Dorly's book is back in Woodbine

A new batch of Dorly O'Sullivan's book, Damien - a life for my son, has arrived at Woodbine Books, writes Brian Byrne. The 184-page hardback documents life in the family with Damien, who has Down syndrome and Autism (ASD-DS) and is non-verbal. 

First published last October, the book costs €20 and provides an absorbing and honest reflection of the emotions and frustrations experienced by the O'Sullivan family when Damien was in his early teens and issues with aggressive behaviour emerged. The story concludes when Damien finally becomes a resident at Camphill Grangebeg.

It's a challenging read at times, reflecting personal incidents, but it is, overall, a heartfelt and gripping account of a family's resilience and love for one another.

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An emigration revisit story

A visit to Kilcullen on Sunday from USA-based Kevin Shanley and his son Gavin closed a family circle story that goes back to the 1800s, writes Brian Byrne. They met up with relatives Sabina and Esther Reddy.

"Our great, great-grand aunt Sarah Tougher, sister to our great-grandfather Pat, emigrated to the USA in the 1800s," Sabina told the Diary. "Kevin is her great-great-great-grandson. Sarah had married a local man from Hacklow, whose surname was Melia, and they settled in the Boston area. It was a lovely visit."

The four are pictured at Old Kilcullen.

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International Sheepdog Trial 2023 a family day out

If you're looking for a family few hours out with a difference this weekend, the International Sheepdog Trial 2023 is running from today through Sunday near Blessington, writes Brian Byrne.

With competitors from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, it is a very competitive and visually appealing contest. Some 60 sheepdogs and their handlers will be competing for the 15 final places, who will be then in contest for the 2023 crown. The location is at Treecastles, Co Wicklow, with the Eircode W91 YT78.

The event gates will open at 10am daily for spectators. Please be patient when travelling to the event site. Expect traffic on the country roads approaching the trials. Parking is available for all visitors — please don't park on the road, use the car park provided. 

The trials themselves run until 5pm, and there are traders, stall and exhibitions and a funfair open until 6pm. A bar is open from 12 noon until 11pm, and there's live music from 6pm-9pm.

The event finishes at 11pm each day.

More information and tickets purchase at the event's website here. 

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