A writer by any other name
The worst sign in Longford? Picture: Patrick Conboy
He may be one of Longford’s most famous sons, held in the highest of esteem in literary circles all around the world, but you would never think it looking at this sign. Not only is it battered and barely visible behind a pole, but the spelling of the name is also wrong.
“Paric” Colum Heights is named after one of Longford’s greatest writers, Padraic Colum, who famously penned the lyrics for the renowned song, ‘She Moves Through the Fair.’
The writer, who passed away in the United States in 1972, was born Patrick Collumb in Colmcille in 1881. At the turn of the 20th Century he joined the Gaelic League and the Irish Republican Army and went on to become one of the leading lights of the Irish literary revival, building close friendships with WB Yeats, Lady Gregory and James Joyce amongst others.
He later moved to the United States and France where he continued to publish his work, with over 50 books of his literature published by the time he died at the age of 90.
During Barack Obama’s state visit to Ireland last year, Taoiseach Enda Kenny presented the US President with first editions of Colum’s work on Hawaiian folklore that he had written in the 1920s.
After being contacted by the Leader, a spokesperson for Longford County Council has said the matter will now be investigated.
Have you noticed any other dubious signage in County Longford? Why not post them to our Facebook page or send them to newsroom@longford-leader.ie
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Longford, Ireland
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
