Manus

Manus is the son of Hugh, who is the head teacher at the hedge-school. Manus is also the brother of Owen. Manus walks with a limp because of an accident when he was a child. According to information in the play Manus was injured when his father fell over Manus' crib when Manus was an infant. Manus teaches for his father and leads the school if his father is away. He earns no salary, only room and board. He is a good teacher and cares deeply for his students, but balks at change. For instance, he has promised his girlfriend Maire he would apply for a job at the new national school but has procrastinated in putting in his application until after his father also applies for the job. Maire is upset with Manus for not taking the opportunity and applying for the position first. Manus would also...