeg. Just in time to celebrate the All-Ireland football finals at the end of September, 'Specky Becky Bucks' is a wonderful, action-packed tale of one little girl following her dream. Rebecca Buckley has one passion - Gaelic football - and one dream - to play Gaelic football in Croke Park. She is known to her friends as Becky Bucks. She wears glasses (plastic bendy ones) so some people call her Specky Becky Bucks! There is not much time for Becky's passion at school, but everything changes when a new teacher, Mr O'Sullivan, arrives. He arranges five-a-side trials for a school team. Becky does enough to impress Mr O'Sullivan and makes the under-10 squad. The long road to Croke Park and the Schools Cup final begins. Lots of training, matches against Holy Angels School (angels they were not!) and the 'Plum Puddings'. Soon her team are just one match away from the final in Croke Park. Then disaster strikes. She misses an open goal and they are out! Her dream of playing in Croke Park is shattered. Or is it? With the love of Gaelic football at its core, this book is more than just a good story. It teaches children about gender equality (Becky playing a 'boys' sport), multi-ethnicity (recognising the changing tapestry of Ireland) and the importance of inter-generational relationships (Becky learns a lot from her grandad and next-door neighbours). This contemporary story is a new direction for bestselling children's author. 'Specky Becky Bucks' is John Quinn's sixth children's book. He has sold over 30,000 copies of his pervious books to date. Previous titles include 'The Summer of Lily & Esme' and 'Duck and Swan', also by Poolbeg Press. The former RTE radio producer has won the Bisto Award for children's literature. The book can be purchased in bookstores and online at www.poolbeg.com