The Bold Michael Davitt

Michael Wayne Davitt

Michael Wayne Davitt, born August 7, 1951 in Ft. Worth, Texas, died March 20, 2009 in Humble, Texas at the age of 57.   In Elizabeth, NJ Michael started an Irish folk band (The Freemen) with Tommy Shannon which performed with many well-known Irish performers such as Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem. He continued to perform as a solo Irish performer in Houston, TX. He was responsible for the renaissance of Irish music in Houston and has been dubbed the “Father of Irish Music in Texas”.

Michael was a active member of the Ancient Order of Hiberninians in both NJ and TX. In Texas, he served as state and local AOH President and was honored as the St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshall in 1993 and co-Grand Marshall in 2009. Michael also founded the Irish Open Golf Tournament, organized the Houston Irish Stew Cook-off and used his musical talents all to raise money to benefit numerous charities.

Michael also volunteered many years at the Magdelene House (Social Services division of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church). He was the founder, owner of his local business, Michael W. Davitt & Assoc. and also served as the statistician for the Houston Rockets for several years.