A biography of the last King of the Great Blasket Island located off the coast of Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland. This island has special significance in the Springfield area because so many islanders relocated here during the decline of the island in the first half of the twentieth century. Among those who settled in Springfield was Mike ‘The Fiddler” Kane, the King’s own first born son. There is something magical about the notion of a King on a small isolated island. Few would look at the ruins on the Great Blasket today and imagine that a King had lived there. Yet the King was a very forceful presence on this island. The last was Pádraig Ó Catháin who served for about twenty-five years until his death in 1929. To the islanders, he was arguably the most important citizen and was the central figure on the island. This is the first account of the King’s extraordinary life, written in collaboration with his descendants in the USA and Ireland. It tells of the very special, unique man, his many contributions to the island and his extended legacy. Autographed copies of the book will be on sale at the event.
Presented by: Gerald W. Hayes, co-author of the book of the same name written with the great great granddaughter of the King.
The audience is invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program.
Cookies and beverage are provided courtesy of Big Y.
