Francis Ledwidge

Francis Ledwidge was an Irish poet often known as the 'poet of the blackbirds.' Born on August 19, 1887, in Slane, County Meath, he was deeply influenced by the natural beauty of his surroundings and Irish folklore. He enlisted in the British Army during World War I, a decision influenced by his politics and the complexity of Irish-British relations during this time. Ledwidge died in the Battle of Passchendaele on July 31, 1917. His works often reflect his love of nature and his deep sense of patriotism.