‘Machtnamh an Duine Dhoilgheasaig, nó Caoineadh Thighe Molaga’ is read here by Patricia Coughlan, Professor Emerita, School of English, University College Cork.
It was probably composed around 1813 by Seán Ó Coileáin (Collins, John) (1754–1817) of Myross. Seán Ó Coileáin went to Coimbra, Portugal, to train for the priesthood in 1773, but returned to Ireland within a short period to establish a school in Myross.
The poem, the title of which translates as ‘Reflections of the Melancholy Person, or Lament for Timoleague’ expresses the poet’s sadness on viewing the ruins of Timoleague Abbey. The poem was translated by James Hardiman, Samuel Ferguson and James Clarence Mangan. It is published on CELT.