Thomas Cawley facts for kids

Father Thomas Cawley was an Irish priest, a talented writer, and a playwright. He was born on October 11, 1878, and passed away on May 6, 1949. He is remembered for his work collecting old stories and poems.

Who Was Father Thomas Cawley?

His Early Life and Studies

Thomas Cawley was born in a place called Craughwell in County Galway, Ireland. His parents were Patrick Cawley and Julia Carr. He became a priest on June 23, 1907.

Collecting Old Stories and Poems

When he was a student, Thomas Cawley loved collecting folklore. Folklore means old stories, songs, and traditions from a certain area. He published these stories in a magazine called Iris Leabhar Manuat. He used a special writing name, or pen-name, called Killura. This was the old name for his hometown, Craughwell.

Many people in the Cawley family believe that Father Thomas collected the poems of a famous poet named Raftery. They think he then shared these poems with Douglas Hyde, who later became the first President of Ireland.

Working with Famous Writers

Father Cawley was also involved in a cultural event called the Killeeneen Feis. A feis is a traditional Irish festival, often with music, dance, and storytelling. He was the secretary for this event. Because of this, he met many important Irish writers and artists. These included Lady Gregory, Edward Martyn, and W.B. Yeats. Together, they helped put a headstone on Raftery's grave. A headstone is a stone marker placed at a grave.

His Family and Legacy

The Cawley family in Craughwell still has a painted picture of Father Thomas. He was also the granduncle of another priest, Rev. Martin Coen. Father Thomas Cawley's work helped to preserve important Irish stories and traditions for future generations.