Peig Sayers
1873-1958
Born Dunquin,
County Kerry. She worked in domestic service before marrying a man from
the Great Blasket Islands where she lived for over 40 years. She wrote her
autobiography, simply called Peig and a second volume Beatha Pheig Sayers,
both of which she dictated to her son Mícheál as she was unable to write
Irish herself. Another book of recollections was called Machtnamh
Seana-Mhná (An Old Woman’s Reflections). She and her son Mícheál left
the Island in 1942 and the island was depopulated in 1953. She also
provided hundreds of folk tales and songs for the Irish Folklore
Commission.
She is buried with her son Mícheál in the
new graveyard at Dunquin.
Mícheál Ó Gaoithín 1901-1974 was born on
the Blasket Islands. As well as taking down his mother’s recollections
he also wrote an autobiography Is Trua ná Fanann an Óige (A Pity Youth
does not Last) and a book of poems Coinnle Corra.
Further information,
location and directions to the
grave are to be found in "The End - An Illustrated Guide to the
Graves of Irish Writers". Click here
to order a copy of this book
