Maurice O'Sullivan facts for kids

The ruins of the house where Muiris Ó Súilleabháin grew up on the Great Blasket Island.

Muiris Ó Súilleabháin (born February 19, 1904 – died June 25, 1950) was an Irish writer. His English name was Maurice O'Sullivan. He is famous for a book he wrote about his childhood. It was written in the Irish language. The book tells about growing up on the Great Blasket Island and in Dingle, County Kerry. These places are off the west coast of Ireland.

About His Famous Book

Muiris Ó Súilleabháin wrote a book called Fiche Bliain ag Fás. In English, this means Twenty Years a-Growing. It was published in both Irish and English in 1933.

The Great Blasket Island was a special place. It was one of the last parts of Ireland where the Irish language and old traditions were still strong. Many people were interested in learning about this traditional Irish way of life.

A professor named George Derwent Thomson encouraged Muiris to write his story. Thomson was a linguist, which means he studied languages. He came to the island to learn Irish. He also told Muiris to join the Garda Síochána (the Irish police). Most young people from the island moved to America for work.

George Thomson helped Muiris put his memories into a book. He also helped get it translated into English.

Why His Book Was Special

When Twenty Years a-Growing came out, many people loved it. Famous writers like E.M. Forster praised the book. However, some people had a strange view of the islanders. They saw them as living a very old, simple life. Forster even called their culture "Neolithic," which means like the Stone Age.

This interest was often linked to romantic ideas about old Irish ways. Because of this, when Muiris tried to publish his second book, Fiche Bliain faoi Bhláth (Twenty Years a-Flowering), there wasn't much interest. This new book showed a more modern life, moving away from the old romantic ideas of turf fires and wise old women.

The famous poet Dylan Thomas even started writing a movie script for Twenty Years a-Growing. But he never finished it.

His Life Story

Muiris Ó Súilleabháin's mother died when he was only six months old. He was then raised in a special home in Dingle, County Kerry.

When he was eight, he moved back to the Great Blasket Island. He lived with his father, grandfather, and brothers and sisters. This is where he truly learned the Irish language.

In 1927, Muiris joined the Garda Síochána (the police force) in Dublin. He was later stationed in Connemara. This area is a Gaeltacht, meaning Irish is the main language spoken there. He stayed in touch with George Thomson while living in Connemara.

Muiris left the police force in 1934 and settled down in Connemara. Sadly, he drowned on June 25, 1950. This happened while he was swimming off the Connemara coast near Knocknacarra.

Images for kids

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  The ruins of the house in which Muiris Ó Súilleabháin grew up on the Great Blasket Island.