Bryan MacMahon (writer) facts for kids
Bryan Michael MacMahon (born September 29, 1909 – died February 13, 1998) was a famous Irish writer. He wrote plays, novels, and short stories. Bryan was also a schoolteacher. He came from a town called Listowel in County Kerry, Ireland. Some of his well-known books are The Lion Tamer and The Red Petticoat. He also wrote a book about his own life called The Master. He even translated a famous Irish book, Peig, into English.
Quick facts for kids
Bryan MacMahon
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| Born | 29 September 1909 |
| Died | 12 February 1998 (aged 88) Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
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| Occupation | writer |
Contents
Growing Up and School
Bryan MacMahon was born on September 29, 1909. His parents, Patrick and Joanna MacMahon, lived in Listowel, County Kerry. Bryan was one of four children. His dad worked in a law office and also bought and sold butter. His mom was a schoolteacher.
Bryan grew up in the countryside. He wrote about this in his book The Storyman. He learned to love the Irish language from his grandmother. She spoke Irish as her first language. Bryan often helped his grandfather, who was in charge of the local market.
His Education Journey
Bryan went to school in Listowel. First, he attended Scoil Réalta na Maidine. Then he went to St Michael's College. A writer named Seamus Wilmot taught him there. Seamus encouraged Bryan's love for writing.
Just like his mother, Bryan also loved teaching. He went to St. Patrick's Teacher Training College in Dublin. After finishing college, he taught in Dublin for a short time. In 1931, he moved back to Listowel. He lived there for the rest of his life.
Bryan became the head teacher at Scoil Réalta na Maidine. He taught there for 44 years! During the Second World War, Bryan worked in factories in England. He wrote about these experiences in a magazine column. He also opened a book shop in Listowel. He named it after his wife, Kitty.
His Family Life
Bryan MacMahon married Kathleen “Kitty” Ryan in 1936. Kitty was born in Cashel, County Tipperary, in 1911. They got married in a church in Cashel.
Bryan and Kitty had five sons.
- One son, also named Bryan, became a judge in Ireland.
- Another son, Garry, played Gaelic football for the Kerry team. He also became a lawyer.
- Their son Owen is also a lawyer.
Later Years and Achievements
As he got older, Bryan MacMahon became more involved with the media. He also kept writing and publishing new books.
In 1970, Bryan helped start something special. He and other Irish writers, like John B. Keane, created Listowel Writers' Week. This is a big international festival for writers. It takes place every year in Bryan's hometown of Listowel.
In 1989, Bryan appeared on a popular Irish TV show. It was called The Late Late Show and hosted by Gay Byrne.
Books About His Life
Bryan published his first autobiography in 1992. It was called The Master. This book was all about his long career as a teacher. It won The American Ireland Literary Award in 1993.
In 1994, he released a second autobiography. This book was called The Storyman. It focused more on his life as a writer.
Awards and Recognition
Bryan MacMahon received many awards for his writing. He was honored for his important contributions to Irish literature.
- In 1987, he won the Kerryman of the Year award.
- He also received the American Ireland Fund Literary Award in 1993.
- The National University of Ireland gave him an honorary degree. This was to recognize his amazing work.
- Bryan was a member of Aosdána, a group that honors Irish artists.
His last book was published in 1998. It was called A Final Fling. This book was a collection of made-up conversations between men and women.
Bryan MacMahon passed away on February 13, 1998. After he died, his friend and fellow writer, John B. Keane, said: "The streets have lost their star. He was a giant and a gentleman."
