Some notes on Eoghan Ruadh Ó Súilleabháin (Eoghan an Bheoil Bhínn) 1748-84

Known in English as Owen Roe O'Sullivan, or Owen of the Sweet Mouth, he was once one of the most popular and widely known of Irish poets for his eloquence, and for his rakish life.Stories about him were once widespread throughout Munster; celebrating his womanising, his drinking exploits, and his quick-wittedness. It was said of him that he had so many sons by different women "that if he threw a copper over a fence it would, like as not, fall on the head of one of his own [children]."

A Father Dineen collected his poetry from various sources, including oral tradition. But none of his poems/songs appear to be still sung, as the very eloquence which once preserved them in the menory of the people is now thought to be too grandiose, and too full of obscure references to mythology and history.

Rodney's Glory, which was written on the spur of the moment to celebrate Admiral Rodney's victory over the French fleet in 1782, is about the only song that Ó Súilleabháin wrote in English. Daniel Corkery quotes it in full in his book The Hidden Ireland [if anybody really wants the whole poem I'll post it to them, but it is both long and tedious - serving a simple purpose i.e.-to get Eoghan out of the Royal Navy].

If anybody wants more info from Hidden Ireland please request here.