Sigerson Clifford facts for kids

Sigerson Clifford (born Edward Bernard Clifford, 1913 – 1 January 1985) was a famous Irish poet and writer. He also worked as a civil servant. He is best known for his poem, The Boys of Barr na Sráide. This poem tells stories about his childhood friends.

Early Life and Inspiration

Sigerson Clifford was born in Cork City, Ireland. His parents, Michael and Mary Anne Clifford, were from County Kerry. When he was very young, his family moved back to Kerry. They lived in a town called Cahersiveen. Sigerson went to school there.

When he was six, he lived with his grandfather, Ned Clifford. Ned was a great storyteller. He encouraged young Sigerson to write poems and stories. This helped Sigerson become the writer we know today. Edward Clifford chose the name Sigerson for his writing. He did this to honor his mother's family. Even though he used Sigerson as his writing name, his family and friends still called him "Eddie."

Career and Family Life

After finishing school at 19, Sigerson started working for the government. He worked in offices that helped people find jobs. He worked in Cork and Kerry. In 1943, he moved to Dublin.

In 1945, he married Sheila Marie Eady from Cork. They had seven children, two daughters and five sons. One of his sons, Colm Ó Clúbhán, also became a playwright. Sigerson kept writing poems and plays while working. He retired from his government job in 1973.

Famous Works and Legacy

Sigerson Clifford wrote many poems and plays. One of his plays, The Great Pacificator, was performed at the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1947.

His most famous work is the poem The Boys of Barr na Sráide. This poem is named after a street in Cahersiveen. It remembers his childhood friends. The poem talks about their lives from when they were young. It also mentions the Irish tradition of "hunting for the wran" (a small bird) on St. Stephen's Day. Many singers, like Christy Moore, have recorded this poem as a song.

Another singer, Tim Dennehy, wrote a song called Between the Mountains and the Sea. This song celebrates Sigerson Clifford's life and work.

In 2010, a verse from his poem The Ballad of the Tinker's Son was put on a stone plaque. This was part of a project in Killorglin, County Kerry. It honors his contribution to poetry in the town.

Death

Sigerson Clifford passed away in Glenageary, County Dublin, on January 1, 1985. He was 71 years old. He was buried in Kilnavarnogue Cemetery in his hometown of Cahersiveen. A monument stands in the center of Cahersiveen to remember him.