'From Glen to Glen'

Two years later the storyteller is just about to release her debut book on the exciting myths and legends of the Roe Valley, with the hope of improving local knowledge on the area's fascinating history. 'From Glen To Glen' is 58-year-old Mary's take on 12 different mythical legends and stories deep rooted in Limavady's past. BBC Radio 4 presenter Helen Mark is to launch the book at the height of this year's Danny Boy Festival on May 9, which literally brings to life the famous tales of Rory Dahl, Link Na Peisge, Cushy Glen, the Londonderry Air and many more.

"A couple of years ago I had been chatting with a teacher who told me how difficult it was to find stories and books on local myths and legends. It was in the curriculum and a study book was badly needed." explains Mary.

"I wrote some stories and sent them out to a number of schools who might want to use them in their lessons. I received a great response and after that everything snowballed from there."

Mary decided to bring the best known stories of the area together, and after holding a special art exhibition on the same theme, began delving into recreating the lives of some of the most compelling characters.

"I continued on from the stories I had written for the schools. I had all 12 written in the first year but there was a lot of tidying up to do and the book is fully funded by myself."

"The book was put together with the help of family members, editing wise, illustrating; my family supported me throughout. A lot of research went into each tale. I was constantly at the library using various resources and chatted to people on their takes on the different legends. I re-imagined how things happened and my goal was to bring these to life."

The author continued: "My favourite story in the book has to be that of Cushy Glen, a Highway Man in the 1800's. He lived between here and Coleraine, a place called the Sconce. A lot of tradesmen used to travel up and down a road close to the area each day from Coleraine Market. It was called the Murderhole Road and Cushy Glen used to wait for the traders travelling back home to Limavady where he would rob and murder them."

"He is a really nasty character but even so I really enjoyed telling the story from his point of view. I decided to give a bit of background to the infamous character. He had a horrible childhood which left this the only way he could make a living."

The book's launch ties in well with the Danny Boy Festival as Mary includes a number of takes on the song that has made her Limavady home famous.

Mary adds: "There are five stories about the Danny Boy tune from the 1500's right up t the present day. O'Hempsey, Baird, McCurry and Jane Ross all get touched upon and it's great to be able to bring these together and give those people that weren't previously aware of the tales a chance to read them."

Also included in 'From Glen To Glen' are illustrations from local man Gavin Mullan, 16 colour photographs of the Roe Valley and a compilation of poems from six local poets; all centred on the local area. Mary has dedicated the special book to her son Paul, who sadly passed away before it's completion. Paul was the book's first editor and helped greatly with research.

"I would like to thank my family for all the help and support that they have given me over the last two years. I never took much interest in writing until seven years ago when I was diagnosed with ME. Shortly after that I found a local writing class and every time I wrote something I found a great sense of achievement."

Mary, a former PE teacher, was born in Limavady and moved away for a number of years. She returned to her home town after becoming ill. Her book 'From Glen to Glen' will be launched at the Roe Valley Country Park this Sunday, May 9 inside the Green Lane Museum by BBC presenter Helen Mark. A book reading will also take place in Limavady library on Monday, May 10 at 7pm.

From Glen to Glen can be bought at Council offices, Books Upstairs, some local shops as well as by visiting www.haybalepublications.com or contacting [email protected]