Mayo-rooted poet celebrates success of debut poetry book
A self-published poet with strong Mayo roots is celebrating after his debut collection, Inspired by My Roots - An Irish Poetry Chapbook, continues to be well received by the local community.
Chris, an Irish citizen who was born and raised in England, and whose grandfather hailed from Barnacogue in Swinford, is overjoyed at the response to his book so far.
“I couldn’t ask for more really,” said Chris. “Ever since I became an Irish citizen I’ve been looking at ways to honour my heritage and those who came before me, and Inspired by My Roots has certainly allowed me to do that.”
As well as being listed for sale on popular Irish sites such as Buy The Book, Chris’s heartfelt poem about the enduring legacy of the 1879 Apparition was shared by Knock Shrine on the 144th Anniversary of the Apparition.
He said: “When you put your own work out there, especially on such a personal subject as family and heritage, you hope that some people will like it. But to have Knock Shrine share it, I was over the moon.
“Knock means a lot to me. I have a set of rosary beads from there that my great-grandmother sent over to England. They have a beautiful Apparition medal on them, and they’re one of the only things that I have from my great-grandparents.
“Along with the support of family and friends in the area, as well as those who fondly remember my grandparents and great-grandparents, it’s been amazing to see my work be embraced and shared in such profound ways, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.”
Chris's grandfather, Vincent McNicholas, was born in Barnacogue and emigrated to England in the 1950s.
The rosary beads from Knock, sent to his grandmother in England in the 1950s, were thought to be lost long ago and were only discovered after his gran passed away earlier this year.
“I enjoy spending time at Knock, I find it to be an incredibly peaceful and spiritual place. I’m incredibly proud to have had my work shared by Knock Shrine on such an important day,” he said.
Inspired by the events of the Apparition, the poem highlights the importance of Knock Shrine as a pilgrimage site today. On August 21, the anniversary of the Apparition, Knock Shrine shared the poem - below - on their Facebook and Instagram pages as the day drew to a close.
At Knock Shrine we hear their prayer,
which echoes through the Irish air.
A sacred place, a holy ground,
where pilgrims gather from all around.
In 1879, there was a heavenly sight,
where the blessed Virgin Mary,
St. Joseph by her side,
with St John the Evangelist,
and The Lamb of God,
appeared with Heavenly Angels,
on the gable wall that night.
A symbol of hope, bright light in the dark,
at Knock Shrine, a place of grace,
you’ll find your peaceful space.
So come to kneel and pray,
and let your troubles slip away,
your soul will be blessed,
and your worries put to rest.
- Chris Naylor
Chris's passion for poetry and storytelling reflects his deep connection to his Irish heritage. His writing explores themes of identity, belonging, and the beauty of Ireland's landscapes.
To learn more about Chris’s work, visit https://rootedinireland.ie/.