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Mark Leen with his new book ‘The Postman And Doggie Woggie’ which is a available to buy from The Nu Place Cafe on Bridge Street in Tralee. Photo by Dermot Crean
A WELL-KNOWN local businessman, author and entertainer has a new book out for Christmas which remembers a great local character and his beloved pet.
Mark Leen’s ‘The Postman And Doggie Woggie’ was inspired by the story of a well-known postman from Tralee, Connie Foley from O’Rahillys Villas, who came to adopt a stray dog which became his best friend.
While ostensibly a children’s book, the story will appeal to anyone who has loved (and lost) a pet, while older readers who remember Connie will find solace and nostalgia in the illustrations of old Tralee and the characters within.
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“I find extraordinary stories in ordinary people,” said Mark, who previously released a book on the great singer DJ Curtin’s life. “I was living in London years ago and I used to get The Kerryman. I saw a headline which read ‘Postman Connie’s heart is broken at the death of Doggie Woggie’. So the idea for the book has been with me for years.”
“It’s based on Connie’s story where, during the 1970s, a dog started following him on his postal round and they became the best of friends. It’s the story of how they met and the wonderful friendship up until when Doggie Woggie died,” said Mark.
Known as ‘The Whistling Postman’, Connie christened his new friend ‘Doggie Woggie’ and initially he would just meet the dog on his round and presume he went back to his owners at the end of the day.
However, after several years, Connie’s mother passed away and on the night of the funeral, Doggie Woggie turned up at Connie’s door despite never having been there before. From that moment on, Doggie Woggie lived with Connie and they were inseparable.
It takes in stories of Doggie Woggie joining the postal workers on strike, joining in Austin Stacks county championship success and much more. Most of the events are true, but Mark took artistic licence on occasion for the purpose of cohesive storytelling.
The book comes with an audio CD accompaniment featuring Mark reading the story, replete with background music and sound effects. “I would encourage anyone who gets it to listen to CD, especially children, as it teaches pitch, pace, pause and projection,” said Mark.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Sergio Drumond and Mark thanked Kingdom Printers for the excellent quality of the finished product.
“Anybody who ever loved and lost a dog knows how irreplaceable they are. This book tells how Doggie Woggie created his own home and put his paws all over the postman’s heart,” said Mark.
The book, which would make an ideal Christmas gift, is available to buy from Mark’s cafe, The Nu Place, on Bridge Street and is priced €15.
The launch of the book takes place on Saturday, December 3, and all are invited. There’s only 1,000 in print so get one while you can.
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