About the Author

Mairtin O Cadhain was born in 1906 in An Cnocan Glas, near Spiddal, Co. Galway. He is considered by many to have been the greatest writer in modern Irish. In his public life he was involved in most of the political campaigns and controversies which have shaped Irish life over the past few generations. His compelling personality ensured that he could not be ignored and his writing ability in every genre demanded both attention and recognition. His seminal work, Cre na Cille, published in 1949, is probably the most renowned book in modern Irish writing. He was a prolific short-story writer and his collections include Cois Caolaire, An Braon Broghach, Idir Shugradh agus Dairire, An tSraith Dha Togail, An tSraith Togtha and An tSraith ar Lar. He died in 1970.