Michael Harding facts for kids

Michael Harding is an Irish writer, born in 1953. He is known for his novels, poetry, and newspaper columns.

About Michael Harding

Michael Harding grew up in Cavan, Ireland. He first studied at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. After graduating, he taught for two years at St. Patrick's College, Cavan in Cavan Town. He also worked as a social worker, helping people in a prison.

Later, he returned to Maynooth to study to become a priest. He became a priest in 1980 and worked in a church in Fermanagh. In 1985, he decided to leave the priesthood. For seventeen years after that, he followed the teachings of Buddhism.

Michael Harding is married to Cathy Carman, who is a sculptor. They first met in 1984. They have a daughter named Sophia and a son named Simon. Today, Michael Harding lives in Tarmon, County Leitrim.

His Creative Work

Michael Harding is a very active writer. He writes both novels and poetry. Many people know him from his regular column in The Irish Times newspaper.

He has also worked closely with important theatre and university groups. In 1993, he was the Writer in Association with The Abbey Theatre, which is Ireland's national theatre. In 1999, he was the Writer in Residence at Trinity College Dublin, where he helped students with their writing.

Awards and Achievements

Michael Harding has received many awards for his writing and performances:

• 1980 - He won the Hennessy Literary Award for his short stories.
• 1989 - He was a finalist for the Irish Times Aer Lingus Literature Award.
• 1990 - He received the Stewart Parker Trust Award for Theatre.
• 1990 - He also won the Bank of Ireland RTÉ award for excellence in the arts.
• 2000 - He became a member of Aosdána, which is a special group for creative artists in Ireland.
• 2004 - He won Best Actor at the Dublin Fringe Festival for his role in a play called Swallow.
• 2006 - He was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the British Theatre Management Awards.
• 2007 - His play, The Tinker's Curse, was nominated for Best New Play at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards.
• 2013 - His book, Staring at Lakes, won the Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards.