Micheál Mac Suibhne facts for kids
Mícheál Mac Suibhne (around 1760–1820) was a famous Irish poet. He wrote in the Irish language and came from the Connemara area of Ireland. He was an important person in modern Irish literature.
Life of a Poet
Mícheál Mac Suibhne was born near an old abbey called Cong Abbey. This was in what is now County Mayo. His family had moved from Ulster a long time ago. They were seeking safety during a difficult time in Ireland's history.
Mícheál and his brother Toirdhealbhach later moved to a place called Ballinakill. This area is between Letterfrack and Clifden. Mícheál worked as a blacksmith there. A blacksmith is someone who shapes metal, often using fire and tools. He worked for a landlord named Steward.
Mícheál is most known for his time in the town of Cleggan. All his poems and songs were written in Connacht Irish. This was the type of Irish language spoken where he grew up. He is thought to have passed away near Clifden around 1820.
His Lasting Legacy
Mícheál Mac Suibhne was a very talented poet. In 1846, a writer named James Hardiman wrote about him. Hardiman said that Mícheál was a "poetical genius." People who spoke English called him the "Bard of the West."
His poems and songs were very popular. Many people knew them by heart. Hardiman collected some of these works. He wanted to share them as examples of modern Irish poetry.
Collectors of His Work
James Hardiman included some of Mícheál's full poems in his book Iar or West Connacht. These included Abhrán an Phúca and Banais Pheigi Ní Eaghra.
After the Irish War of Independence, a professor named Tomas Ó Maille worked on Mícheál's poems. In 1934, he collected, edited, and published all of them. This helped keep Mícheál's work alive for new generations.
His Family's Creative Side
Mícheál's brother, Toirealfhach, also wrote poetry in Irish. Sadly, none of his poems have survived. Toirealfhach had a son named Johnnie Terry Mac Suibhne. Johnnie lived in Newtown, Cleggan.
Johnnie's son, Séamus Mac Suibhne, also wrote songs. He wrote in English. One of his songs was called The Bogs of Léana Mór. This shows that the talent for writing ran in the Mac Suibhne family.
