The Boy Who Talked to Dogs
Presented by Slingsby
Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival 2023
The Boy Who Talked to Dogs tells the true story of Martin McKenna growing up in Garryowen, Limerick in the 1970’s. Born the smallest of identical triplets into a family of 8 siblings, Martin was always thought of as the runt of the litter and cruelly nicknamed as the stupid boy by his alcoholic and abusive father.
Fearing he would not survive after birth, Martin was placed between his family’s two German Shepherds Major and Rex while his German born mother tended to the other two new-born babies.
Schools, please contact the box office team directly to book on 061 953400.
Presented by Slingsby
Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival 2023
The Boy Who Talked to Dogs tells the true story of Martin McKenna growing up in Garryowen, Limerick in the 1970’s. Born the smallest of identical triplets into a family of 8 siblings, Martin was always thought of as the runt of the litter and cruelly nicknamed as the stupid boy by his alcoholic and abusive father.
Fearing he would not survive after birth, Martin was placed between his family’s two German Shepherds Major and Rex while his German born mother tended to the other two new-born babies.
Schools, please contact the box office team directly to book on 061 953400.
Martin defeated the odds and survived, beginning a lifelong bond with his canine companions. Life in Garryowen in the 1970’s was especially tough on Martin, and he spent many nights locked in the coal shed, seeking comfort and warmth from Major and Rex.
When his beloved companions were taken away by the Dog Catcher and destroyed, Martin ran away from home in fear, seeking shelter in hay barns and railway culverts for 3 gruelling years.
Adopted by a pack of stray dogs, Martin learnt how to provide food and shelter and communicate with the animals at a deeper level. But the greatest skill by far Martin learnt during his time living rough with the dogs is how to be human. Immigrating to Australia over 30 years ago Martin now resides in Northern New South Wales and uses the skills he learnt living rough with his pack of 6 stray dogs as a dog whisperer and published author.
T&Cs
- Please note all ticket prices include a booking charge.
- Limited Capacity. Seating for this event is unallocated.
- No exchanges or refunds.
- Babes in Arms are welcome. Once a child is 12 months and over, they are required to have their own ticket.
- Wheelchair spaces can only be booked over the phone. Please call box office on (061) 953400 if you wish to book a wheelchair space.
- No late comers admitted to the theatre once show commences.
- Parking is free for patrons, please arrive early. Disability and bus parking on campus.
