At the launch of Sèamus Kavanagh’s book, from left, Maurice Kearney, Seamus Kavanagh, Martina Byrne, Barbara Kavanagh, Teresa McIlroy, John Hand, and Richard Byrne.

Seamus Kavanagh launches 'Meascra Scealta O Chill Dara' from Irish Times columns

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Dunboyne man, Seamus Kavanagh,a former school inspector who has been a regular contributor to the Irish Times over the last few years , has published a book of his articles 'Meascra Scealta O Chill Dara' - 'A Miscellany of Stories from Kildare'. The book was launched in the Constantia Shop in Dunboyne last week.

Seamus, who lives in Beechdale, wrote as Gaeilge for the Tuarascáil column in The Irish Times over the last few years. There is a wide variety of essays in the book, dealing with aspects of his life while growing up in Kildare. Topics include poverty, education, cinema, working on the bog, sport, music, art, religion, kidnapping, workhouses and asylums. His memories and life experiences permeate most of the essays. Portraits of famous historical figures such as John Devoy, Dan Donnelly, and the Curragh Wrens also feature in the book. Each chapter is enriched by an illustrative picture painted by his wife Barbara Kavanagh.

Séamus was born in Roscrea in Co Tipperary but spent his early life in Ballymore Eustace and Monasterevin Co Kildare. He spent a number of years teaching in Dublin before he joined the Primary Inspectorate in the Department of Education. He spent almost 30 years inspecting schools in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow before he retired.

He was educated in Monasterevin and Kildare town. He trained as a primary teacher in St Patrick’s Training College, Drumcondra, Dublin and among his former classmates was Maurice Kearney, former principal of Ratoath NS and Richard Byrne, former principal, Scoil Mhuire, Navan.

Seamus later achieved a BA, HDipEd, and PhD in UCD. He was awarded an M Ed in UCG and an MA (Gaeilge) in DIT and a Higher Diploma in Translation (Irish) in Gaelchultúr, Dublin. Seamus also qualified as a barrister and practised for a number of years in the Law Library in Dublin.

He now works part time as a tutor for student teachers in Marino Institute of Education, and as a writer, translator and proof-reader.

Séamus has lived in Dunboyne for over forty years. He is married to Barbara and they have three adult children and five grandchildren.

The book, at €10 plus postage, can be bought by contacting the author at Jameskavanagh190@gmail.com.

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