In 1985, Irish born author, Pat O'Shea published a novel for children called 'The Hounds of the Mórrígan'. The story follows Pidge and Brigit as they embark on a mission to stop the Celtic goddess of war and death; the Mórrígan, from regaining her former powers and wreaking havoc upon the mortal world. Along the way they are aided by a host of hilarious and loveable characters - some have been reimagined from Irish myths, some are completely original. 

I first read this book when I was ten and it has always haunted me. I have recently begun my master's thesis on this work. I was shocked and saddened to discover that the Oxford University Press have no plans to reprint any more copies. Sadly, this is just a fact of life in the publishing world - with children's books especially. Unless they become classics, their shelf life is regrettably short.

Hounds was, however, hailed as a classic by many reviewers, and was extremely popular in its day, having been translated into five languages, it became an international bestseller. 

For a book set in Ireland,with all the wit and vigour that we come to associate with the Irish National Character, but none of the embarrassing leprechaun nonsense, this book is a national treasure - or rather, it would have been, had we paid it more attention on this side of the pond. 

It's not too late though. To anyone who had read this book, to anyone who has even the faintest intention of picking it up, please do before your last chance is gone forever, and sign this petition to appeal to the OUP to reprint 'The Hounds of the Mórrígan.' It's high time we claimed this book for ourselves!