Patrick Joseph Hartigan facts for kids
Patrick Joseph Hartigan (born October 13, 1878 – died December 27, 1952) was an Australian Roman Catholic priest, teacher, author, and poet. He became very well-known for his poems, which he wrote using the pen name John O'Brien. His stories and poems often showed the lives of people living in the Australian outback.
Who Was John O'Brien?
Early Life and Journey
Patrick Joseph Hartigan was born in Yass, New South Wales, Australia. He studied to become a priest at St Patrick's Seminary, Manly and St Patrick's College, Goulburn. After becoming a priest, he worked in different towns in southern New South Wales and the Riverina region, like Thurgoona, Berrigan, and Narrandera.
He passed away in 1952 in Lewisham, a suburb of Sydney.
His Famous Poems
Hartigan wrote his poems under the name "John O'Brien." His poems celebrated the everyday lives and customs of the people he met in the Australian outback. He often wrote about farmers, drovers, and other country folk. His poetry became very popular in Australia and was also well-liked in Ireland and the United States.
One of his most famous poems is Said Hanrahan. From this poem, the line We'll all be rooned became a common saying in Australian English. People use it in a funny way when someone predicts something bad will happen, especially if it's something they can't control, like the weather.
Hartigan also wrote articles about the early Irish priests in Australia. These articles were later put together into a book called The Men of '38 and Other Pioneer Priests.
Lasting Impact
His most popular book of poetry, Around the Boree Log, was even made into a film in 1925.
To celebrate his work and memory, a special event called the John O'Brien Festival is held every year in Narrandera, New South Wales.
