Bryan MacMahon, Údar and Oide

 

A portrait of the writer and teacher, Bryan MacMahon was unveiled at St Patrick’s College on 23 April.  This is the third in a series commissioned by the College in honour of its distinguished writer-alumni.   The painting, by the acclaimed artist Mick O’Dea RHA, was unveiled by the Chairperson of the College Governing Body, Professor John Coolahan.   The event  was attended by Bryan MacMahon’s sons Bryan and Jim, and other members of the Mac Mahon family, and by Mick O’Dea, and staff, students and members of Governing Body.   Bryan was fondly remembered by his son Bryan, who told stories about his father’s teaching and travels over the years, and by fellow Kerryman and College alumnus, John Coolahan.  

 

This year marks the 10th anniversary the death of Bryan MacMahon. Born in Listowel, Co Kerry, he was a student of the College from 1928-1930.   He was primary school principal in his native town, and also had an illustrious career as a playwright, novelist and short-story writer.   He also established Listowel Writers Week.  He contributed poems and short stories to The Bell and won the Bell Award for fiction.  MacMahon’s plays include The Bugle in the Blood (Abbey, March 1949); The Song of the Anvil (Abbey, 1960) and The Honey Spike (Abbey, 1961; revived 1993).   His autobiography, The Master, was published in 1992.  

Pictured below at the unveiling are Judge Bryan MacMahon, Mick O'Dea, Professor John Coolahan, Jim MacMahon and Dr Pauric Travers.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Tuesday April 29 2008