Olive Sharkey RIP; 'as a writer and illustrator she had few equals'

The writings and illustrations of the late Olive Sharkey are a time capsule of the lives of ordinary people and of the history of Westmeath and Ireland. They capture and preserve the lives, activities and material possessions of the Irish country folk in words, and in detailed drawings and photographs of once familiar, now obsolete objects.

Olive Sharkey, née Dunican, of Gaulmoylestown, Knockdrin, Mullingar, died peacefully on February 18, in the presence of her husband, Denis, after a long illness, bravely borne with great courage, humour and dignity.

She was born into a farming family and attended Taughmon NS and Loreto College, Mullingar, where her talents were recognised from a young age. Olive was a prolific author whose books included a history of Fore, written for children, an illustrated travel and history guide to North and East Westmeath, and many articles for magazines such as Irish Roots.

As a gifted artist, she provided illustrations for journals such as the 2017 volume of Iarmhí – the Journal of the Westmeath Historical and Archaeological Society, and the landmark three-volume History of the Diocese of Meath (1995).

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, historian Ruth Illingworth said: “Olive Sharkey made a really significant contribution to local history studies in Westmeath, particularly the northern side of the county.”

She remarked that Olive was particularly good at writing for children and for tourists. “Her work as an artist greatly enhanced many local history books and magazine/journal articles,” Ruth said. Gearóid O’Brien, historian and former librarian, paid tribute to Olive Sharkey saying she will long be remembered for her valuable contribution to the local history of Westmeath, and to the national story. ‘Her book ‘Old Days, Old Ways’ was a pioneering work which will stand the test of time. “As a writer and illustrator she had few equals,” he said.

‘Old Days Old Ways’, an illustrated folk history of Ireland, was published in 1985. In it, Olive said her family was the last in her district to relinquish the old ways on the land and in the home. Her research took her to folk museums throughout Ireland and “into the homes of fascinating elderly folk with surprisingly clear memories”.

The daily and seasonal rhythms of life and work ‘in the ould days’ is recaptured, from building the house and turning the sod for a new crop, to saving the hay and burying the dead, the publishers said.

‘Irish Country Life’ was published in 2020 and in it Olive describes lovingly the lives, activities and material possessions of Irish people living between 1800 and the 1930s. It draws the reader back to a time when people were more grounded and tuned into the rhythm of the year. Her other books include Nature Spy, Four Swans Country, Fore – Its History and Buildings, Common Knowledge – the Irishness of Everyday Things, and Ways of Old – Traditional Life in Ireland.

Mrs Sharkey was predeceased by her parents Pat and Maxie.

She will be sadly missed by her husband Denis, brother-in-law Philip, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours. Her removal was from Gilsenan’s Funeral Home, Mullingar, to the Church of the Assumption, Taghmon, for funeral Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.