AUTHOR and songwriter Helen Bonney met actress Maureen O’Hara at a peace festival in Ireland.

She shook hands with the star during the International Peace Award ceremony in Tipperary.

Helen, who lives near Dorchester, was invited to attend the event after her success in the International Song Of Peace contest at the awards in previous years.

She said: “One of my favourite moments was to be introduced to the famous actress Maureen O’Hara, who is soon due to celebrate her 90th birthday.

“Maureen O’Hara was adored by my mother’s generation and I remember well my late mother talking of her with affection and admiration.

“She appeared with iconic film stars such as John Wayne and therefore equally appealed to my father, an avid John Wayne fan.”

Former recipients of the International Peace Award have included Nelson Mandela, Bob Geldof and Bill Clinton.

The late Edward Kennedy and his sister Jean won the accolade this year.

Helen said: “Thirteen members of the Kennedy family attended the lunch and ceremony which took place in the company of ex-presidents, ambassadors, TV personalities and film stars.

“Accepting the award on Edward Kennedy’s behalf was his wife Victoria, who many felt resembled Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of their assassinated brother John Kennedy.”

Helen has written a children’s book called The Woppapotamus From Titan and has also had three of her songs in the final 10 of the International Song of Peace contest.

In 2008, one of her songs was placed second and sung live at the finals by her music producer son Jack Cooke.

This year Helen was invited back to judge a Tipperary’s Got Talent competition – and picked a dance group.

Helen was also invited to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey for a VIP tour.

She is due to publish The Woppapotamus From Titan Meets The Children Of The World.

Helen’s song Children Of The World will accompany the book.