P6/7 love a good book and this week they had the extra special thrill of “virtually” meeting the author of their novel, “Under the Hawthorn Tree”, Marita Conlon-Mc Kenna. Pupils heard how Marita had always been interested in the Famine Period and when she heard of bodies dating back to that time discovered under a hawthorn tree when land was being cleared, she was moved and inspired to write. P6/7 learned how and why the book was dedicated to her daughter Amanda and how she chose the names for the main characters, as well as having the opportunity to ask questions of their own. We would like to thank Declan at Newry and Mourne Museum, at Bagnell’s Castle for organising the event, it certainly created a buzz in P6/7!