Author Chris Naylor inspired by his Mayo roots near Kilkelly

THE grandson of a Mayo man who emigrated from Barnacogue, Kilkelly, to England some decades ago has published his debut collection of poems. Chris Naylor credits his passion for poetry and storytelling to his Mayo and Irish heritage and this is reflected in ‘Inspired by My Roots - An Irish Poetry Chapbook’.
Chris has expressed delight with the response to the book. “Ever since I became an Irish citizen I have been looking at ways to honour my heritage and those who came before me, and Inspired by My Roots has certainly allowed me to do that.”
The poems explore themes of identity, belonging, and the beauty of Ireland's landscape. His deep sense of connection to Mayo and the rural heritage of the region provides the inspiration for so much of his work and is reflected in the title of the book, 'Inspired by My Roots’.
His poem about the enduring legacy of the 1879 Apparition at Knock Chapel was shared by Knock Shrine on the 144th Anniversary of the Apparition, much to his delight.
“When you put your own work out there, especially on such a personal subject as family and heritage, you hope that some people will like it. But to have Knock Shrine share it, I was over the moon.
“Knock means a lot to me. I have a set of rosary beads from there that my great-grandmother sent over to England in the 1950s. They have a beautiful Apparition medal on them and they are one of the only things that I have from my great-grandparents.
“Along with the support of family and friends in the area, as well as those who fondly remember my grandparents and great-grandparents, it has been amazing to see my work embraced and shared in such profound ways and I’ll be forever grateful for that,” says Chris.

The following is the poem that Knock Shrine published last month:

Knock Shrine

At Knock Shrine we hear their prayer,
which echoes through the Irish air.
A sacred place, a holy ground,
where pilgrims gather from all around.
In 1879, there was a heavenly sight
Where the blessed Virgin Mary,
St Joseph by her side,
with St John the Evangelist,
and The Lamb of God,
appeared with Heavenly Angels,
on the gable wall that night.
A symbol of hope, bright light in the dark,
at Knock Shrine, a place of grace,
you’ll find your peaceful space.
So come to kneel and pray
and let your troubles slip away.
Your soul will be blessed,
and your worries put to rest.
- Chris Naylor

Further details can be had from chris@rootedinireland.ie, naylor.chris@gmail.com or from www.rootedinireland.ie.