Francis Ledwidge

Francis Ledwidge1887 - 1917

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ledwidge1

Early YearsFrancis Ledwidge was born in 1887 in Slane, Co. Meath and was one of nine children. His father died when he was only five and so he and his family were plunged into poverty. As a result, he, his mother and his siblings had to work from an early age to support each other. In this time, he worked as a groom, a road worker and a miner. Although his formal education had ended at the age of 13, he taught himself poetry and literature.

Activism and PoetryFrancis was active in various organisations including the GAA, the Gaelic League, the Irish Volunteers and founded the Slane Drama Group. In time, he began to write poetry and Lord Dunsany became his patron. His poems were mostly published in newspapers and journals. He fell in love with Ellie Vaughey, the sister of a friend, and wrote love poetry about her. He also wrote a poem for his friend Thomas McDonagh, who was executed after the 1916 Rising

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvJH8SCxxbs3

Lament for Thomas McDonaghHe shall not hear the bittern cry In the wild sky, where he is lain, Nor voices of the sweeter birds, Above the wailing of the rain. Nor shall he know when loud March blows Thro slanting snows her fanfare shrill, Blowing to flame the golden cup Of many an upset daffodil. But when the Dark Cow leaves the moor,And pastures poor with greedy weeds,Perhaps hell hear her low at morn, Lifting her horn in pleasant meads.

Play audio file in folder 4

The Great WarIn spite of his nationalist allegiances, he joined the British Army in 1914 when England declared war on Germany. He served in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He served in Gallipoli, Serbia and the Western Front, always writing poetry. On 31 July 1917 he was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele when an artillery shell exploded near him.

Today Franciss birthplace in Slane is preserved as a museum

Poetry CompetitionEvery year, in memory of Francis Ledwidge, the Louth-Meath Education and Training Board holds a poetry competition. The competition is open to all year groups in both English and Gaeilge. O Fiaich College will give prizes for the best poems. These poems will also be entered into an inter-school competition. The closing date for entries is 1st February 2016.

What you must do now1.Choose a topic you wish to write a poem about. 2.Brainstorm for words and phrases you might use. 3.Write out a first draft of your poem. 4.Seek feedback from your teacher in order to improve the poem.

Keywords and WordsearchDunsanyGreat War Ledwidge McDonagh Passchendaele Patron Poetry Slane Vaughey

null43624.207