author
Seumas O'Kelly
d. 1918
An Irish journalist, playwright, and storyteller with a sharp eye for village life, he is best remembered for "The Weaver’s Grave," often singled out as a classic Irish short story. His work joined wit, sympathy, and a strong feel for the speech and politics of early 20th-century Ireland.
1 Audiobook
Waysiders, Stories of Connacht
by Seumas O'Kelly
About the author
Born in Loughrea, County Galway, Seumas O'Kelly was an Irish writer and journalist who worked for several newspapers before becoming associated with nationalist journalism. Sources agree that he wrote fiction, plays, and poetry as well as newspaper editorials, building a reputation in both literary and political circles.
He is most closely linked with short fiction, especially The Weaver’s Grave, which has been widely praised and has helped keep his name in Irish literary history. He also worked as an editor for papers including The Southern Star, the Leinster Leader, and Nationality.
O'Kelly died in Dublin on November 14, 1918, after a raid on the Nationality offices. Some sources differ on his exact birth year, so it is usually given as uncertain, though 1918 is firmly established as the year of his death.