Benedict Kiely facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benedict Kiely
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| Born | 15 August 1919 Dromore, County Tyrone, Ireland |
| Died | 9 February 2007 (aged 87) Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | Mount St Columba |
| Alma mater | National University |
| Genres | journalist, critic, short stories |
| Notable awards | Saoi of Aosdána, 1996 |
| Spouses | Maureen O'Connell Frances Kiely |
| Children | 3 + 1 deceased in infancy |
Benedict "Ben" Kiely (born August 15, 1919 – died February 9, 2007) was a famous Irish writer and broadcaster. He came from Omagh, a town in County Tyrone, Ireland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Benedict Kiely was born close to Dromore, County Tyrone. He went to school at the Christian Brothers School in Omagh. In 1937, he moved to County Laois to join a religious group called the Jesuits. However, he became very ill with a back problem in 1938.
After his illness, he decided not to become a priest. Instead, he went to University College Dublin. He earned his university degree in 1943.
A Busy Career
In 1945, Ben Kiely started working as a journalist. He wrote for a newspaper called the Irish Independent. He also worked as a critic, reviewing books and other art.
By 1950, he had four children. He then joined another newspaper, the Irish Press, as a literary editor. This meant he was in charge of the books and literature sections.
In 1964, Kiely moved to America. He spent four years there, working at different universities. He was a "Writer-in-Residence" at places like Emory University. This means he was a writer who taught and helped students. He also taught at the University of Oregon and Hollins College.
He returned to Ireland in 1968. In 1976, he was a special visiting professor at the University of Delaware. He was praised for his writing and journalism for over sixty years. He even won an award for literature from the Irish Academy of Letters.
By this time, he was one of Ireland's most well-known writers. In 1996, he received a very special honor. He was named a Saoi of Aosdána. This is the highest award given by the Arts Council of Ireland to artists.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2001, Ben Kiely visited his hometown of Omagh. A special plaque was put up outside his childhood home. This was done by a local arts group to celebrate him.
He was known for his clever and witty remarks. Once, when asked about rules for writers, he joked about how being "banned" meant you were doing something interesting.
Every September, Omagh holds an event called The Benedict Kiely Literary Weekend. People celebrate his many achievements and his writing during this special weekend.
Family Life
Ben Kiely had a brother-in-law named Frank McCrory. Frank was a playwright and songwriter in Omagh. Frank's wife, Eileen, was Benedict Kiely's sister.
Kiely often wrote about a place called Drumquin in his stories. This is where his mother's family came from. His mother was born in a townland near Drumquin called Claramore.
On July 5, 1944, Benedict Kiely married Maureen O'Connell. They had four children together:
- Mary Patricia Kiely (1945–1999)
- Anne Kiely (born: 1946)
- John Kiely (born: 1948)
- Emer Kiely (born: 1949)
He was later survived by his second wife, Frances. He also had his daughters Anne and Emer, his son John, and many other family members.
Death
Benedict Kiely passed away in Dublin on February 9, 2007. He was 87 years old.
List of Works
Benedict Kiely wrote many books and stories. Here are some of them:
Short Stories
- The Collected Stories of Benedict Kiely (2001)
- The Trout in the Turnhole (1996)
- A Letter to Peachtree (1987)
- The State of Ireland: A Novella and Seventeen Short Stories (1981)
- A Cow in the House (1978)
- A Ball of Malt and Madame Butterfly (1973)
- A Journey to the Seven Streams (1963)
Novels
- Nothing Happens in Carmincross (1985)
- Proxopera: A Tale of Modern Ireland (1977)
- Dogs Enjoy the Morning (1968)
- The Captain with the Whiskers (1960)
- There Was an Ancient House (1955)
- The Cards of the Gambler (1953)
- Honey Seems Bitter (1952)
- In a Harbour Green (1949)
- Call for a Miracle (1948)
- Land Without Stars (1946)
Autobiography
- Drink to the Bird: An Omagh Boyhood (1992)
- The Waves Behind Us: A Memoir (1999)
Television and Radio
Benedict Kiely also appeared on TV and radio. He sometimes wrote scripts or narrated shows.
- Jungle of Pembroke Road (TV) (1974) – Himself
- Humours of Donnybrook (TV) (1979) – Himself
- Irish Angle – Hands: Fermanagh County (TV) (1981) – Script writer
- Irish Angle – Hands: Curraghs (TV) (1985) – Narrator
- Wordweaver – The Legend of Benedict Kiely (TV) (2005) – Himself
- Sunday Miscellany (an RTÉ1 radio programme broadcast each Sunday between 9.00 and 10.00 am) – contributor of short talks mostly on literature or other Irish topics
