Good actions reap good outcomes

Barry Kavannagh has delved into the world of superstitions and omens in his debut book ‘Holly and the Lucky Tree’.

With the help of “fantastic” illustrator Mary Smyth from Longford, the Bailieborough author hopes to generate the same level of respect for litter picking as saluting magpies to ward off bad luck or avoiding walking under a ladder.

Barry aims to have dropping litter associated with bad luck and lifting litter linked to good fortune to encourage virtuous behaviour amongst 6-9 year olds, and hopefully their parents and future generations.

This message was shared with pupils from St. Clare’s Primary School and Cavan No. 1 National School at the book launch in Johnston Central Library last Tuesday, January 28, with the help of Early Years Specialist, Patricia Keenan.

After the “very engaging” event, Environmentalist Barry was optimistic about the future of littering or hopefully, lack thereof.

During the Covid-19 lockdown Barry noticed “litter everywhere” in Bailieborugh, and decided to do something about it. With this, Holly and the Lucky Tree took root with the idea of trying to reframe litter picking as a “positive thing”.

“When I say positive, I mean that when you put that piece of litter into a bin you’ll gain luck - it will be a lucky act,” Barry described, while throwing litter on the ground will be an “unlucky act.”

The book comprises characters form Barry’s past, some “lovely people” in his life growing up in Dublin.

Unluckiness flows for the main character Holly who trips over litter among other misfortunes, while Granny May, who symbolises Barry’s own grandmother, tells her about times past when there was less litter and consequently, less bad luck. Holly shares this message around the town, bringing good luck with her.

Barry found the 50 children at the Cavan, and a subsequent Longford launch were receptive to he message.

“Kids got it, I found on the day people started to understand it and that act becomes a cultural norm then if people start thinking that way.”

In writing this book, Barry’s first, he consulted with a psychologist who thought it was a “fantastic” message.

“It’s tapping into our subconscious,” he added.

Working in conjunction with CRANN, an Irish tree charity, a fairy tree was donated to each school that got involved with the book, which will be planted on the school grounds.

Barry believes that if he can get the initiative into “most” Irish schools, this generation “will always think of that tree as the lucky tree” which is in flower due to no littering.

“The message will stay with them forever and it becomes a cultural norm within Ireland.”

“All them kids and the teachers said it as well - they will be waiting and waiting on the flowers opening on that tree which will bring luck.”

He said the tree adds “value” to the children not littering.

“It’s almost like the tree will become a kind of an overseer, a guardian of keeping things clean.”

The book also contains a pledge whereby children and their parents or guardians agree to be good to the environment.