Michael McLaverty facts for kids
Michael McLaverty (born July 5, 1904 – died March 22, 1992) was an Irish writer. He was famous for his novels and short stories.
Early Life and Education
Michael McLaverty was born in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. His father, Michael, was a waiter. His mother was Kathleen Brady. A few years later, his family moved to the Beechmount area of Belfast.
He went to St Gall's school. Later, he attended St Malachy's College. He also studied at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). He earned his first science degree in 1927. In 1933, he earned a master's degree. His master's paper was about how electricity moves through gases.
Life as a Teacher
For a short time, McLaverty lived on Rathlin Island. This island is off the coast of County Antrim. He found much inspiration for his short stories there. After he got married, he moved to Deramore Drive in Malone, Belfast.
In 1928, he earned a teaching diploma. He got it from St Mary's Teacher Training College in London. McLaverty worked as a teacher for 35 years. He taught maths and physics in Belfast. First, he taught at St John's Primary School from 1929 to 1957. Then, he became headmaster at St Thomas Secondary School from 1957 to 1964.
The writer Joe Graham was taught by McLaverty. He wrote about him in his book, Belfast Born Bred And Buttered. Joe Graham remembered McLaverty fondly. Later, the famous poet Seamus Heaney worked with McLaverty. Heaney was on his staff at St Thomas's. Heaney remembered McLaverty's love for teaching. He also remembered his passion for literature. McLaverty introduced Heaney to the works of Patrick Kavanagh.
His Writing Style
McLaverty was one of Ireland's best short story writers. He wrote about the northern landscape of his home. He described hill farms, rough island areas, and Belfast streets. His stories often showed strong feelings. They focused on moments of wonder or sadness in tough lives.
His collected books have woodcut pictures. These were made by Barbara Childs. The books also include an introduction by Seamus Heaney. There is also a foreword by Sophia Hillan.
Seamus Heaney spoke about McLaverty's writing. He said McLaverty's voice was quiet. He never looked for fame. Yet, Heaney said McLaverty's place in Irish literature is very important. Heaney described McLaverty's writing as beautiful. He noted his careful way of telling a story. Heaney's poem Fosterage is dedicated to McLaverty. This poem is in the collection North from 1975.
Collected Works
- Call My Brother Back (1932)
- Lost Fields (1941)
- In This Thy Day (1945)
- Collected Short Stories (1978)
- The Circle (Business Bastard) (2015)
See also
- Irish fiction
- Irish literature
- List of Irish novelists
