Celebration of Charleville poet
THE life and works of arguably one of Munster most influential Irish language poets and songwriters will be remembered during a celebration taking place in Charleville over the coming weekend.
Born in Churchtown in 1691 Jacobite poet Séan Clárach Mac Domhnaill lived in Kiltoohig Cill Tuathaigh (Charleville) hence his association with the town.
While little is know of his youth of family, he did receive a comprehensive education despite the Penal Laws of the time leaning Latin, Ancient Greek, English and his native tongue.
Mac Domhnaill was one of the celebrated Maigue Poets, a circle of poets active in Co Limerick in the 18th century who met at the ancient ringfort Lios Ollium in Bruree.
His poetry was much admired by his peers who gave him the prestigious title of Priomh-Éigeas na Mumhan (Chief Poet of Munster).
He is the author of a number of well-known works most notably the song Mo Ghile Mear (My Gallant Darling) a lament by the Gaelic goddess Éire for Bonnie Prince Charlie following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden.
Despite his high position, Mac Domhnaill found it impossible to make a living out of poetry and had to supplement his income working as a farm labourer and teacher.
He died in 1754 and is buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Charleville adjacent the medieval parish church.
The celebrations, organized by the Charleville Heritage Society, will get underway on Friday evening with a seminar on the life of the poet with contributions from Professor Liam O’Murchu, An tAthair Miceal de Liostun and Denis Hickey.
On Saturday people are invited to take part in a tour visiting places associated with Mac Domhnaill including his birthplace and the Holy Cemetery. Later on that night there will be a concert featuring Donnacha O’Dulaing, Sean O’Se, the musicians of Craobh an Rath, Jacob’s Ladder and many more artists.
On Sunday there will be mass at the Holy Cross Church after which the weekend will draw to a close with the unveiling of a small plague on Séan Clárach Mac Domhnaill’s grave.
For more information email mmfortlands@gmail.com.