Seamus Mac Cruitín facts for kids

Seamus Mac Cruitín (born in 1815, died September 1, 1870) was an important Irish poet and bard from the 1800s. He spent his life writing poems and songs, and also worked as a schoolmaster.

About Seamus Mac Cruitín

His Early Life and Family

Seamus Mac Cruitín was born in County Clare, Ireland, likely near the area of Ennistymon. He came from a family of writers and poets. His relatives included Aindrias Mac Cruitín and Aodh Buí Mac Cruitín, who were also well-known. Seamus believed he was a descendant of Sean, a brother of Aindrias. We do not know if he had any brothers or sisters.

His Work and Friends

Seamus spent some time living in County Kerry. By his early twenties, he was working as a schoolmaster, teaching students. He had many important friends and colleagues. These included the scribe Michael O Raghallaigh, and Brian O Luanaigh, who later became a professor. He also knew John MacHale, who was an Archbishop, and Eugene O'Curry. Another friend was William Smith O'Brien, a famous Irish leader.

Mac Cruitín was a very busy writer. He translated famous works like Brian Merriman's The Midnight Court. He also collected songs and poems for Eugene O'Curry. He wrote many translations and versions of texts for William Smith O'Brien. On top of all this, he created his own original poems and songs.

Later Life and Passing

After many years, Seamus Mac Cruitín's health became very poor. He developed a serious illness. He was taken to the Ennistymon Workhouse, where he passed away on September 1, 1870. Seamus Mac Cruitín was buried in a simple, unmarked grave in the workhouse's burial ground. His death was not reported in the local newspapers at the time.

Seamus Mac Cruitín's Writings

Seamus Mac Cruitín wrote many poems and songs throughout his life. Here are some of his notable works:

• Is baoth an turas: This was his earliest known poem, written on May 12, 1836.
• All hail young gentry: He wrote this poem for the O'Briens of Elmvale, near Corofin, around 1840.
• Come over fair Monarch: This poem was published in the Limerick Reporter in March 1842. He had about thirty poems published in this newspaper between 1841 and 1847. He first signed his poems as "A Six Months Tutor" and later as "McCurtin."
• A Chlanna Gael: This was a sad poem, called an elegy, written when Sir Michael O'Loughlen passed away in November 1842.
• Lines suggested on entering the R.C. cathedral of Tuam
• Ag cur slan le Gaeilge (Farewell to Irish)
• Air Uilliam Mhic an Ghabhan Ui Bhrian (On William Smith O'Brian, Esq., M.P.)
• Slan le Cluain an Atha (Farewell to Cloonanaha)
• Uadhacht Sheamuis Mhic Chruitin (the last will and testament of James McCurtin): He likely wrote this poem during his final illness.