Michael Hartnett
The poet Michael Hartnett (Irish: Mícheál Ó hAirtnéide) (18 September 1941 – 13 October 1999) is perhaps Newcastle West's most famous son. He is an Irish poet who wrote in both English and Irish. Born into a working-class background, Hartnett excelled in school, his first poem published while still a teenager. He is now considered one of the most significant outsider voices in late 20th century Irish writing and has been called "Munster's de facto poet laureate" Each April a literary and arts festival (Eigse Michael Hartnett) takes place within the town. At the 2011 Eigse Michael Hartnett festival a life sized statue of Michael Hartnett by sculptor Rory Breslin was unveiled in the town square.
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