Michael Donnellan (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Donnellan
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Donnellan c. 1944
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| Parliamentary Secretary | |
| 1954–1957 | Finance |
| 1948–1951 | Finance |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office February 1948 – October 1961 |
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| Constituency | Galway North |
| In office October 1961 – 27 September 1964 |
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| In office June 1943 – February 1948 |
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| Constituency | Galway East |
| Leader of Clann na Talmhan | |
| In office June 1939 – September 1944 |
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| Preceded by | New office |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Blowick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1900 Dunmore, County Galway |
| Died | 27 September 1964 (aged 63–64) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party |
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| Spouse |
Brigid Dempsey
(m. 1933) |
| Children | 7, including John and Pat |
| Occupation | Farmer |
Michael Donnellan (1900 – 27 September 1964) was an important Irish politician. He was a farmer who helped create a political party called Clann na Talmhan. This party focused on helping farmers and people in rural areas. Donnellan also served in the Dáil Éireann, which is Ireland's main parliament.
Contents
Early Life and Political Start
Michael Donnellan was born in 1900 in a place called Dunmore, in County Galway. When he was young, he joined Sinn Féin after the Easter Rising in 1916. This was a big event in Irish history.
Later, from 1927 to 1945, he was a member of the Galway County Council. This council helps manage local affairs in Galway. He started out as a member of the Fianna Fáil party.
Forming a New Party
In the mid-1930s, Michael Donnellan and many other farmers in the west of Ireland felt that the existing political parties weren't doing enough for them. They wanted a party that truly represented farmers.
So, Donnellan helped start a new group called the Irish Farmers Federation. This group later split into two. Donnellan led the group that became Clann na Talmhan in 1939. This new party aimed to support smaller farmers and push for changes like fairer land distribution.
In 1940, there was a special election in Galway East. Donnellan's supporters encouraged him to run. He didn't win that time, but he got a lot of votes, showing that many people supported his ideas.
Serving in the Dáil
Michael Donnellan was first elected to the Dáil Éireann in 1943. He represented the Galway East area. He was re-elected in 1944.
Later, because of changes to the election areas, he represented Galway North from 1948 to 1961. He was then elected again for Galway East in 1961.
Donnellan was known for his strong views. He believed in giving land to farmers who could use it well. He also supported free education and healthcare for everyone. These ideas were quite advanced for his time. He served as a special assistant to the Minister for Finance, helping with public works projects.
A Sporting Legend
Besides his political life, Michael Donnellan was also a very talented football player. He played for the Galway county team.
In 1925, he won an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal with Galway. This is a huge achievement in Irish sport! He even captained the team in 1933.
Michael Donnellan passed away in 1964 while watching a football match at Croke Park. It was the 1964 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final. His sons, John Donnellan and Pat Donnellan, were playing in that very match. John, as the captain of the winning Galway team, received the Sam Maguire Cup shortly after his father's death.
John Donnellan later followed in his father's footsteps and became a politician himself. Michael Donnellan's grandson, also named Michael, continued the family's football legacy. He won All-Ireland SFC medals with Galway in 1998 and 2001.
See also
- Families in the Oireachtas
