John Mulhern : Short Biography

John Mulhern was a local poet and campaigner for a united Ireland in Elphin parish in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. 

John Mulhern was born about 1853 in Coolmeen, Elphin. His parents were Patrick and Mary Ellen Mulhern. The Mulhern's lived at farm 4a upon eight acres of land rented from Malachy Conry for £5 15s. Their tiny cottage was worth only 5s. 

He was about twenty five years old when his father Patrick died in 1878 after suffering from phthisis (tuberculosis of the lungs) for the past two months. 

John married Maria Dalton on 1 Feb 1888 in Tulsk Church. She was the daughter of farmer Thomas Dalton of Curcreigh. Witnesses were Patrick Coleman and Winifred Dalton. 

Kate Agnes  B. 1 Dec 1885

Patrick James  B. 30 Jun 1890 

The Mulhern's lived in a three roomed thatched cottage with three front windows in Coolmeen. There was a cow house and piggery on John's small farm. In 1901, John (48) lived with Maria (46), their children Kate Agnes (15), and Patrick J (10) and his mother Mary E (80). Mary E died in early 1905 from old age. 

By 1911, John (58), "Marian" (56), Kate A (25) and Patrick James (20) were all in residence there. 

John Mulhern was passionate about nationalism and rights for the people of Ireland. He took a prominent role in the local community in promoting this. He was an avid member of the Irish Land League and set up a branch in Creeve. He is mentioned as a benefactor of the national movement in the ''Dublin Weekly Nation'' on 7 Aug 1880. 

He also wrote poetry which was published in local newspaper, such as the below article. It mainly expressed his nationalist beliefs and interest in Irish history. 

Flag of Ireland, 18 March 1892

''J. Mulhern of Creeve, Elphin, sends the following message to his countrymen:

"''Cheer up, my boys, be not dismayed, 

Our cause can never die;

Though often doomed to dread defeat, 

By traitor, knave and spy, 

The rights we claim 

In Ireland's name

No power can long withold;

For the sturdy will of the nation still

Is faithful, warm and bold.''

John Mulhern died on 13 Apr 1913 in Kindrum, Creeve. The cause of death was cancer of the forearm for the past month. His son Patrick was present.