30th June 2008: Since 1958, Whiskas has been making cats happy and to celebrate its 50th Birthday in Ireland, the brand has joined forces with best-selling Irish author and journalist Marisa Mackle to bring the public a collection of short stories by some of the world’s top writers, celebrities and media personalities.

The collection, aptly titled ‘Party Animal’, offers tales from some of Ireland’s most passionate animal lovers, including Linda Martin, Patricia Scanlan, Marian Keyes, Maeve Binchy and Cathy Kelly.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to worthwhile Irish animal charities in support of animals, including Ash Animal Rescue, The Donkey Sanctuary in Cork, Longford Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Drogheda Animal Rescue.

Marisa Mackle comments: “It has always been a dream of mine to do something like this for animals. I grew up surrounded by pets and they really do become part of the family. I hope reading this book will encourage more people to give an abandoned animal a good home. Pets are wonderful, loyal friends and they don't ask for very much, but have so much to give. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the 35 writers who agreed to contribute a story to this collection, Party Animal. Some of the top writers in the world have taken time out of their busy schedules to help raise money for the animal charities and I'm so grateful. I'd also like to thank Linda Martin who kindly wrote the foreword and to Whiskas who made the publication of this book possible. I really hope this book will go straight to the top of the bestseller list!”The launch of ‘Party Animal’ will take place at Hughes & Hughes book store, Stephen’s Green Shopping Center on Tuesday, 1st July. Confirmed guests attending include model Alex Best; actress and writer Claudia Carroll; former Miss Irelands Amanda Brunker, Aoife Cogan and Sarah Morrissey, top models Sarah McGovern, Sara Kavanagh, Roberta Rowat and Michele McGrath, artist Jim FitzPatrick and authors Cathy Kelly and Patricia Scanlan.

To help celebrate Whiskas’ 50th Birthday, and to get your paws on this irresistible read, drop into your local book store from 1st July and pick up your copy of Party Animal, retailing at €14.99.

Note interviews are available with Marisa Mackle.

For further information, please contact:

Chantelle Meegan
Edelman PR
T: 01 678 9333
M: 086 194 1931
E: chantelle.meegan@edelman.com