Pierce Ferriter

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Pierce Ferriter (c.1600 – 1653) was an Irish Gaelic lord, musician and scholar from Ballyferriter, County Kerry.

[edit] Biography

Ferriter was a harpist and poet, known for his blend of laments, eulogies and satires of the Irish tradition with the love-lyrics of European influence.[1] His best known work, Leig díot t’airm, a mhacoimh mná [Lay aside thy arms, maiden], is a poem about a beautiful woman.

A leader during the Confederate Ireland wars, Ferriter was wounded during an attack on Tralee Castle in 1641. His forces held the castle until the fall of Ross Castle in Killarney, 1653. Granted safe passage, Ferriter traveled to arrange surrender terms. Yet, he was seized at Castlemaine and hanged alongside a priest and bishop at the Hill of Sheep in Killarney.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Colum, Padraic. A Treasury of Irish Folklore. Kilkenny Press, New York, 1989.
  2. ^ [1] Ferriter at Princess Grace Irish Library. Retrieved. Oct. 05, 2007.


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