Mary K Burke interviews  John A Blakey, artist and author in Co. Cavan, Ireland.

Listen to the interview here.

I had the great priviledge of meeting and chatting to John A Blakey on my recent visit to Co. Cavan, Ireland for the  Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. 

Looking for something other than music which was in great supply everywhere, I discovered John Blakey was launching his book ‘The Tale of Lundravar the Dragon.‘  It is a story that reflects John’s journey through life as an artist.

And what I hear you say has that to do with Celtic Music Radio ? 

It was’nt long until I made the connection as the book is set to become a feature film for the big screen with Matt Moloy and the Chieftens likely candidate’s to be doing the sound track .

The other connection?  John took the name of the main character Lundravar from a small loch just behind Ben Nevis, Fort William named  Loch Lundavra.  One of the characters is based on John’s friend Fergus MacLeod from the Isle of Skye.

Most of the characters in the book exist or have existed, and he hopes that the general philosophy that inspired the book will touch some part in all of us.  Having now read the book myself I found it a really magical tale and would highly recommend it to any one of any age and can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

John has expressed a wish to come over to Fort William and do a book launch beside Loch Lundavra and to visit Celtic Music Radio here in Glasgow.  I will keep you posted, but in that meantime, enjoy the interview  and do go and visit The Tale of Lundrava The Dragon website here.  You will love it!

More on John Blakey

Picture: Mary K Burke with John Blakely.

The Tales of Lundraver the Dragon is a  tale of a lost little dragon who hatches from his egg many centuries after all of the dragons have been vanquished from the world.  Lundravar the dragon is a charming tale of a journey of discovery, of love and hate, joy and disappointment and of being lost and being found. His adventures bring him into contact with wonderful characters, who help him discover his true self and the terrible truth of his past.  Alone as the first and last of the great fire-dragons, he has to face a heart-breaking decision: should he remain alone for ever, or give up his powers and resign himself to mortality and happiness?  The book has 157 illustrations by John.