By LYNDA O’KEEFFE
My research on the life and works of John O’Keeffe began over eight years ago, it began after I delved into the never-ending realms of genealogy. My own children have continued a tradition of generations of my family treading the boards, I wanted to know just how far back tradition stretched. Finding John O’Keeffe was a thrill which soon became an obsession – with a strong emotional attachment. The more I found out about the man the more I admired and liked him. I am now curator of a large collection of his works, and have garnered information about his life and works which otherwise would have remained hidden. His struggles, beliefs resonate within me like a ships bell, I hope to bring his story to reach a wide audience that he might serve as an inspiration to others.
Lynda A. O’Keeffe is a researcher/writer who lives between England and Ireland. She has contributed to numerous publications including History Ireland and various online publications. She has recently completed a historical novel about the life and works of John O’Keeffe, with the guidance and encouragement of Niall Williams (This is Happiness, Four Letters of Love, etc). She is currently writing a stage play about John’s extraordinary life reflecting the effect of blindness in shaping his work.
