Literary Associations

Fiachra Mac Brady (early 18th century)
Like many Irish language poets of his era, we know practically nothing about Fiachra's life. He was from the Laragh area, ten miles east of Cavan Town. His poetry shows a very humane and human personality.

Cathair Mac Cabe (early 18th century)
Another Irish language poet from Mullagh in the east of Co. Cavan. He was a friend of the famous blind harpist and composer Turlough O'Carolan. When Carolan heard a report that Mac Cabe was dead, he wrote a lovely lament for his friend but when he went to Mullagh to deliver it, he discovered that Mac Cabe was alive and well!

Thomas Sheridan (c. 1687-1738)
A classical scholar and school master from Mullagh. He was a friend of the famous Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Swift often stayed at Sheridan's home, Quilca House, and may have been inspired by a local farmer called Doughty, who was so strong he could carry a pony on his shoulders.

Thomas ('Manager Tom') Sheridan Junior (1719-1788)
The son of Dr Sheridan, he became a theatrical impresario in Dublin. One night a serious riot erupted after a play in his theatre, and his life was saved by a young English lady called Frances Chamberlain. They got married and returned to Quilca House Mullagh, where they established a literary and artistic salon.

Henry Brooke (c. 1703-81)
Born in Mullagh, he was a poet and playwright, one of his plays being banned in England because it satirised the Prime Minister. He was a linguist who made translations both from ancient and modern languages. He was also a fluent Irish speaker.

Charlotte Brooke (c. 1750-1793)
Henry's daughter. While still young she collected Irish ballads and poetry. At the time use of the Irish language was declining. In 1789 she published The Reliques of Irish Poetry. She did not write herself but many of the poems she published would not otherwise have survived.

Ed Reavy (1898-1988)
Renowned fiddle player. Born at Barnagrove near Cootehill, he emigrated to Philadelphia when he was fourteen. He made some of the first recordings of traditional music in the 1920s. His contribution to Irish music is considered inestimable by players.

Philip Connell (c. 1800-1868)
Born at Crosserlough between Kilnaleck and Ballyjamesduff, his poetry was published locally. He wrote poems in support of The Temperance Movement, an unsuccessful campaign of the 1830s to persuade Irish people to give up alcohol. He emigrated to England in 1844 and died in Manchester.

Mary-Anne Madden Sadlier (1820-1903)
Mary Anne Madden was born in Cootehill. Just before the Great Famine she emigrated to Canada. There she met her husband, D. J. Sadlier, an American publisher. She wrote a vast number of historical novels with Irish themes such as The Hermit of the Rock of Cashel and The Confederate Chieftains.

W. E. Hearn (1826-1888)
Born in Belturbet, he emigrated to Australia where he wrote widely on economics. He is sometimes called 'The Father of Australian Economics'.

William Hague (1836-99)
Born in Cavan town, one of the finest Irish architects in late 19th century Ireland. He worked on well over hundred projects in all parts of Ireland. He concentrated on designs for churches. His early work shows an imaginative use of often limited resources, and often betray a certain mischief.

W. Percy French (1856-1920)
A native of Cloonyquinn, Co. Roscommon. He was an engineer, but his real love was song-writing. He lived for five years in Cavan town (1883-88). He was inspired to write one of his most famous songs, 'Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff'. He wrote over a hundred songs, including 'Phil the phlooter's Ball', 'The Mountains of Mourne' and 'Are ya right there Michael?' He met his first wife Etty while working in Cavan.

Agnes O'Farrelly (1874-1951)
Born in Mullagh, she was involved in the movement for the revival of the Irish language and in the struggle for Women's equality. She wrote both poetry and novels in Irish. In 1934 she became one of the few women professors in Ireland.

Francis Sheehy Skeffington (1876-1916)
Born in Bailieborough. Pacifist and campaigner for women's rights. When he married he added his wife's surname (Sheehy) to his own. During the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule he was arrested by the authorities and shot, although he actually opposed the Rising.

T. P. McKenna (1929- )
Born in Mullagh. He has performed in over twenty films as well as Television dramas. He has starred alongside such actors as Ben Kingsley and Peter Ustinov.

Tom McIntyre (1933- )
Tom McIntyre has written plays and novels. He is particularly remembered for his adaptation for the stage of Monaghan writer Patrick Kavanagh's The Great Hunger.

Dermot Healy (1947- )
Born in Finea Co. Westmeath but grew up in Cavan town. He has written short stories, play, novels … in fact there are few writing formats he hasn't tried and in which he hasn't excelled.

Tom Cullivan (1939- )
Irish composer, born in Cavan town, but now lives in Dublin. He has composed songs, ballets and chamber music. He uses a traditional, tonal style.

Noel Monahan
Poet, born in Granard in Co. Longford. Works as a teacher in Ballyjamesduff. His poetry collections include the critically acclaimed SnowFire.

Shane Connaughton
Shane Connaughton grew up in the village of Redhills, Co. Cavan, where his father was a police sergeant. He has drawn on his experiences for his novels A Border Station and The Country Boy, made into the film The Playboys, filmed in and around the village. He has also worked extensively in theatre. He wrote the screen-play for the Oscar winning film My Left Foot.

Michael Harding
Michael Harding works in all fields of literature. His plays are often controversial. They include Una Pooka and Misogynist. He is also a well-known broadcaster.

Writers with Cavan connections:

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
Jonathan Swift spent much time with his friend Dr Thomas Sheridan of Quilca House near Mullagh. He became godfather to his children and often helped him out when he was in financial difficulties.

Henry James (1843-1916)
The American novelist Henry James' grandfather William was born in Bailieborough c. 1780. He emigrated to New York, and amassed a great fortune. When he died he was reputed to be the third richest man in America. His son Henry, the writer's father, visited Bailieborough, where his negro man-servant caused great interest and enquiry!

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