The name Pádraic Ó Conaire provokes thoughts of his short story ‘M’asal Beag Dubh’, Albert Power’s charming statue, or of his “fondness for a drop” - few think of his involvement in the Irish revolution.
In the summer of 1917, Ó Conaire campaigned for de Valera and Sinn Féin in east Clare, while at the same time fundraising for his new book, Seacht mBua an Éirí Amach (‘Seven Virtues of the Rising’ ), a collection of seven short stories with the 1916 Rising as a common thread. The book was eventually published in April 1918. In recognition of its literary importance, i was recently included in the Royal Irish Academy/Irish Times list, ‘Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks’.
At 2.30pm this Saturday, to mark the centenary anniversary of the book, Brendan McGowan of Galway City Museum will give an illustrated talk about Ó Conaire and what has been described as “his last important creative work”.
Admission is free but advance booking is advised via Galway City Museum on 091 - 532460.
