ON THIS DAY: Irish Nationalist was born in Mayo village

On this day, one of the most well known Mayo personalities was born.

March 25, in 1846, the Irish patriot, father of the Land League, humanitarian and journalist was born at the height of the Great Famine in Straide Co. Mayo. His name: Michael Davitt.

The Michael Davitt Museum posted a text on their social media today: "Michael and his family were evicted from their home in 1850 and forced to emigrate to Haslingden in East Lancashire (England).

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Michael began working in a cotton mill at the age of nine. In 1857 at the age of 11 his right arm was entangled in a cogwheel and mangled so badly it had to be amputated.

When he recovered from his operation, a local benefactor, John Dean, helped to send him to a Wesleyan school, which was connected to the Methodist Church and here he received an excellent education that gave him a world view that always served him well.

In 1861, at the age of 15, Michael went to work in a local post office, owned by Henry Cockcroft, who also ran a printing business. Michael took night classes at the local Mechanics' Institute and used its library. This led to him becoming particularly interested in Irish history."

Davitt joined the Fenians and was arrested by the English authorities for arms smuggling and sent to prison.

On the 16th August 1879, the Land League of Mayo was formally founded in Castlebar with the active support of Charles Stewart Parnell. 

Davitt died on May 30 in 1906, his dream of Irish independence still unfulfilled.

This quote below from the last will and testament of Michael Davitt allow us to give him the last word on this special day:

'To all all my friends I leave kind thoughts,
To my enemies the fullest possible forgiveness
And to Ireland the undying prayer
For the absolute freedom and independence.'
Which it was my life's ambition to try and obtain for her.'

READ: Michael Davitt legacy currently being preserved at Trinity College