University of Limerick Literary Archive: A Study of Desmond O’Grady

Abstract

My project focusses on the writer Desmond O’Grady for the University of Limerick Literary Archive. The overall aim of the project is to produce a collection of web-based resources on the work of local writers. The project is group based but with each member working individually on a Limerick writer. The project begins with a biography of O’Grady. This provides the reader with a greater understanding of the poet which is useful when examining his work. In my project I have identified the key themes that surface and constantly reoccur in Desmond O’Grady’s poetry. The themes discussed include identity, travel, life abroad and, most relevant to this project, his connection to Limerick City. I have also included a section on translation, as O’Grady dedicated a large amount of time to translating various authors from around the world. O’Grady’s writing style and techniques are also examined and short extracts of his poetry are included. Much of the work is pioneering as O’Grady appears to be a writer who has escaped the attention of literary critics and the wider public in general. This project offers an insight into the work of Desmond O’Grady and provides a critical analysis of the major themes that occur in his poetry.