Pigín of Howth

Kathleen Watkins was a well-known harpist and folk singer when she became the first continuity announcer to appear on screen on Telefís Éireann’s launch night in 1960. She has also served on the board of the Arts Council of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland, and in recent years has done poetry readings in the National Library and National Gallery of Ireland. She married the broadcaster Gay Byrne and lived for many years in Howth, where the Pigín stories are set.

When Kathleen’s grandson, Cian, was three years old – and after every story book in the house had been read and re-read – his granny (aka Nanakit) introduced him to her friend, a little piglet called Pigín. From then on her Pigín stories were a constant request from all five beloved grandchildren. Although Kathleen’s Pigín stories have been told many times, this is her first book. 

Margaret Anne Suggs was born and raised in the American Deep South, but later moved to Dublin, Ireland, where she completed her Master’s Degree at the National College of Art and Design. When she is not drawing, painting and making things, she is a lecturer in the illustration department at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, where she founded the illustration course. Margaret Anne is the Promotions Officer for Illustrators Ireland, a dynamic group of professional illustrators working to promote their craft. She lives near the sea in Co. Dublin with her husband, sons and cat.