Blackwater Castle Is Open.
Dear friends of Blackwater Castle, we are delighted to share with you that the Castle will be open for any event again from the first day of January 2024. Inquiries for booking are welcome from now on.
The team of Blackwater Castle is happy to continue providing the same high quality of hospitality and experience the Castle is so well known for. We are looking forward to welcoming you soon again.
Patrick Nordstrom, Managing Director
Mystery of the Sheela na Gig
The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig – a tale of Castles and legends, football and friendship, set in Castletownroche, County Cork – was launched at Blackwater Castle on Sunday 17 November 2019. Written by Sheila O’Keeffe and illustrated by her daughter Moya, the story is aimed primarily at young girls (10+) and draws on the ancient history and legends of Ireland and more specifically North Cork, an area blessed with a rich heritage dating back to the Stone Age.
The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig is an entertaining and engaging read for youngsters who learn, in a light touch way, about the history of Ireland through the prism of North Cork. The main characters, Moya and Sadie, lead the busy lives of active 12 year olds engaging in fun with their friends and football with Ballycastle Gaels, their GAA club . They negotiate the challenges that come with growing up, forge ever deeper friendships, and confront boys and bullies together. Their adventures lead them on the trail of a family quest and a mysterious Sheela na Gig, an ancient stone carving housed in the tower of Blackwater Castle, which figure is associated with fertility, female power, and the renewal of life.
A gripping adventure for young readers that brings the ancient history, archaeology, and legends of Ireland to life in the company of strong female figures both young and old.
The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig is available in the following outlets:
Sheila O’Keeffe (author) with daughter and illustrator Moya Nordstrom, and Patrick Nordstrom. (pic White Cat Studio)Sheila at the launch of The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig. (pic Dermot Lynch) Sheila O’Keeffe and the Sheela na Gig at Blackwater Castle. (pic Moya Nordstrom)
Launch Day was Cake Day and this triumph of a chocolate cake features the main characters of Moya and Sadie in their club colours while below the flag of Ballycastle Gaels flies from the tower at Blackwater Castle. (pics White Cat Studio)
Moya Nordstrom outside the Piano Room of Blackwater Castle on launch day. (pic White Cat Studio) Signing dedications at the launch. (pic Dermot Lynch) Article by Emily Aherne in The Avondhu, 7 November 2019.
The Mallow Star, 14 November 2019. Ballycastle Gaels GAA Club played a huge part in the story and many club members attended the book launch in their club colours. This piece is by John Ahern and appeared in The Avondhu on 21 November 2019. Article in The Limerick Leader on 28 November 2019.
Interview with Joe Nash on Limerick’s Live 95 FM show, Limerick Today, on 26 November 2019.
Interview on Liveline with Joe Duffy on RTE Radio 1, 19 December 2019.A hero, a legend, and a lady. Briege Corkery, winner of an astonishing 18 All Ireland medals for Cork and 16 All Stars, receiving a copy of The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig at Blackwater Castle on 9 February 2020. Briege plays a small role in our story as a role model for young footballers and is hero-worshipped by Sadie. It was an honour and a privilege to welcome her to the Castle and present her with a copy of The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig. Sheila & Moya. (pic White Cat Studio)
Sheila would love to hear your feedback on The Mystery of the Sheela na Gig. You can email her at mysterysheela@gmail.com or connect with her on any of her social media profiles. Do get in touch! #mysterysheela
