Author, Bernard O'Hara

On last Monday evening there was a large gathering at Castlebar Library for the launch of a new book on the life and times of the Straide born patriot Michael Davitte. The book, published by Mayo County Council in collaboration with the Michael Davitt Memorial Association, Straide, was researched and written by Bernard O’Hara, Registrar of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and a native of Killasser, Swinford. The publication marks the centenary of the death of Davitt who died in 1906, and is buried in Straide churchyard.

The  book focuses on the political life of Davitte, a founder member of the Land League; it tells of his efforts on behalf of the Irish farmer which are well known, but also chronicles his international efforts when he championed the cause of rights for British workers, the Boers in Africa, and the Jews in Russia.

This beautifully presented book contains many rare photographs, including one of Davitt’s mother, formerly Catherine Kielty of Turlough. Other photos includes James Daly of Castlebar and Patrick J Nally of Balla, two men who were forefront in the fight against landlordism in Ireland.

Congratulations are due to all concerned with the production of this book, and special mention is due to Berry Print, Westport, for a job well done.

Bernard O’Hara has certainly succeeded in producing a very readable history of a great Mayoman.