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Early Life and Family

Michael Hewson was born in Ballynacally, in the parish of Kilchreest, Co. Clare, circa 1930. 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. His involvement in a number of local organisations and his membership of the executive committee of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of the Irish language, music, song and dance, led to him to being viewed as a ‘shining light’ of the community. Bridget Hewson was also a leading member of the Irish Countrywomen's Association and the Apostolic Work Society.

Michael was the oldest of four siblings, including his two sisters Mary and Marguerite. Mary joined The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Killashandra and would later move to the United States to continue her work as a nun. He also had a brother, William. In 1949, at age eighteen, William and his cousin drowned while bathing off the coast of Doughmore, Doonbeg, near Kilkee, Co. Clare. There was an inquest held which stated that when they were found their hands were ‘clasped together’.

Michael was raised Roman Catholic and was educated in St Flannan's College in Ennis. While in school, he enjoyed physical activity and took part in many sports, including football, hurling, and handball. 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. He took part in many leisure activities, including orienteering, mountain walking, and bridge. He also competed in four marathons, with a best time of approximately three hours. Michael has stated in an interview with The Irish Times that he believes that this was a ‘respectable time’ for a man of his age.

While living in Dublin, he met his wife, Una. They moved to Glasnevin and would go on to have five children, two boys and three girls.