Society host lecture on 'Kilkenny's greatest novelist', Frances MacManus
His most popular novel, 'The Greatest of These', was reprinted four times and was on the Leaving Certificate English syllabus
Kilkenny born broadcaster and writer, Francis MacManus, was the topic of the latest South Kilkenny Historical Society lecture, titled, ‘Francis MacManus: County Kilkenny’s Greatest Novelist’, by Dr Willie Nolan, the former professor of geography at University College Dublin (UCD).
In total, Francis MacManus wrote 15 books, and began writing while still working as a teacher, with his first trilogy consisting of novels 'Stand and Give Challenge', 'Candle for the Proud' and 'Men Withering.'
'Men Withering' received the Harmsworth Award for best Irish novel of the year in 1939.
For his second trilogy, MacManus turned his attention to contemporary Ireland, with 'This House Was Mine', 'Flow On Lovely River' and 'Watergate.' These explored the impact of history on the ordinary lives of Irish people, including the greed for land.
In the lecture, Dr Nolan dealt in detail with 'This House Was Mine', which tells the story of an exile who returns to the ruins of his family home and recalls the past.
'Flow On Lovely River' tells the story of a schoolteacher’s love for the daughter of a drunkard, while in 'Watergate', a daughter returns from America to her family farm, finding it falling into decay.
His most popular novel, 'The Greatest of These', was reprinted four times and was on the Leaving Certificate English syllabus.
The Francis MacManus Short Story Prize was established in his memory by RTÉ Radio, where he worked as a broadcaster, in 1985, and his papers were donated to the National Library of Ireland, in April 2010, by his son Patrick.
This collection comprises of manuscripts and drafts of his work, diaries, notebooks and correspondence, including letters from Sean O’Casey, Sean O’Faolain and C.P. Snow.
During the lecture, Dr. Nolan referred to the late Francis MacManus as a man who could relate to people.
The Chairman of the Society, spoke on the Dr Nolan's ability to relate to the audience, and deliver a wonderful tribute to Francis MacManus. He also thanked Kilkenny County Council for financial assistance provided for its lecture programme.
The next South Kilkenny Historical Society lecture, ‘Freighting the River Blackwater', takes place on Friday, November 29, at 8pm in Mullinavat Hall and will be delivered by Andrew Doherty.
On Friday, December 6, a night of reminiscing with Seamus McGrath, takes place in the Rhu Glenn. Food will be served at 7pm, with the event beginning at 8pm. The cost, including food, is €25 per person.
The society events for 2024 conclude on December 26, with Lá an Dreoilín, in Mullinavat.
Membership of the society, which is open to all, costs €20.