Galway business leader launches children’s book ‘Always’ in memory of her daughter
An award-winning Galway businesswoman has announced the completion of a very different project to her usual work – the release of her children’s book, Always, written in memory of her late daughter Catherine.
The book was written and illustrated by Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform94, with the involvement of her two young children, Rose and JJ, as a way of keeping their sister Catherine’s memory present in their lives.
Always follows a young bear through a number of life milestones, from early childhood through to adulthood, accompanied throughout by a blue butterfly. The butterfly symbolises the ongoing presence of someone no longer physically here, offering an uplifting and empowering way to help children reinforce a sense of connection, strength and support.
“I wrote and designed the illustrations for the book with the help of my two young children Rose and JJ, to help keep their sister’s memory present in their lives and to carry her strength with them as they grow,” she says.
“Always has been produced solely as a charity project, with all proceeds being donated to HopeSpace Children's Grief Service, supporting children and families navigating loss.
“While inspired by sibling loss, the story is intended to resonate widely, offering a simple, empowering way for families to navigate the loss of someone in their life,” she adds.
Marie is a native of Newmarket-on-Fergus in Clare but lives in Kiltullagh. She is the CEO of Platform94, formerly known as the Galway Technology Centre, established by the Digital Task Force in 1994 to encourage the development of technology-based industry in the West.
Marie joined as CEO in 2024 after a combined tenure of nearly 15 years at EY Ireland. A chartered accountant by profession, she was first a senior auditor and then a director with EY before her move to Platform94.
It provides a simple and impactful way to approach conversations around grief
Breda Fallon, Co-founder and Director of HopeSpace described Always as ‘a powerful and thoughtfully developed book that will make a real difference’.
“It provides a simple and impactful way to approach conversations around grief, offering support to children navigating complex emotions,” she says.
‘Always’ will be officially launched at a private event in Galway this month with special guest Miriam O’Callaghan.
The book is available for purchase online by going to alwayschildrensbook.com