Michael O’ Rourke, born in January 1920, was a familiar sight (and sound) around the rural roads and streets of Carrick on Shannon for many years.
A fine singer of traditional ballads, Michael earned the very apt nickname “the singing postman” and was a regular at Fleadhanna and singing competitions around the country.
Michael was an All-Ireland champion singer and his name appeared regularly in publications and on prizewinner lists.
Here is a lovely synopsis of Michael’s life with pictures from various periods of his life – set to him singing “A Lady in her Father’s Garden”
His son Bertie, also a champion ballad singer grew up listening to his father’s vast repertoire and often heard him singing this local song which was written by well-known Leitrim historian T.M. O’Flynn whose book entitled “History of Leitrim”, which was first published in 1937, was the earliest most concise history of the county. Thomas O’ Flynn also wrote one of Leitrim’s most famous ballads “My Own Leitrim Home”.
“The Flower of Sweet Sheemore” celebrates one of Leitrim’s most historic sites, the place that was the inspiration for O’ Carolan’s first composition and indeed it has inspired many other Leitrim songs, poets and ballad makers.
Michael’s grandchildren also carry on the tradition – his grandson, Michael is a great singer and sings many of his grandfather’s songs also.
Another grandson, Kane, is an accomplished musician.
