© Statue to Dáithí O'Bruaidair
Dáithí Ó Bruadair (1625 - 1698) is
one of the famous sons of the parish. Although he was born in Co. Cork,
the Fitzgeralds of County Limerick were his primary patrons and, therefore,
he spent most of his time in the area. A statue, sculpted by Clíodna
Cussen, has been erected to his memory in Broadford. According to the
adjoining plaque, President Mary McAleese officially unveiled the statue
on May 4th 1998.
© Plaque at the entrance to Springfield Castle
Dáithí Ó'Bruadair was one of the last
professional poets, whose work recorded the events in the lives of a ruling
family in Ireland. During Dáithí O'Bruadair's lifetime,
Cuchonnacht O Dálaigh held a Bardic school in Tullaha. Students
came from all over Ireland to learn poetry. The Bardic school survived
until the death of Cúchonnacht Ó Dálaigh in 1642.
O'Bruadair's work as a poet did not continue throughout his life, and
it is thought that he ended his life as a farm labourer. A fine inscribed
plaque by Cork sculptor, Seamus Murphy commemorating Dáithí's
life, is set in the wall of the entrance to Springfield castle. The plaque
includes the following quote from Ó Bruadair "Dúnadh
duanach duasach dreamach" which means "a mansion abounding
in poetry, rewards and crowds of people". "Dúnadh"
also means 'fortress like' and was important in the uncertain times that
Dáithí Ó Bruadair lived in.
Bishop Douley was consecrated in Dromcollogher/Broadford, in the townland
of Farrihy, on May 4th 1676. The consecration took place at White Gate,
near Springfield castle.
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