Michael Boyle - Bio

Michael Boyle grew up in the ancient parish of Termoneeny in South Derry and, with most of his family, he attended the local one room school in Dreenan. Then, he attended Rainey Endowed Grammar School in Magherafelt. There, he played rugby for the First XV and was captain of the school cross country team. He played gaelic football for Tirgarvil and Lavey clubs. Between 1963 and 1966, he attended St. Joseph's College of Education in Belfast. His English teacher was Seamus Heaney.

Michael answered a teaching ad to come to Newfoundland, Canada which said, “Come to the land of the mighty moose - weaklings need not apply!”

He taught history and geography in a number of outport schools before coming to St John’s. In 1975, he took part in the famous Boston marathon. He played rugby for Newfoundland against British Columbia in the All-Canadian final.

He had an honorable mention in the 2001 Newfoundland Arts and Letters - "Andy’s Prayer Book.” He is working on his first collection of poems – Changeling. In July 2008, he published an essay in the Irish Language magazine “An tUltach” about an Irish poet Donnacha Rua Conamara who visited St John’s, Newfoundland in the late 1700’s.
Boyle has two unpublished plays “Who Dares” and “Curses and Blessings.” He has written articles for “Celtic Heritage”, ”Mid-Ulster Observer” and “Telegram.”

In 1998, he retired from teaching. He, now, operates a unique and famous historical walking tour in the old seaport city of St. John’s under the name, Boyle Tours.

He is the organizer for the Salon Literary program at Coffee and Company and teaches a course in the Irish language for Life long learners at Memorial University.

Michael is married to Annette, a local St. John’s girl. They have one son Patrick who is a well-known trumpet player in Canada - www.patrickboyle.ca

** Photo of Michael Boyle courtesy of Steven David Johnson

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.ulsterheritage.com uhblog.ulsterheritage.com ulsterheritagedna.ulsterheritage.com