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HISTORICAL POETS INDEX
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Nighean Fhir na Rèilig Tha Iain MacCoinnich ag innse dhuinn ann an Sàr Obair (1841) gur i nighean Fhir na Rèilig a rinn ‘Thig Trì Nithean gun Iarraidh’. Bha dithis nighean aig Alasdair Friseal (Fear na Rèilig ’s Baran Mhon Itheig, 1610-94) ’s a bhean Catrìona (nighean MhicCoinnich Shìldeig). B’ i an tè a b’ òige dhiubh Mairead, a dh’eug gun phòsadh am Mon Itheig, 1701. Rugadh an tè bu shine ro 1660 agus phòs i Sìm Friseal na Bruaiche ro 1678. Tha fios againn gun robh tè Barabal, bantrach na Bruaiche, na bana-bhàird mu 1720- 40. ’S dòcha mar sin gur i a’ Bharabal Fhriseal seo a rinn ‘Thig Trì Nithean gun Iarraidh’. |
Daughter of the Tacksman of Reelig John Mackenzie tells us in Sàr Obair (1841) that the author of ‘Thig Trì Nithean gun Iarraidh’ was the daughter of the Tacksman of Reelig. Alexander Fraser (Tacksman of Reelig and Baron of Moniack, 1610-94) and his wife Katherine (daughter of MacKenzie of Shieldaig) had two daughters. The younger of them was Margaret, who died unmarried in Moniack in 1701. The elder had been born by 1660 and had married Simon Fraser of Bruiach by 1678. We know that a certain Barbara, Bruiach’s widow, was a poet around 1720-40. Perhaps then it was this Barbara Fraser who made ‘Thig Trì Nithean gun Iarraidh’? |
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Dòmhnall Mac Fhionnlaigh nan Dàn Theirear gur ann do Dhòmhnallaich Ghlinne Comhainn a bhuineadh Dòmhnall mac Fhionnlaigh nan Dàn (c.1540-c.1610), ach gun deach e mach air Mac ’ic Iain, agus ann an ‘Òran na Comhachaig’ - dàn fada no sreath dhàintean aig a bheil mòran ri ràdh rinn andiugh mun àrainneachd, an aon bhàrdachd a dh’fhàg e – tha e glè mheasail air Clann Raghnaill na Ceapaich. Bha e na shealgair ainmeil a chaidh a dh’fhuireach fada bho dhaoine aig Creag Ghuanach faisg air ceann shuas Loch Trèig, agus tha mòran sgeulachdan ann mu dheidhinn. |
Dòmhnall Mac Fhionnlaigh nan Dàn (Donald son of Finlay of the Poems, c.1540-c.1610) is said to have been a Glencoe MacDonald who fell out with his chief, and in ‘The Owl of Strone’ – a long poem or series of poems and the only verse he left - he shows great respect for the Keppoch MacDonalds. He was a celebrated hunter who went to live in isolation at Loch Treig, and there are many stories about him. |
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Té de Chloinn Mhic Coinnich Ailean Dubh à Lòchaidh B’ ann do Dhòmhnallaich Lunndaidh ann an Gleanna Garadh a bhuineadh Ailean Dubh. Ann an 1603 a ghabh e pàirt còmhla ri Garaich eile ann an ionnsaigh bhorb air dùthaich Chlann Choinnich, a dh’adhbhraich gun deach eaglais Chille Chrìosta san Eilean Dubh a chur na smàl air latha Sàbaid nuair a bha i làn luchd-adhraidh. Tha e coltach gun do dh’fhàg a mhì-chliù e tarraingeach do bhoireannaich, agus tha e ri thuigsinn bho fhacail ‘Ailean Dubh à Lòchaidh’ gur i tè de Chloinn Choinnich a rinn an t-òran. |
Té de Chloinn Mhic Coinnich Black Allan was a MacDonald of Lundy in Glengarry. In 1603 he took part with other Glengarry men in a savage raid on MacKenzie territory which culminated in the burning of Kilchrist church on a Sunday while worshippers were inside. The words of ‘Ailean Dubh à Lòchaidh’ suggest that it was composed by a MacKenzie woman. |
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Màiri Chamshron A rèir na sgeulachd bhuineadh Màiri Chamshron do theaghlach Challaird ann an Loch Abar ’s bha Pàdraig (no, mar a chanadh daoine eile, Donnchadh) Caimbeul, oighre Inbhir Abha, ann an gaol rithe. Thug plàigh air falbh gach duine eile san taigh ach thug Pàdraig/Donnchadh oirre gabhail dhan mhuir, a h-aodach a thoirt dhith ’s i fhèin a nighe. Thug e dhachaigh na bhreacan fhèin i, ’s às dèidh a cumail trì mìosan ann am bothaig sa choille (no air Cruachan Beann) phòs e i. Chaidh Pàdraig a leòn am blàr Inbhir Lòchaidh, 1645, ’s nuair a dh’eug e thug athair air Màiri ‘Aba’ Àrd Chatain a phòsadh. |
Mary Cameron According to the story Mary Cameron was of the Callart family in Lochaber and Peter (or Duncan) Campbell, younger of Inverawe, was in love with her. A plague carried off everyone else in the house but Peter/Duncan made her walk into the sea and wash herself. He brought her home in his own plaid, and after keeping her isolated for three months he married her. Peter was wounded at the battle of Inverlochy, 1645, and when he died his father forced Mary to marry the ‘Prior’ of Ardchattan. |
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Muireadhach Albanach Ba de chlann Uí Dhálaigh é. Rugadh i gCo. na Mí é, de réir dealraimh. I mbarr a réime c.1220. Cumadh ‘Éistidh riomsa a Mhuire mhór’ agus é ar deoraíocht in Albain, áit ar chuir sé faoi ar deireadh. Tá ‘M’anam do Sgar Riomsa A-raoir’, marbhna ar a bhean, chomh maith le dánta cumasacha eile i gcló in Irish Bardic Poetry (eag. Osborn Bergin, 1970). |
Muireadhach Albanach Member of the Ó Dálaigh clan, he was probably born in Co. Meath, fl.1220. ‘Éistidh riomsa a Mhuire mhór’ was composed in exile in Scotland, his eventual adopted home. ‘M’anam do Sgar Riomsa A-raoir’, an elegy for his wife, and other powerful poems, appear in Bergin’s Irish Bardic Poetry (1970). |
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Aogán Ó Rathaille Rugadh i Sliabh Luachra c.1670 é, d’éag 1729. Cumadh an dán seo tar éis dó dul i mbochtaineacht i gCorca Dhuibhne nuair a chaill a phátrún a thailte. Is é an foinse is údarásaí dá chuid saothair ná Dánta Aodhagáin Uí Rathaille, eag. Pádraig Ó Duinnín agus Tadhg Ó Donnchadha (1911). |
Aogán Ó Rathaille He was born at Sliabh Luachra c.1670, and died in 1729. This poem was written when he was reduced to poverty in Corca Dhuibhne after the fall of his patron. The chief contemporary source for his work is Dánta Aodhagáin Uí Rathaille, ed. Pádraig Ó Duinnín and Tadhg Ó Donnchadha (1911). |
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Dáibhí Ó Bruadair Rugadh i gCo. Chorcaí é, c.1625, d’éag 1698. Tugann an dán is mó cáil uaidh, ‘An Longbhriseadh’, cuntas ar anchaoi na tíre tar éis Teitheadh na nIarlaí. Tá éadóchas agus dobrón na ndánta le brath go láidir in aistriúcháin Michael Hartnett (1985). Féach freisin Duanaire Dháibhidh Uí Bhruadair, eag. John C. Mac Erlean (1910- 1917). |
Dáibhí Ó Bruadair He was born in Co. Cork, c.1625, and died in 1698. His most famous poem, ‘An Longbhriseadh’ (‘The shipwreck’) deplores the plight of the country after the flight of the Earls. Michael Hartnett’s translations (1985) are deeply moving. See also Duanaire Dháibhidh Uí Bhruadair, ed. John C. Mac Erlean (1910-17). |
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Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair B’ e mac ministeir a bh’ ann an Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair (c.1698-c.1770) a rugadh an Dail Eildhe, am Mùideart. Chaidh oideachadh san lagh. Thug e greis na mhaighstir-sgoile ’s greisean na bhàillidh, ach bha e riamh gnìomhach an cùis Rìgh Seumas. Bha e na chaiptean an rèiseamaid Mhic ’ic Ailein 1745-46. Dh’fhoillsich e faclair agus leabhar bàrdachd. Mhol e boireannaich is am Prionnsa Teàrlach agus dh’aoir e boireannaich is an Rìgh Deòrsa. B’ e duine connspaideach a bh’ ann, ach b’ fhada a lean a bhuaidh air bàrdachd Ghàidhlig. |
Alexander MacDonald Alexander MacDonald (c.1698-c.1770) was a minister’s son in Moidart. He received a legal training and spent a period as a schoolmaster and some time as a factor, but was consistently active in the Jacobite cause. He published a vocabulary and a book of verse. A controversial individual, he praised women and Prince Charles and satirised women and King George. |
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Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta Rugadh c.1650, i gCo. Lú, meastar. D’éag 1733. File coinbhinseanach ab ea é, oilte ó thaobh ceardaíochta de. Tá iomrá ar an dán iontach ‘Tithe Chorr an Chait’ de bharr an réimse feirge agus dímheasa in aghaidh spríonlaitheachta a léiritear ann. Tá a shaothar ar fáil i Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta; Dánta, eag. Seán Ó Gallchóir (1971). |
Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta He was born in Co. Louth it is thought c.1650, and died in 1733. A technically accomplished and conventional poet whose brilliant occasional poem ‘Tithe Chorr an Chait’ is celebrated for its range of rage and contempt at meanness. His work is available in Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta; Dánta, ed. Seán O Gallchóir (1971). |
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Sìleas na Ceapaich B’ i Sìleas na Ceapaich (c.1660-c.1729) nighean tighearna na Ceapaich an Loch Abar. Mu 1685 phòs i bàillidh, fear Alasdair Gòrdan, ’s chaidh iad a thogail an teaghlaich fada bho dhùthaich a hòige, gu siorrachd Bhainbh. Tha a cuid bhàrdachd a’ nochdadh dhuinn bean-uasal chiallach, fhoghlaimte a bha comasach air àbhachdas agus mac-meanmna a chur an cèill. Tha i cuideachd na màthair-adhbhair air dà ruith chudthromach ann am bàrdachd na Gàidhlig – propaganda Seumasach agus laoidhean Caitligeach. |
Sìleas na Ceapaich Sìleas na Ceapaich (c.1660-c.1729) was a daughter of the chief of the MacDonalds of Keppoch in Lochaber. About 1685 she married, Alexander Gordon of Camdell, and went with him to Banffshire. Her poetry reveals a welleducated lady who was capable of expressing both humour and imagination. She is also the fountain-head of two important streams in Gaelic verse – Jacobite propaganda and Catholic hymns. |
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Cairistìona NicFhearghais B’ e nighean gobha à Cunndainn an Siorrachd Rois a bh’ ann an Cairistìona NicFhearghais. Bha i pòsta aig Uilleam Siosal à Innis nan Ceann an Srath Ghlais. Chan eil Uilleam a’ nochdadh idir an eachdraidhean nan Siosalach agus tha e coltach nach robh fearann aige, agus gu robh e air a mheas nach do phòs i fear a bha cho uasal rithe fhèin. A rèir sgeulachd air a bheil coltas na fìrinn, b’ e trod a mhnà seach a bharail fhèin a thug air Uilleam gabhail ann an arm a’ Phrionnsa ’s a dhol gu bhàs an Cùl Lodair (1746). Tha facail ‘Mo Rùn Geal Òg’ a’ nochdadh gu robh i moiteil às a cèile a-nis agus gu robh i air teiche gu tèarainteachd an Eilein Sgitheanaich. |
Christiana Fergusson Christiana Fergusson was a blacksmith’s daughter from Ross-shire who married William Chisholm from Strathglass. It seems William was landless and that Christiana had married beneath herself. According to a story, it was his wife’s scolding rather than his own judgement that made William join Prince Charlie’s army and go to his death at Culloden (1746). The words of ‘Mo Rùn Geal Òg’ show that she was now proud of her husband and that she had fled to safety in Skye. |
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An Clàrsair Dall B’ e Ruairidh Mac Mhuirich (Moireasdan), an Clàrsair Dall (c.1656-1713/14), mac Iain Bhradhagair, tacadair a bha ainmeil fad is farsaing air son eirmseachd cainnte, sgoilearachd agus comas ciùil. Chaidh Ruairidh oideachadh air a’ chlàrsaich an Èirinn. Còmhla ri bàird eile dhe sheòrsa, bhiodh e a’ siubhal nan eilean ’s a’ chinn a tuath fo sgàth cinn-chinnidh (MacLeòid Dhùn Bheagain) a’ cumail ceòl is dibhearsain ri uaislean na dùthcha. Thàinig an saoghal cofhurtail seo gu ceann ann an 1715, ach ’s math a bha fios aig Ruairidh gur ann mar sin a bhitheadh. |
The Blind Harper Roderick Morison, the Blind Harper (c.1656- c.1713), was a son of John Morison of Bragar, a tacksman celebrated for his wit, scholarship and musical prowess. Roderick was trained in the harp in Ireland. He would travel the Islands and the North under the protection of a chiefly patron (MacLeod of Dunvegan) providing the nobility of the countryside with music and entertainment. This cosy world came to an end in 1715, but Roderick had seen the writing on the wall before then. |
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Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh Rugadh Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh (c.1615- c.1707) an Roghadal sna Hearadh. Chaith i a beatha na banaltram aig na Leòdaich mhòra an Dùn Bheagain ’s am Beàrnaraigh. Bha i na boireannach connspaideach a bhiodh a’ trod ri bàird ’s ri bana-bhàird. Bha i a’ suathadh gach là ri filidhean a thug seachd bliadhna a’ togail an ciùird ach dhèanadh i òrain mhòra mholaidh fada na b’ fheàrr na iadsan agus chaidh a chur às a leth gun robh i na buidseach. Thug i greis fada mu dheas an Sgarba ga leigheas aig tobar Chille Mhoire. |
Mary MacLeod Mary MacLeod (c.1615-c.1707) was born at Rodel in Harris, and worked as a nurse for the MacLeods in Dunvegan and Berneray. She mingled on a daily basis with professional poets who had spent seven years learning their craft but her songs of praise were much better than theirs and she was accused of being a witch. |
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Donnchadh Bàn Mac an t-Saoir Rugadh Donnchadh Bàn Mac an t-Saoir (1724- 1812) an Gleann Urchaidh an Earra-Ghaidheal. Bha e na ghìomanach aig na Caimbeulaich am frìthean Ghleann Èite, Beinn Dòrain ’s Gleann Lòchaidh, ach nuair thàinig a’ chaora mhòr mu 1760 theich e fhèin agus ‘Màiri Bhàn Òg’ a Dhùn Èideann far na ghabh esan am Freiceadan a’ Bhaile ’s na dh’fhosgail ise taigh dhramaichean. B’ e seo hegira na Gàidhlig. A’ cleachdadh briathrachas mòr, mhol no dhì-mhol e dùthaich ’s daoine mar bha dhìth, ’s fhuair e air a bhàrdachd fhoillseachadh ged nach b’ urrainn dha leughadh. Bha e na dhuine sunndach a choisinn meas agus gràdh nan Gaidheal uile. |
Duncan Ban MacIntyre Duncan Ban MacIntyre (1724-1812) was born in Glen Orchy in Argyll. He was a gamekeeper for the Campbells, but when the ‘great sheep’ came c.1760 he and ‘Màiri Bhàn Òg’ fled to Edinburgh where he joined the City Guard and she opened a dram-shop. Deploying a huge vocabulary, he praised or dispraised land and people as circumstances demanded, and had his verse published although he could not read. |
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Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna Rugadh i gCo. Fhear Manach é, meastar, c.1680. D’éag 1756. Clú agus cáil air i dtraidisiún an bhéaloideasa mar fhile ragairneach a chaith a shaol le cearrbhachas agus le hól. Is é ‘An Bonnán Buí’ an dán is clúití den 15 dhán a mhaireann – go mórmhór de bharr an ghrinn a bhaineann le dúil an fhile san ól. Féach Cathal Buí: Amhráin, eag. Breandán Ó Buachalla (1975). |
Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna Born probably in Fermanagh c.1680, he died in 1756, and has a considerable reputation in folk tradition as an archetypal rakish, gambling and drinking poet. The ‘Bonnán Buí’ is the most celebrated of his fifteen extant poems, chiefly for the humour of its horror at abstinence. See Cathal Buí: Amhráin, ed. Breandán Ó Buachalla (1975). |
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Niall Mòr MacMuireadhaigh Bha Niall Mòr (c.1550-post 1613) air fear de Chlann Mhuirich a bha faisg air 600 bliadhna nam filidhean, nan seanchaidhean ’s nan seirbheisich chatharra aig Iarlachan na Leamhnachd, Rìghrean nan Eilean agus Tighearnan Chlann Raghnaill. A rèir choltais bha fearann aig a sheanair an Cinn Tìre fhathast ann an 1541 agus thathas dhen bheachd gur e Niall Mòr a’ chiad MhacMhuirich aig an robh gabhaltas tèarainte an Uibhist a Deas airson a sheirbheisean do Mhac ’ic Ailein. Chan eil ach ceithir dàin a chaidh a chur ri ainm, agus tha iad gu math eadar-dhealaichte o chèile. |
Niall Mòr MacMuireadhaigh Niall Mòr (c.1550-post 1613) was one of the MacMhúirichs who served for nearly six hundred years as poets, historians and civil servants to the Earls of Lennox, the Kings of the Isles and the chiefs of Clanranald. It has been suggested that Niall Mòr was the first MacMhúirich to have a secure holding in South Uist for his services to Clanranald. Only four poems have been ascribed to him and they are very different from each other. |
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Uilleam Ros Rugadh Uilleam Ros (1762-91) san Eilean Sgitheanach, dùthaich athar, ’s thogadh e an Geàrrloch, dùthaich a mhàthar. Thugadh foghlam math dha ’s tha an t-eòlas aige air ceòl ri aithneachadh na chuid òran. Chaidh e na cheannaiche-siubhail (mar athair roimhe) ’s an uair sin na mhaighstir-sgoile. Do Mhòr Ros, a bha grunn bhliadhnachan na bu shine na e, thug e gaol ainmeil ris nach deach gabhail. Rinn e aoirean draosta cho math ri òrain ghaoil làn fèinmhothachaidh. Dh’eug e leis a’ chaitheimh is e fhathast na dhuine òg. Chuir e a’ bhàrdachd aige ann an sgrìobhadh ach loisg e i, ’s chaidh cuid dhith a chur ri chèile a-rithist bho bheul-aithris. |
William Ross William Ross (1762-91) was born in Skye and raised in Gairloch. He was given a good education and became a pedlar, like his father, then a schoolmaster. To Marion Ross, several years his senior, he gave unrequited love. He composed bawdy satires as well as love-songs full of self-awareness, dying of consumption when still a young man. He burned his poems but some were later restored from oral tradition. |
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Rob Donn MacAoidh Rugadh Rob Donn (1714-78) aig Allt na Caillich ann an sgìre Dhiùranais an Dùthaich MhicAoidh. Thug e a bheatha ag obair le crodh – na bhuachaille, na ghille-cruidh, na dhròbhair – ach bha e a cheart cho furachail mu dhaoine. Chùm e muinntir na sgìre, àrd agus ìseal, fo smachd le amaladh breithneachail de dh’òrain mholaidh ’s de dh’aoirean. B’ esan sùilean agus cluasan a’ mhinisteir, ach bhruidhneadh e cainnt nan daoine, ’s abair cainnt! Uairean drabasta, uairean ro onarach – ’s uairean doirbh dhuinne a thuigsinn, oir cha do chaomhain e sinn bho Ghàidhlig amh na sgìre. Tha meas mòr air Rob Donn sa cheann a tuath gus an là an-diugh. |
Rob Donn MacKay Rob Donn (1714-78) was born in the parish of Durness. He spent his life working with cows but was just as attentive to people. He kept the people of the district, high and low, in control with a judicious mixture of songs of praise and satire. Sometimes raunchy, sometimes too honest – and sometimes hard for us to understand, for he did not spare us from the raw Gaelic of the district, Rob Donn is much esteemed in the north to this day. |
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Eoghan Rua Ó Súileabháin Rugadh i Sliabh Luachra i 1748 é, d’éag 1784. Liriceoir, aorthóir agus laoch an phobail, cluanaí ban, múinteoir scoile agus mairnéalach (faoi cheannas an Aimiréil Rodney). Tá urraim ag daoine fós dó i ngeall ar a ghaiscí agus a dhánta. Tá clú agus cáil ar a chuid aislingí. Is iad a dhánta ag moladh na mban a thuill clú dó. Féach Amhráin Eoghain Rua Uí Shúilleabháin, eag. Pádraig Ó Duinnín (1901). |
Eoghan Rua Ó Súileabháin Rugadh i Sliabh Luachra i 1748 é, d’éag 1784. Liriceoir, aorthóir agus laoch an phobail, cluanaí ban, múinteoir scoile agus mairnéalach (faoi cheannas an Aimiréil Rodney). Tá urraim ag daoine fós dó i ngeall ar a ghaiscí agus a dhánta. Tá clú agus cáil ar a chuid aislingí. Is iad a dhánta ag moladh na mban a thuill clú dó. Féach Amhráin Eoghain Rua Uí Shúilleabháin, eag. Pádraig Ó Duinnín (1901). |
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Brian Merriman I gCo. an Chláir a rugadh c.1745. Cailleadh 1805. Taobh amuigh de mhionphíosa no dhó is cosúil nár chum sé ach an t-aon dán conspóideach amháin – ‘Cúirt An Mheán Oíche’, dán fada a mheall mórán aistritheoirí tríd na blianta síos, ina measc Frank O’Connor agus David Marcus. Féach Cúirt An Mheon-Oíche, eag. Liam Ó Murchú (1982). |
Brian Merriman Born c.1745 in Co. Clare, he died in 1805. Apart from one or two slight pieces, he appears only to have written the controversial ‘Cúirt An Mheán Oíche’, a long poem which has attracted many translators over the years, including Frank O’Connor and David Marcus. See Cúirt an Mheon-Oíche, ed. Liam Ó Murchú (1982). |
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Eibhlín Dhubh Ní Chonaill Is i gCiarraí a rugadh c.1743. Cailleadh 1800. Chum sí an marbhna iontach sin ‘Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire’. Cumadh an chéad chuid ar an láthair os cionn coirp a fir tar éis a dhúnmharú. Breacadh síos an téacs deiridh ón mbéaloideas na blianta ina dhiaidh sin. Féach Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire, eag. Seán Ó Tuama (1961). |
Eibhlín Dubh O Connell Born in Kerry c.1743, she died in 1800. Composer of this extraordinary lament, the first part of which was extemporised over the fresh corpse of her murdered husband, the final text being taken down many years later from the oral tradition. See Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire, ed. Seán Ó Tuama (1961). |
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Rugadh Iain MacGillEathain, ‘Bàrd Thighearna Chola’ (1787-1848), sa Chaolas, an Tiriodh. Bha e na ghreusaiche. Rinn Tighearna Chola na bhàrd dha fhèin e, agus rinn e iomadh òran molaidh ’s gàirdeachais dhan teaghlach aige, ach na latha-san cha robh tiotalan mar seo a’ ciallachadh mòran, agus thug e Alba Nuadh air ann an 1819. Mar a dh’èirich do mhòran, bha an eilthireachd na mealladh dùil dha, an toiseach co-dhiù. B’ e dàin spioradail agus òrain aotrom bu mhotha a rinn e san t-saoghal ùr, ach tha caran de dh’inbhe laoidh nàiseanta aig ‘A’hoille Ghruamach’ am measg Gaidheil Cheap Breatainn, ’s cha bheag an t-iongnadh. |
John MacLean John MacLean, ‘The Laird of Coll’s Bard’ (1787- 1848), was born in Tiree. The Laird of Coll made him his poet, and he composed many songs of praise and celebration for the family, but titles like this did not mean a great deal in his day, and he went to Nova Scotia in 1819. In the New World he composed mainly hymns and light songs, but his ‘Coille Ghruamach’ has something like anthemic status amongst Cape Breton Gaels. |
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Niall MacLeòid Rugadh Niall MacLeòid (1843-1924) an Gleann Dail san Eilean Sgitheanach, ach nuair a bha e 22 thug e Dùn Èideann air agus bha e an sin an còrr dhe bheatha, ag obair na mharsanta teatha. Bha a’ bhàrdachd na fhuil – b’ e ‘Dòmhnall nan Òran’ a chanadh iad ri athair, agus thathar ag ràdh gun robh bàrdachd a bhràthar, Iain Dubh, (a bha na mharaiche) na b’ fheàrr na dad a rinn Niall riamh. Chan eil fhios againn a bheil seo fìor. Bha Niall proifeiseanta gu chùl: ge b’ e teatha no bàrdachd e, bheireadh e do dhaoine na bha dhìth orra, agus, eu-coltach ri bhràthair, bha de ghliocas aige a bhàrdachd (Clàrsach an Doire, 1883) a thoirt a-mach mar leabhar. |
Neil MacLeod Neil MacLeod (1843-1924) was born on Skye, but at twenty-two he went to Edinburgh and remained there the rest of his life, working as a tea merchant. Poetry was in his blood – his father’s nickname was ‘Donald of the Songs’, and it is said that the poetry of his brother Iain Dubh (who was a seaman) was better than anything Neil had ever done. We do not know if this is true, but Neil had the wisdom to bring his poetry out as a book (Clàrsach an Doire, 1883). |
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Màiri Mhòr nan Oran B’ e Dòmhnallach à Sgèabost san Eilean Sgitheanach a bh’ ann am Màiri Mhòr nan Òran (1821-98). Phòs i Ìsaac Mac a’ Phearsain à Inbhir Nis. Dh’eug esan an 1871, agus chaidh Màiri na searbhant. Ann an 1872 chaidh cur às a leth gun do ghoid i an t-aodach aig boireannach marbh nuair bha an tòrradh a’ gabhail àite agus thugadh dhi dà fhichead là sa phrìosan. ’S e, na faclan fhèin, ‘na dh’fhuiling mi de thàmailt / a thug mo bhàrdachd beò’. Ri linn aimhreit an fhearainn bha mòran Ghaidheal a’ cur feum air barrachd brosnachaidh na bha Niall MacLeòid a’ toirt dhaibh; fad còrr is fichead bliadhna b’ e Màiri a thug dhaibh e, agus choisinn i meas agus gaol nan Sgitheanach. |
Mary MacPherson Màiri Mhòr nan Òran (1821-98) was born a MacDonald on Skye. She married Isaac MacPherson from Inverness. He died in 1871, and Mary became a servant. In 1872 she was accused of stealing a dead woman’s clothes and was given forty days in prison. This was ‘the humiliation I suffered/which brought my verse alive’. For over twenty years Mary provided her readers with strength during the land struggle, winning the love and respect of the people of Skye. |
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Iain Mac a’ Ghobhainn Rugadh Iain Mac a’ Ghobhainn (Seonaidh Phàdraig, 1848-81) an Iarsiadar, Ùig, Eilean Leòdhais. Bha e còig bliadhna ag ionnsachadh leighis an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, ach ghabh e a’ chaitheamh, agus thill e a chur seachad nan seachd bliadhna a bh’ aige air fhàgail, aig an taigh. Rinn e oidhirp air mòran dhe na h-aon chuspairean bàrdail ri Uilleam MacDhunlèibhe (q.v.), ach bha aimhreit an fhearainn a’ tachairt uile-thimcheall air, agus chuidich seo e gu fearg rianail a chur an cèill ann an cuid dhe na dàin as fhaide aige - mu ‘Spiorad a’ Charthannais’ sgrìobh Ruaraidh MacThòmais gu bheil e na fhaochadh ‘gun tàinig cridhe ’s inntinn còmhla gu bàrdachd mhòr a dhèanamh mun do theirig an linn’. |
John Smith John Smith (Seonaidh Phàdraig, 1848-81) was born on Lewis. He studied medicine at Edinburgh University, but contracted consumption and returned home for his last seven years. The land-struggle was happening all around him, and this helped him express controlled passion in some of his longer poems. Of ‘Spiorad a’ Charthannais’ Derick Thomson wrote that it is a relief ‘that heart and mind combined to produce a great poem before the century was out’. |
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Dòmhnall Mac A’ Ghobhainn (Dòmhnall mac Ailein) B’ e Dòmhnall mac Ailein a rinn ‘Trì Fichead Bliadhna ’s a Trì’ ann am meadhan nan 1850an dha bhràthair, Aonghas, a bha air Dail ann an Nis fhàgail airson a dhol a dh’Aimeireagaidh còmhla ri dithis dhe thriùir mhac, Ailean agus Dòmhnall. Tha beul-aithris ag innse dhuinn gun robh bean Dhòmhnaill ga lorg aon là ’s gun d’ fhuair i e na shuidhe air an àth san tsabhal, a’ gal agus a’ dèanamh an òrain seo - an aon òran as aithne dhuinn a rinn e riamh - agus fios aige nach biodh comhluadar tuilleadh eadar e fhèin ’s a bhràthair seach nach robh sgrìobhadh aig fear seach fear. Chaidh Iain, am mac a dh’fhuirich aig an taigh, a bhàthadh. Rinn Dòmhnall Chràisgein, Bàrd Bharabhais, òran mun adhbhar-bròin - ‘Òran Eathar Aonghais Chaluim Ruaidh’. |
Donald Smith He composed this poem in the mid-1850s for his brother, Angus, who left Dell for America with two of his three sons. Tradition has it that Donald’s wife, looking for him one day found him sitting in the barn weeping as he composed this song knowing that his brother was beyond his reach because they were both illiterate. The son who stayed behind was drowned. Dòmhnall Chràisgein, the Barvas Bàrd composed a song about the tragedy – ‘Òran Eathar Aonghais Chaluim Ruaidh’. |
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Uilleam MacDhunlèibhe Rugadh Uilleam MacDhunlèibhe (1808-70) ann an Cill an Rubha an Ìle. Bha e na thàillear ’s na dhuine fèin-ionnsaichte a bhiodh a’ leughadh gun sgur. Chaidh e a dh’fhuireach a Thradeston an Glaschu. Cha robh e fhèin idir gaisgeil ach tha a bhàrdachd loma-làn ghaisgeach Gaidhealach. Bha e na nàiseantach Albannach agus bhiodh e a’ dèanamh làn ròlaistean rannaigheachd mu bhlàir mhòra nan linntean a bh’ ann. Tha neart nan liric agus geurad poileataigeach air am filleadh gu snasail ann an cuid dhe na dàin as giorra aige. |
William Livingstone William Livingstone (1808-70) was born on Islay. A tailor and a self-educated man who read constantly, he went to live in Glasgow. Livingstone was a Scottish nationalist and composed massive romances in verse about the great battles of the past. Some of his shorter poems are a perfect combination of lyric force and political acumen. |
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Antoin Ó Raifteirí Antoine Ó Raiftearaí a scríobhtar freisin. I gCo. Mhaigh Eo a rugadh 1779. Cailleadh 1835. Cliaraí fánach a raibh tuairimí polaitiúla radacaigh aige; Caitliceach díocasach agus file conspóideach a raibh an-tóir air, agus meas air i gcónaí. Tá sé ráite gurb é an dán corraitheach sin ‘Eanach Dhúin’ an saothar ab fhearr a dhein sé. Féach Raiftearaí: Amhráin agus Dánta, eag. Ciarán Ó Coigligh (1987). |
Anthony Raftery (Also written Antoine Ó Raiftearaí.) He was born in Co. Mayo in 1779, and died in 1835. A wandering minstrel of radical political views, he was fiercely Catholic, and a contentious popular poet cherished in folk memory. His lament ‘Eanach Dhúin’ is deeply moving, perhaps his finest poem. See Raiftearaí: Amhráin agus Dánta, ed. Ciarán Ó Coigligh (1987). |
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Máire Bhuí Ní Laoire I gCo. Chorcaí a rugadh 1774. Cailleadh c.1849. Ní raibh léamh ná scríobh aici ach mhair a saothar i mbéaloideas Iarthair Chorcaí. Chum sí dánta grá, marbhnaí agus dánta diaga. Cáil fé leith don dán ornáideach sin ’Cath Chéim an Fhiaidh‘ agus don aisling ‘Ar Leacain na Gréine’. Féach Filíocht Mháire Bhuidhe Ní Laoghaire, eag. Donncha Ó Donnchú (1931). |
Máire Bhuí Ní Laoire Born in Co. Cork in 1774, she died c.1849. She was illiterate, but her compositions survived in the folklore of West Cork. Maker of love poems, laments and religious poems, she is best known for the colourful ‘Cath Chéim an Fhiaidh’ and the aisling ‘Ar Leacain na Gréine’. See Filíocht Mháire Bhuidhe Ní Laoghaire, ed. Donncha Ó Donnchú (1931). |
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Eoin Mac Ambróis Tugtar John McCambridge nó Iain Mac Ambróis freisin air. Rugadh i gCo. Aontroma, 1793. D’éag 1873. Is cosúil gurb é a chum ‘Ard a’ Chuain’, a meastar a bheith ar cheann de na hamhráin Ghaeilge is deise dá bhfuil ann. Tá tréithe teangeolaíocha san amhrán seo a bhaineann le Gaeilge na hÉireann agus le Gàidhlig na hAlban araon. |
John McCambridge (Sometimes Iain Mac Ambróis.) He was born in Co. Antrim in 1793, and died in 1873. He is almost certainly the author of ‘Ard a’ Chuain’, considered one of the finest songs in the language. The text contains some linguistic features which may be considered transitional between Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. |
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Donnchadh MacDhunlèibhe (with thanks to Mrs Helen Reynolds) B’ e mac clachair à Raodal, Tòrrloisgt, Eilean Mhuile a bh’ ann an Donnchadh MacDhunlèibhe (1877-1964). Chaidh a leòn an Cogadh nam Boer 1899-1902. Thill e a dh’Afraga a Deas an 1903 a dh’obair na àrd-clachair ’s bha e gu mòr an sàs ann a bhith a’ togail ceannchairtealan an riaghaltais ùir ann am Pretoria, an Afraga a Deas 1910-13. Bha beatha chofhurtail aige am measg a cho-Ghaidheal (cha do thill e dh’Alba riamh) ach o 1951 a-mach bha a bhàrdachd làn de dh’anshocair phoileataigeach agus cùram sòisealta. |
Duncan Livingstone Duncan Livingstone (1877-1964) was born on Mull. He was wounded in the Boer War but returned to South Africa in 1903 to work as a master mason and helped construct the headquarters of the new South African government in Pretoria. Livingstone enjoyed a comfortable life amongst his fellow-Gaels (he never returned to Scotland) but after 1951 his poetry was full of political anxiety and social concern. |
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Iain Mac a’ Ghobhainn Rugadh Iain Mac a’ Ghobhainn (Seonaidh Phàdraig, 1848-81) an Iarsiadar, Ùig, Eilean Leòdhais. Bha e còig bliadhna ag ionnsachadh leighis an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, ach ghabh e a’ chaitheamh, agus thill e a chur seachad nan seachd bliadhna a bh’ aige air fhàgail, aig an taigh. Rinn e oidhirp air mòran dhe na h-aon chuspairean bàrdail ri Uilleam MacDhunlèibhe (q.v.), ach bha aimhreit an fhearainn a’ tachairt uile-thimcheall air, agus chuidich seo e gu fearg rianail a chur an cèill ann an cuid dhe na dàin as fhaide aige - mu ‘Spiorad a’ Charthannais’ sgrìobh Ruaraidh MacThòmais gu bheil e na fhaochadh ‘gun tàinig cridhe ’s inntinn còmhla gu bàrdachd mhòr a dhèanamh mun do theirig an linn’. |
John Smith John Smith (Seonaidh Phàdraig, 1848-81) was born on Lewis. He studied medicine at Edinburgh University, but contracted consumption and returned home for his last seven years. The land-struggle was happening all around him, and this helped him express controlled passion in some of his longer poems. Of ‘Spiorad a’ Charthannais’ Derick Thomson wrote that it is a relief ‘that heart and mind combined to produce a great poem before the century was out’. |