Michael Davitt (poet) facts for kids

Michael Davitt (born April 20, 1950 – died June 19, 2005) was an important Irish poet. He wrote his poems in the Irish language. Many people thought he was one of the best modern poets in Ireland, whether they wrote in Irish or English. He was a key person in the Irish Language poetry movement in the 1970s.

His Life and Work

Michael Davitt grew up in Mayfield, a part of Cork City. He went to St Patrick's Boys National School and the North Monastery for his education. Later, he studied at University College Cork, where he focused on Celtic Studies. This means he learned about the history, languages, and cultures of Celtic people, like the Irish.

After college, Davitt moved to Dublin. He worked as a teacher. He also worked for Gael Linn, which is an organization that helps promote Irish culture and language.

Even though Michael Davitt wrote in Irish, it was not the first language he learned. Another famous Irish poet, Seán Ó Ríordáin, also wrote in Irish even though English was his first language. Davitt's poems were seen as very new and modern. They mixed ideas from both city and country life. His work showed a strong belief that language helps people and countries understand who they are. He also often wrote about how real and imaginary worlds can exist together in one place.

Davitt's poetry was thoughtful and smart. He was very aware that he chose to write in Irish. He sometimes included English words in his poems. This seemed to challenge the idea that Irish could only be used for traditional topics. He wanted to show that Irish could be used for modern ideas too. A big theme in his work was the meeting of old Irish culture and modern English culture. He once said it was important to keep believing in the Irish language as a strong, creative power. This was especially true as it became less common in a world that was becoming more like a "cultural McDonaldisation," meaning everything was becoming the same.

In 1970, Davitt started a journal called Innti. He was seen as a leader for Irish language poetry.

From 1985 to 1988, Davitt worked for Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), which is Ireland's national TV and radio broadcaster. He was a presenter there. Later, in the 1990s, he became a producer and director. He helped make TV shows like Joe Heaney: Sing the Dark Away (1996) and John Montague: Rough Fields. He retired early to spend more time writing. He traveled between Ireland and France with his partner, Moira Sweeney.

In 1994, Michael Davitt received the Butler Prize from the Irish American Cultural Institute. This award recognized his important contributions.

Michael Davitt passed away suddenly in Sligo, Ireland, in 2005. He was 55 years old. He was survived by his son and two daughters.

His Books

• Gleann ar Ghleann (1982)
• Bligeard Sráide (1983)
• Selected Poems/Rogha Dánta (1987)
• Freacnairc Mhearcair/The Oomph of Quicksilver (2000)
• Fardoras (2003)