Brendan Hamill (writer) facts for kids

Brendan Hamill (born in 1945 in Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a talented poet and writer. He is known for his poetry and critical essays.

About Brendan Hamill

Brendan Hamill grew up in the Falls Road area of Belfast. His home was near the Belfast City Cemetery. He went to St. Kevin's Primary School. Later, he attended St. Thomas's Secondary School.

Famous Teachers

At St. Thomas's, Brendan had some very special teachers. One was the famous writer Michael McLaverty. Mr. McLaverty taught him about choosing the right words. He also stressed the importance of real feelings in writing. Another of his teachers was the Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney.

Life After School

After school, Brendan worked in England for several years. He spent a lot of time exploring bookshops. He then returned to Northern Ireland. There, he studied English at the New University of Ulster.

University Friends

At university, Brendan studied with other future writers. These included the poet Gerald Dawe and the writer Brian Keenan. They were sometimes called the "Coleraine Cluster" because of their shared university experience. Brendan is also a cousin of the American journalist Pete Hamill. After graduating, he worked as a teacher in Kilcullen and later in Belfast.

His Writings

Brendan Hamill has published several books of poetry. These are often called "chapbooks," which are small collections of poems. His first two chapbooks were Emigrant Brother and Alameda Park.

Where His Work Appears

His poems have been featured in many newspapers and magazines. These include the Phoenix, Belfast Telegraph, Irish Times, and Irish Press. His work has also been included in different poetry collections. You could even hear his poems read on the BBC and RTÉ radio stations.

Supporting Other Writers

Brendan also writes critical essays about literature. These have appeared in magazines like Fortnight. He was very keen on promoting the work of another poet, Padraic Fiacc. Brendan spoke at a festival in Belfast that celebrated Padraic Fiacc's poetry. He also spoke at the launch of 'The Literature of the Troubles Project'.

Books by Brendan Hamill

Poetry Books

• Emigrant Brother, Lagan Press, Belfast, 1976
• Alameda Park, Glandore, Belfast, 2000
• Letter to America: poems on the 30 year war in N. Ireland, Glandore, 1998