The journey o' Daft Eddie an' the Smugglers o' Strangford Lough

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Despite growing up in Bangor, I spent a lot of my childhood and early adulthood where my mother was from, just outside Killyleagh. I remember my Grandmother mentioning Daft Eddie and the Smuggler's Table, however, I didn't actually know anything about his life or the story in any great detail. In 2007 I married my wonderful wife. We settled on the Peninsula where she is from. We were soon blessed with three wonderful children. A couple of years passed and Daft Eddie came to mind. I decided to research the book online, written by W.G. Lyttle , which I ordered. I was captivated from the beginning and was even more excited to learn much of the story takes place on the Ards Peninsula, where I live. 

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At once I decided the story had to be revived and told to the younger generation, preserving it for years to come ( As W.G. Lyttle lived in Bangor, I guess it is rather fitting the telling of the story is continued by a Bangor man). I was determined to tell the story in simplified rhyme, with illustrations. During Lockdown I made it my mission to work on the story, exploring the places mentioned when possible, providing much of the inspiration for my illustrations. After a year or two it all just came together and the story of Daft Eddie was reborn as a children's book. 

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I would like to thank you for taking an interest in my book and  I hope you will use it to help keep the story alive for future generations!