Gougane Barra features in Keith's comic novel

By Hollie Collins

A 16-PAGE comic novel entitled Troubled Waters depicting the legendary tale of local 6th century hero St Finbarr and set in several renowned locations across Cork is hitting the shelves this week. 

The story and illustrations are the work of Cork-based artist Keith Kennedy who has achieved a BA in printmaking and is undertaking his first foray into comics and self-publishing.

The book depicts the famous St Finbarr’s fabled battle against the river dragon Lua, set beside the the beautiful scenery of Gougane Barra (where the saint himself was from), the Inchigeela Lakes and the River Lee. 

Kennedy hopes that his work will manufacture an interest in local history for his readers, as well as an admiration for comic books and their unique artistry.  

Included in the book is a four-page original story entitled Rat in the Grain written by Niall Best, which tells the heart-wrenching tale of a troubled young woman’s life in modern day Cork city. 

The publication also includes another four pages of background information about the River Lee.

Troubled Waters is the first of what Kennedy hopes will be many comics, containing a mix of local myth and fiction from the author’s own imagination. The book is available this week from Waterstones, Vibes & Scribes, Other Realms, and other bookshops.