Feardorcha O’Farrelly: Poet of Mullagh and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Feardorcha O’Farrelly, active around 1736, was a notable Irish poet from Mullagh, County Cavan, in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Likely born in the late 17th century, Feardorcha was the son of John O’Farrelly, a farmer, historian, and poet. While little is known about his mother, the family held a strong connection to early medieval church figures from the area.
Early Life and Career
Feardorcha initially studied for the Catholic priesthood but was unable to complete his ordination due to an unclear family issue. Returning to Mullagh, he became a farmer, but it was his talent as a poet that earned him local recognition. His friendships with prominent figures like Turlough O’Carolan, the famous harpist, and Cathaoir Mac Cába, cemented his place within Ireland’s artistic circles.
Literary Contributions
Feardorcha’s works gained the support of patrons like the Mortimer family of Lakeview House at Cloghballybeg. Although only five of his poems survive today, they reflect the political and social climate of 18th-century Ireland. One of his better-known poems personifies the River Blackwater, using it as a vehicle for political commentary. In it, he is rebuked for yielding to the new political powers, captured in lines like:
“’S a rúpach na meang, a shiúlas go cam, an bhfuil dúil agat i ngrean draoithe?”
(And the wily strap with the crooked walk, do you lust after her charms and pleasantries?)
Legacy
While Feardorcha’s surviving body of work is small, his poetry offers valuable insights into the concerns and struggles of his time. His contributions help preserve the literary traditions of the region and give a voice to rural Ireland during a period of change.
Visitors to Mullagh today can still appreciate the area’s history and natural beauty, where figures like Feardorcha once lived and wrote. Exploring the region offers a chance to connect with the past and see firsthand the landscapes that influenced poets like him.