Michael Farrell (Irish writer) facts for kids

Michael Farrell (1899–1962) was an Irish writer and broadcaster. He is best known for his novel Thy Tears Might Cease, which was published after he died.

Early Life and Education

Michael Farrell was born in Carlow town, Ireland, in 1899. His family owned a successful shop. He went to school at Knockbeg College and Blackrock College.

During the Irish War of Independence, Michael Farrell spent some time in Mountjoy Prison. This war was a fight for Ireland's freedom from British rule. His brother, Sean O'Farrell, was a leader in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in their local area. The IRA was a group that fought for Irish independence. Michael later attended Trinity College Dublin but left before finishing his degree.

Career and Family Life

After university, Michael Farrell worked in the Belgian Congo for several years. He was a Marine Superintendent of Customs, which meant he helped manage goods coming into the country by sea. He returned to Ireland after making a good profit from selling a ship.

Back in Ireland, he worked for Radio Éireann, which is Ireland's national radio station. He also worked as a journalist, writing for newspapers. In 1930, he married Frances Cautley Baker. Frances was a businesswoman who ran a textile company called the Crock of Gold. This company made wool products. Frances designed the patterns, and they mostly sold their items to clothing designers.

The couple made their home in Kilmacanogue. Later in his life, Michael mostly worked with his wife's business.

His Famous Book and Film

In 1934, Michael Farrell wrote, produced, and directed a silent film called Some Say Chance. This film is special because it was the first time the famous actress Maureen O'Hara appeared on screen. His wife, Frances, helped with the film by designing the sets and finding good places to film.

Michael Farrell's most important book was Thy Tears Might Cease. This novel is set during the Irish revolutionary period, a time of big changes in Ireland. He finished writing the first version of the book in 1937. However, it was only published in 1963, after he had passed away. Another writer, Monk Gibbon, helped to edit the book before it was published. Michael also wrote articles for a magazine called The Bell under the pen name "Gulliver."