Stanislaus Lynch was a man of many talents. He was a literary genius, poet, horseman, houndman, journalist, broadcaster and gentleman. Last Thursday the top floor of the Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff was filled with people remembering Stanislaus and celebrating his work.

Stanislaus is the only Irish writer to be awarded two Olympic Diplomas for the Literature of the Chase at the London Games in 1948, and Helsinki in 1952. Stanislaus’ work was celebrated around the world. After he was awarded his Olympic medals for literature a major bookshop in London and another in New York dedicated a full shop window to his work for a week.

The location was fitting seeing as Stanislaus was born in Ballyjamesduff and as his poetry was recited over the course of the evening it was clear the locality was a huge inspiration for a large proportion of his work.

LOCAL INSPIRATION

Councillor Madeline Argue, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council opened the evening. Professor Patrick Wall elaborated more on Stanislaus and his connection to Ballyjamesduff. Wall described Stanislaus as “a man ahead of his time.”

Over the course of his life he hunted with over 100 packs in Ireland and England. He was also involved in the Tourism Board and worked on involving Irish farmers in equestrian tourism.

Farmer and hunting enthusiast Paul Keogan grew up on and continues to farm and hunt the land which inspired Stanislaus. He spoke about how his father knew Stanislaus and how the land around them has changed very little since Stanislaus first wrote about it.

In Search of the Kerry Beagle

Stanislaus unfortunately did not get to publish his final book In Search of the Kerry Beagle, thankfully the manuscripts found the capable hands of hunting journalist Noel Mullins finished and published the book in 2017.

Noel detailed how he brought the book to life and some of the wonderful people he met along the way. With the help of his wife Emer he retraced the steps originally taken by Stanislaus when he began to research the book.

Noel described Stanislaus as: “a fantastic craftsman of words and an inspiration,” he also added “that Ballyjamesduff should be proud.”

Personal tales

For those attending the evening who did not have the privilege of meeting or knowing Stanislaus, it was very clear he touched and influenced so many lives. The tale of how one of his books made its way to a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War resonated which those gathered in the museum.

John Bonham from Castlepollard, told the story of how his father, Johnny Bonham, received a copy of Poems of an Irish Huntsman as a birthday present. The book faced a challenging journey, from Dublin to the War Office to the Red Cross, then it was on a ship which was bombed and was washed up on the shores where German soldiers dutifully collected the packages and delivered them to the prisoners.

This was much more than just a book to Johnny. Prior to the war he met Stanislaus on the hunting field with the Ballymacad Foxhounds. The book became a lifeline to Bonham who learnt each poem off by heart and could recite every line. When the war ended he was so inspired by Stanislaus he moved to Westmeath to the house and farm currently owned by the Bonhams.

Poetry

Over the course of the evening a number of Stanislaus’ poems were read out including ‘The Perfect View’, ‘Christmas Reflections’ and ‘Cavan Patchwork’.

Hugh Leonard also recited two peoms The Amateur and Nose at the Gate.

As the evening drew to a close the audience heard tales of Stanislaus from Michael Slavin. Michael who worked closely with Lynch fundraising for Trim show. The final words of the evening came from Stanislaus himself as a recording of him reading his own work filled the museum.

Special thanks were paid to Stanislaus’ wife Margaret who provided a range of memorabilia, photographs, and medals to the display which will remain in the Cavan County Museum for the coming weeks.

Thanks also went to the organisers of the event, including museum curator Savina Donohue, Alan Keogan, Noel Mullins, Professor Patrick Wall, Michael Slavin and everyone else who contributed.

There was no questioning the success of the evening and no doubt that Stanislaus will now always be remembered for his many talents and as the son of Ballyjamesduff.