Kate Cruise O'Brien facts for kids
Katherine Alexandra Cruise O'Brien (born May 26, 1948 – died March 26, 1998) was an important Irish writer. She was known for her short stories and for helping new writers get started.
Kate was the youngest of three children. Her father, Conor Cruise O'Brien, was a well-known Irish politician and diplomat, meaning he worked for the government both in Ireland and in other countries. Kate was born in Dublin, Ireland, and grew up in a town called Howth. She went to school in Dublin and later studied English at Trinity College Dublin.
Early Life and Education
Kate's mother, Christine Foster, was born in Derry and grew up in Belfast. Christine's father, Alec Foster, was a headmaster at a school in Belfast. He also played rugby for Ireland and for a famous team called the British and Irish Lions.
While she was still at university, Kate Cruise O'Brien published her very first short story. Soon after, when she was just 22 years old, she won the Hennessy Literary Award. This was a big achievement for a young writer! She finished her studies in 1971.
Writing Career and Achievements
After graduating, Kate went back to university to study for a special diploma in education. She wanted to become a teacher, but she couldn't find a teaching job. So, she decided to open a small nursery school for children whose parents worked.
Her first book was a collection of short stories called A Gift Horse. This book was very successful and won her the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. A famous writer named Seán Ó Faoláin said that her stories showed "the seed of genius," meaning they were very promising and showed great talent.
Later, Kate became a literary editor at Poolbeg Press. This meant she helped choose and prepare books for publication. She was very good at finding new and exciting writers, helping them share their stories with the world.
Personal Life
In 1971, Kate Cruise O'Brien married Joseph Kearney. They had one child together. Kate passed away suddenly in Dublin in 1998.
Works
- A Gift Horse, and Other Stories (1977), Poolbeg Press
- The Homesick Garden (1991), Poolbeg Press
- If Only: Short Stories of Love and Divorce (1997), Poolbeg Press (co-editor)
- In Sunshine Or in Shadow (1999), Poolbeg Press (co-editor)
