Michael Clasby

Born to Patrick Clasby and Ellenora Cooke Clasby of Loughrea. According to Michael's obituary, the family was evicted during the famine and Michael was raised by his grandparents in Craughwell. Patrick and Ellenora's fates and families further are unknown. Michael first married Margret Spellman but remarried to Ellen Cunniffe. Michael founded Clasby's Pub, which is today owned by his descents under the name Cheever's. Michael was active in both the Galway branch of the Land League and the United Irish League, for which he was publicly honored by nationalist organizations but nearly imprisoned by the RIC. Michael was the father of roughly 20 children, most of whom moved to America, many to Boston. He was also a poet, and at least two of his poems have survived. Both he and Ellen were buried in Killora Graveyard, near Craughwell. Their grave still stands, and their portrait hangs in Cheevers.