Liam MacGabhann facts for kids

Liam MacGabhann (born William Cyprian Smith) (1908–1979) was an Irish journalist. He was born in 1908 on Valentia Island, in County Kerry, Ireland.

Liam married Phenie (Tryphena) Franklin and they had three children: Jack, Richard, and Dorothy. Before becoming a journalist, Liam worked as a teacher on Valentia Island. He once applied for a job as a film critic for a newspaper called The Irish Press. Even though he admitted he didn't know much about movies, he still got the job!

Liam MacGabhann worked for several important newspapers and magazines. He worked for The Irish Press and was the Irish editor for The People Newspaper in 1956. He also became the News Editor of The Irish Times. Later, he worked for This Week magazine and was one of the people who helped start the Sunday World newspaper. Liam MacGabhann passed away in Dublin in 1979.

Liam MacGabhann's Adventures and Work

Liam MacGabhann had a very interesting career. He traveled a lot and met many famous people.

Travels and Interviews

• He traveled to America with Éamon de Valera, who was a famous Irish leader. They went on a trip to raise money for a political party.
• Liam visited Hollywood several times. He even interviewed famous actors like John Wayne when he was filming The Quiet Man in Ireland.
• He also interviewed other well-known actors like Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Sullivan for The Irish Press.
• Liam traveled to the Soviet Union with other writers, Anthony Cronin and James Plunkett.

Finding the Asgard

One of Liam's most famous stories involves the ship called Asgard. This historic yacht was used to bring guns to Ireland in 1914. Liam found the Asgard on the banks of the River Truro in Cornwall, England. He worked hard to convince the Irish government to buy it back.

The Asgard was sailed back to Howth, Ireland, on July 29, 1961. It was kept safe until 1969. Then, a keen sailor and future Prime Minister of Ireland, Charles J. Haughey, helped make it Ireland's official sail training ship.

Radio and Writing

Liam MacGabhann also worked in radio. He hosted "Topical Talks" on RTÉ radio. He also made a documentary about his home, Valentia Island. He wrote a book of poems called Rags Robes and Rebels.

Liam MacGabhann's Poetry

Liam MacGabhann was also a poet. Here are some examples of his poems.

Valentia

This poem shows his love for his home island.

VALENTIA
I can hear the wild music of river and fall.
But the breezes are bearing a soft, gentle call.
It's calling me home, 'tis sweet singing stream.
That flows thro' the woodland of lovely Glanleam.
Ah, my heart is nigh breaking with longing and pain.
Dear home! Will you comfort your exile again?
In dawning's clear brightness, in evening's soft gloam.
There's no place on earth like my own Island home.
Liam MacGabhann 1932

Blind Man at Croke Park

This poem is about a blind man listening to a Gaelic football game involving the Kerry team at Croke Park stadium.

Blind Man at Croke Park
Listen, asthore, for these eyes are sealed,
Listen once more, when Kerrymen take the field,
Tell an old man who saw them in days of old,
Do they walk proudly in their green and gold?

Listen, asthore, when Kerry take the field,
Tell me when they attack and when they yield;
Say if they fail; asthore, I'm blind and old,
Tell me they'll not dishonour the green and gold.'