Michael Hewson

Michael Hewson (-1992) was an Irish librarian and director of the National Library of Ireland (NLI) from 1982 to 1988.

Life and family alt=Gravestone of Michael Hewson (Irish Librarian) with two flower pots in front of it. Inscription reads "In loving memory of Michael Hewson, Glasnevin Park, died 3rd Feb 1992". Hewson's GravestoneMichael Hewson was born in Ballynacally, in the parish of Kilchreest, County Clare. His parents were John Hewson and Bridget Hewson (née Kelly) and were known to be very active in the Ballynacally community. John Hewson was a "well-known" draper, and was involved in a number of local organisations and a member of the executive committee of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of the Irish language, music, song and dance. Bridget Hewson was also a leading member of the Irish Countrywomen's Association and the Apostolic Work Society.

Hewson was the oldest of four siblings, including two sisters Mary and Marguerite. He also had a brother, William. In 1949, at age 18, William and his cousin drowned while bathing off the coast of Doughmore, Doonbeg, near Kilkee, County Clare. There was an inquest held which stated that when they were found their hands were "clasped together".

Hewson was raised Roman Catholic and was educated in St Flannan's College in Ennis. He completed his Leaving Certificate in 1948 and would go on to study classics at University College Dublin.

He took up a job as an assistant librarian in Ennis public library before moving to Dublin in 1953.

Career

Publications Michael Hewson, (Monday 29 January 1962) "Edward Jenner's Great Discovery." Irish Independent. p. 6. Hewson, Michael, (1977) Robert Stearne's diary of the Williamite campaign. An Cosantóir, 33 49–53. Michael Hewson, (1981) "Emigration to the 'North American Colonies' from the port of Limerick in 1841", North Munster Antiquarian Journal 23 67–76.