Mr. Malachy Doyle 
The Hound of Ulster [PDF ebook] 

A retelling of a traditional Irish folk tale. The king is on the way to
visiting Culain”s house, when he sees a young boy, Setanta, playing
hurling very bravely, and asks him to join them later. However, as he
forgets to inform his host that he will have an extra visitor. Setanta
is attacked by Culain”s guard dog – which he bravely fights and kills.
As Culain is so sad at the loss of his prized hound, Setanta offers to
guard the house and its grounds until a replacement is found. The king,
impressed by the boy”s bravery and skill, gives him the name
Culchulainn, the Hound of Ulster.