A new book of poems by the late Mairéad Friel from Drummin, Westport, has just been published.
The book was compiled by the poet’s son, Liam Friel, and is a beautiful collection of original handwritten verses, alongside printed versions of each poem.
The Poetry and Life of Mairéad Friel also includes extracts from Mairéad’s personal diaries, providing a unique, first-hand, social history of the parish.
The book traces Mairéad’s life from Derrykillew, Carrakennedy, Westport, where she was born in 1921, to Dublin where she attended the Holy Faith Convent in Glasnevin.
She went on to work in the civil service in the Department of Agriculture, and, in 1946, married Paddy Friel. The couple moved to Oughty, Drummin, and had five sons.
Mairéad passed away in 2010. She was by then a well-known poet, with many of her writings published in local newspapers as well as in several national periodicals.
“The book is a gem and will bring many a smile and many a tear to readers,” said publisher Liamy MacNally. “It is a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman,” he added.
The Poetry and Life of Mairéad Friel is published by Westport’s Covie Publications and Recordings and is available in Duffy’s Bookshop and McLoughlin’s in Westport, Castle Books in Castlebar, as well as in other local outlets. It is also available online at Mayobooks.ie
