Clare writers in Irish 1850 – (a translation)

Genealogy, Archaeology, History, Heritage & Folklore

Moderators: Clare Support, Clare Past Mod

Post Reply
Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Clare writers in Irish 1850 – (a translation)

Post by Sduddy » Tue Jan 04, 2022 2:43 pm

Clare Literature (https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... rature.htm) includes an article entitled “Scríbhneoirí Gaeilge an Chláir ó 1850 anall”, the contents of which might be of interest to people who do not have Irish, and so I’ve made an attempt to translate it into English (with apologies to the original writer). Many of the writers mentioned are also the subjects of entries in ainm.ie (a dictionary of biography in the Irish language). The ainm.ie website is especially useful for anyone interested in birthplace, parents and early life of the people listed in it, and very useful for genealogists. Even people who have little or no Irish will probably make out the biographical details, but in each case I have added them myself, in parentheses.

Here is my attempt at translating:

Scríbhneoirí Gaeilge an Chláir ó 1850 anall (Writers in the Irish Language in Co. Clare from 1850 on): https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... neoiri.htm

At the time of which I am speaking, the people of Clare had survived the Penal Laws [of the 18th century] and were now celebrating Catholic Emancipation. O’Connell was at the height of his fame and he promoted the English language; he did not value Irish; it was the language of poverty; he urged the people to accept the English language. This lack of regard for the Irish Language, as seen through the eyes of Mhichíl Uí Raghaillaigh, a scribe from Ennistimon, is described in an article by Fr. Pádraig Ó Fiannachta in ‘Litríocht an Lae 1800-1850’. This is what Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh writes: “Dear Reader, do not praise or fault me for the poor standard of [Irish] in this book, as I am a tradesman and it is in my leisure time that I made this collection [of writings]. For that reason it cannot be as exact as the work of a true writer. However, it seemed to me that no one was taking care of the work of our poets in this locality, so I decided not to let them be forgotten (allowed to go astray). But it is of little use to try to protect them, as our young people are ashamed to learn the language of their ancestors. For that reason there will not be a word of Irish in the kingdom in another hundred years, if they continue in that way of thinking, I feel.”

The National Schools contributed greatly to the destruction of the [Irish] language, as it was not given proper recognition [in the school curriculum] until 1922. The reversal [of this situation] did not happen by accident; it was brought about by the excellent work of the travelling teachers who were employed by Conradh na Gaeilge (The Gaelic League). At the beginning of the century (20th) there were over 800 branches of the Conradh founded and there was a new enthusiasm for the language among the ordinary people of Ireland.

In the year 1899, Tomás Bán Ó Coincheannain, first organizer of the Gaelic League came to Co. Clare [‘timire’ usually means messenger, but in this context it means organizer of branches of the League]; he was spreading the gospel of the Gaelic League. He influenced the people of West Clare greatly. Look at the map and you will see that these writers came from the west and south of the county.

Ennis was the main English-speaking town as it was the centre of administration of the law, education, commerce and religious institutions. After the 1916 Rising and the election of de Valera for Clare in 1917, there was a turning of the tide for Irish because the representative for Clare was at the head of the nation. The Civil War came, a war that damaged the country and its leaders, but despite disunity among politicians, there was loyalty to the Irish language; people understood that, however bad things might be for themselves, the language had survived in Ireland since before the death of Christ.

In line with an idea born of the Gaelic Revival, a publishing house, An Gúm, was founded to publish Irish books, and to provide more practical help with the teaching of Irish in the schools. Facilities for higher-level education were put in place. The writers here [below] ploughed their furrows in various fields – the field of Education, field of Philosophy, field of Classics; field of Literature and History. They were heroes all; some had native Irish, and some were learning the language; they perfected their knowledge and practice of the language to the best of their ability. Their achievements were evident at the Oireachtas[*] which was held in Ennis. Their all-round scholarship is an eye-opener for us and we have a new regard for their deep understanding of, and faithfulness to their heritage. They gave of their lives and of their intellects to deepen and broaden our understanding of that heritage. We must respect and honour them. It is by speaking, reading and writing our own language that we best celebrate their great work.
[* ‘Oireachtas’ means ‘Assembly’ and usually means the assembly of public representatives (parliament), but ‘Oireachtas’ also means the annual assembly of people celebrating the speaking of Irish, music, singing, etc. (Oireachtas na Gaeilge)]

An Account of the Writers:

Michéal Ó Ciosóg (1847-1906)
He was born in Carron, Co. Clare in 1847. He was a native Irish speaker. He was trained as a teacher and he opened the Civil Service Academy in Dublin in 1878. He published Irisleabhar na Gaeilge in 1882. He was co-founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884 in Thurles. His biography, ‘Míchéal Ciosóg,’ was written by Brother Ó Caithnia. A second biography, ‘Michael Cusack and the G.A.A.’ was by Larcus de Búrca, 1989.

[See also this article on Michael Cusack in Clare People, clarelibrary.ie: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... cusack.htm]

Stiofán Ó h-Ealaoire (1858-1944)
Stiofán Ó h-Ealaoire was born in 1858 in Ballycullaun, near Fisher Street, in North Clare. He was well known for his knowledge of folklore, as were his father and mother. Séamus Ó Duilearga came to him in 1930 and saw what a wealth of folklore Stephen possessed. He gathered that store of folklore from Stephen between 1930 and 1943, and it was his opinion that Stephen was the best Irish speaker he had ever met anywhere in Ireland. An account of the life of Stephen, along with his stories, ‘Leabhar Stiofán Uí Ealaoire,’ was edited by Daithi Ó hÓgáin.

[See also this article in clarelibrary.ie: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... laoire.htm

And see this nice photo of Stiofán in the photograph collection, Folklore Dept., U.C.D.: https://digital.ucd.ie/view/ivrla:10427.
See also this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=81 This entry tells us that Stephen’s father, Michael, died when Stephen was three years old. His mother was Kate Danaher. There were 5 in the family.]

Fiachra Ó Dubhthaigh (1935-1987)
He was born in Liscannor. He was educated at the Christian Brothers’ school in Ennis and in University College Dublin (BA and ATO); he was awarded Master of Education at Trinity. He spent his life as secondary school teacher in Dublin. He was lecturer in the Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines.
Published works: Buntús Foclóra, Buntús Termaíochta. Leargas ar ‘Dúil’ Uí Flatharta. Leargas ar Scéalta ‘Bullaí Mhartain.’ ‘Onóracha sa Ghaeilge’ – treoirleabhar teanga.

[See also this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=1673 This entry does not give his parents’ names or family details. But of interest is the description of Fiachra as someone who was willing to challenge the law (he drew attention to discrimination against Irish speakers, and the lack of programmes in Irish on radio and television) and he was an outspoken critic of the teaching of Irish in schools, which, according to him, concentrated too much on difficult and obscure Irish writing, rather than on the language itself.]

Briain O Luanaigh (1828-1901)
He was born in Moanreel near Ennistimon. He spent some time at the school of agriculture in Cahersherkin. He took part in the 1848 rebellion at Ballingarry. In 1857 he was working as a scribe for William Smith O’Brien, and it was he who wrote half of the manuscripts bequeathed by O’Brien to the Royal Academy. He edited ‘A collection of poems written on different occasions by the Clare bards in honour of the McDonnells of Kilkee and Killone.’ He also edited ‘Dánta Aindrias Mhic Cruitín.’ In 1871 he was a member of the Royal Academy, and was appointed lecturer in Irish at the Royal College of Ireland, along with [Eugene] O Curry.

[See also this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=89
and this entry in the Dictionary of Irish Biography: https://www.dib.ie/biography/o-luanaigh ... rian-a6871]

Tomás Ó h-Aodha (1866-1935)
He was born in Miltown Malbay in 1866. He attested to the native Irish spoken in that locality in his youth. He was trained as a teacher in St. Patrick’s College, Dromcondra, and he gave his life to teaching and to music and drama. He had a good knowledge of music and it is said of him that he was the first person who taught Irish songs using Tonic Solfa. Some of his plays won awards at the Oireachtas, 1909-1911. He published ‘An Solfathóir Gaelach’ in 1922. He published ‘An Gioblachán’, ‘A Serbhadóir’, ‘Mainichín’, and two books of short stories, ‘An Figheadóir agus Scéalta Eile’ and ‘Giolla na Leisce agus Scéalta Eile’.

[See also: Nora Daly: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... /song5.htm
and see this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=204 This entry tells us that Thomas’s father, Michael Hayes, was a Cooper by trade. His mother was Mary Moroney. According to Thomas, it was through Irish that the buying and selling at the markets and fairs in Miltown Malbay were conducted. I found Thomas Hayes in the 1901 census, aged 23, but failed to find him in 1911: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/r ... 003680005/]

Seosamh T. Ó Ceit (1868-1928)
He was born in Farrihy between Dunbeg and Kilkee, in 1868. He died in 1928. He was educated in the National School at Bansha, and in Kilkee. He was attending at the teacher training college at Dromcondra in 1886, but did not finish the course owing to ill health. He returned home and helped on the family farm, while spending the evenings at Irish.
Tomás Bán Ó Coincheannain came his way in 1899, and a branch of the Gaelic League was founded in Farrihy, with Joseph as teacher.
He wrote prose, poetry and drama. There are over 30 of his songs published in the magazines, “An Claidheamh Solais’ and “Fáinne an Lae’. A play by him, ‘Maon’, was in print in 1924. Among his manuscripts are: ‘An Cuire’, a one-act play, ‘Dioghaltas Draoi’, a three-act play, ‘Dornán Síl’; also eighteen songs and poems, and ‘Fearghal i dTir na nÓg’ a long poem, perhaps an epic, of 129 verses.

[See also this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=493 This entry tells us that his niece, Maura Keane, of Farrihy, provided the information that his parents were Thomas Kett and Brigid Houlihan. He had three brothers and three sisters. His death was not registered, seemingly, but his niece remembered that it was on Sept. 1928. There was no notice of his death published in the newspapers, but Séan Ó Ceallaigh, of Kilmaley, wrote a piece for the Clare Champion, published 14 Jan 1950, entitled ‘Amhráin Tuanach: Seosamh T. Ó Ceit’. The 1901 census shows him living in Carrowblock More, Knocknagore DED, aged 33].

Daithí Ó Coimín (1854-1907)
He was born in Henry Street, Kilrush, in 1854. He was raised as an English speaker and never became really fluent in Irish, according to his great friend, Séamus Ó Dubhghaill. He was a bank clerk in the National Bank, Dublin. Douglas Hyde (A Charobhín) said of him that he was the most diligent Gael he had ever met. He published Irisleabhar na Gaeilge in 1882 and he was editor until 1887. He was full of ideas on how to promote and give publicity to matters relating to the Irish language, and he took upon himself the most of the work. He edited ‘Laoi Oisín I dTír na nÓg’ (1880), ‘Mac Griomhartha Fhinn’ (1902) and ‘Foras Feasa ar Éirinn’ (1902).

[See also Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Comyn]

Dr. Domhnall Ó Mathúna (1872-1942)
He was born in Market Street, Kilrush, in 1872. His father was a shopkeeper. He received education at the Christian Brothers school in Kilrush, in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis, and in Clongowes, Dublin. He was interested in classical languages and succeeded well in those. He graduated as a medical doctor and practiced medicine n Glasnevin, Dublin. He learned Irish from the books of An Athair Peadar and as a result of his studies he wrote ‘Cruinneas Cainte’ (1923) and from that followed several more books, mostly translations from the literature of the Romans and Greeks. Altogether he wrote 14 books and has received the praise of Michael Ó Griofa for his literary style, and style of translation.

Eoghan Ó Comhraí (1794-1862)
He was born in Doonaha, on the shores of the River Shannon. He was one of the most important Irish scholars of the 19th century. Having spent some time at farming, and in education, he worked in the asylum in Limerick (1827). He was then given a post in the office of the Ordnance Survey (1835). He was appointed Professor of Archaeology at the Catholic University of Ireland in 1854. His most important writings are ‘Lectures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish History’ and ‘Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish’. He died in 1862. Two biographies published are: “Síladóirí’ le Brathair Criostúil, and “Séan Ó Donnabhain agus Eoghan Ó Comhraí’, le Éamon de hÓir.

[See also the entry on Eugene O’Curry in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_O%27Curry]

Annraoi de Blác (1884-1974)
He was born in Kilbaha in West Clare. He was a native Irish speaker. The scholar Nils M. Homer visited him when he was preparing his book, ‘The Dialects of Clare’. His opinion of Henry was that he was “a very good speaker”. When Fr. Séamus Ó Dea was delivering a sermon in Irish in Kilballyowen on St. Patrick’s Day, 1962, he discovered that there were native Irish speakers in the audience. When Foras Uí Chomhraí was founded in Carrigaholt College, Henry was appointed first Professor. He won first prize in storytelling at Oireachtas 1971. Radio Telefís Eireann devoted a programme to him in the ‘Féach’ series. He gave a lecture in Maynooth College. He died in 1974.

[See also the entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=135 This entry tells us that Henry’s father was Seán Phait (John son of Pat). His mother was Mary Crotty, or Máire Phaidí Caola (Mary of Paddy Quealy(?)). Henry was the eighth in a family of thirteen – ten boys and three girls. No Irish was spoken in the school in Kilbaha when Henry was a schoolboy, but Irish was spoken by hearth at home (Henry speaks of the hardship this anti-Irish bias caused to Irish speaking children on a radio programme recorded in the 1950s: https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/21957 ... an-chlair/). When he was aged 13 he went to work as a servant with relatives (Griffins) in Scattery Island and spent four years there. He became an expert dancer in those years. He then went to work for a farmer in Clonlara, Co. Limerick. While there he married Margaret Blake from Carrigaholt. They had three sons. An account of Henry’s life appeared in Inniu (newspaper) on 21 Mar 1969. Fr. O’Dea and Jim Connolly, Sculptor, made a film (16 mm) about Henry, before his death on 13 Apr 1974. And Fr. O’Dea wrote about him in Dál gCais (journal) No. 1, and in the Clare Champion of 26 Apr. 1974]

Seán O hOgáin (1869-1947)
He was born in Kilmihil in Co. Clare in 1869. He succeeded in obtaining a post in the Civil Service in 1884. According to his family, he accompanied Michael Cusack to Thurles on the day that the Gaelic Athletic Association was founded. He assisted Fr. Éamonn Ó hÓgáin chun ‘An Luibhleabhrán’ a ullmhú. From 1900 he held a senior post in the Dept. of Agriculture. He wrote a large book ‘Contae an Chláir’ (1938). He began writing a book on placenames, but it remained unfinished. He died in 1947.

[See also the entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=208 This entry tells us that his father James (1831-1911) was a farmer in Leacain in the parish of Kilmihil, and that his mother, Anne Cotter (1833-1914), was from the same parish. They were not native Irish speakers, according to the family (two sisters, Susan b. 1871 and Ellen b. 1874, and one brother, James b. 1876). Sean married Adelaide Mary Boland from Clonmel [Co. Tipperary] and they had 5 children. Adelaide died in 1901 aged only 31; one of the children was only two weeks old. Among his unpublished writings is the history of his own people going back to the 12th century].

Mícheál Ó Griofa (1869-1949)
He was born in Caherea, Lissycasey, in 1869. He heard Irish spoken in the home and he had a clear understanding of it. He worked as a teacher for a number of years. He was awarded second place in Ireland and Britain in a competition for a Civil Service post in Customs and Mails. He lived in Belfast, Glasgow and Dublin. From 1922 he worked in the Dept. of Education and he spent most of his life working in An Gúm [State sponsored publishing house]. He was an able writer. He wrote, ‘Lorgaireacht’, Bean an Bhrait Bháin’, ‘Briathar Mná’, ‘Buaidh na Treise’, ‘De Dhriom na hAille’, and ‘Cathair Aoidh’ which won the Duais an Chraoibhín (prize in honour of Douglas Hyde) in 1937. He wrote the original ‘Bunreacht na hÉireann’ (Irish Constitution) in 1937. He died in 1946.

[See also this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=77. This entry tells us that his father, Thomas Griffin, was a small farmer and that his mother was Ellen Clohessy. There were six other children in the family. He heard Irish in the home and in the locality, and so, while English was spoken also, he understood Irish very well. When writing, he often used the pen-name, ‘Cos Obann’. While he was in Belfast, he met Mary Anne Brohan, from Killaloe, at a Ceili. She was working in the Post Office. They married in 1907. They had five children. With regard to his writing of the original Constitution, Michael Ó Cearúil says (in an article entitled “Bunreacht na hÉireann: a study of the Irish text” 1999): “The original draft of the Irish test was made by Mícheál Ó Gríobhtha, a native of Co. Clare chosen personally by Éamon de Valera for this task…”]

An tAth. Seoirse MacClúin (1894-1949)
He was born in Capparoe in Scarriff in 1894. He received his secondary education at the Jesuits’ school in Limerick and at St. Flannan’s College in Ennis. He went to Maynooth [Seminary] where he was ordained priest in 1917. He was one of two people who won the Piaras Uí Mhaoileoin scholarship, which was open to the whole country. He was appointed Professor of Irish in St. Flannan’s College in 1919. Among the books he wrote are: ‘Reilthíní Óir’ 1 & 2 – phrases and sayings which he had collected in the Gaeltacht [an area with mainly native Irish speakers], explained in Irish; ‘An Litríocht’ and ‘Róisín Fiáin na Mara’. He was a priest who did great work in Irish scholarship, but who never received due recognition. He died in 1949.

[See this entry in the Dictionary of Irish Biography: https://www.dib.ie/biography/mac-cluain-seoirse-a5019
And see also this entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=27 This entry tells us that his father was John Clune, and that his mother was Ellen Rohan, a farmer’s daughter from Ogonnelloe. Tomás Ó Criomhthain, from the Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry, writes in his book, ‘An tOileánach’, that Fr. Clune spent three weeks with him in the Blaskets. He says that they spent eight hours every day going through the text of his book ‘Réilthíní óir’. Ó Criomhthain was not pleased to find that he was given no credit for this in the published book! It was while Fr. George Clune was priest in Kilrush in 1940 that he wrote ‘Cainnt an Chláir’. Seán Mac Mathúna, Luogh, Doolin, and Pádraig Ó Catháin, Cross, Carrigaholt, helped him with that great work.]

Sources: ‘Beathaisnéis 1 & 2’, by Diarmuid Breathnach and Máire Ní Mhurchú.
‘Léas ar Ár Litríocht’, by Fr. Pádraig Ó Fiannachta.
‘Ó Donnabhán agus Ó Comhraí’, le Éamonn de h-Óir.

End of transcription.

I suspect that this list of writers omits some people who deserve to be included; I notice that Máiréad Ní Ghráda, for instance, is not included. But she is not forgotten: she is included in “Clare People”: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... ghrada.htm and there is also a Wikipedia entry for her: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Máiréad_N%C3%AD_Ghráda , and an entry in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=76, which tells us that her parents were James O’Grady and Bridget Greene, but the 1911 census shows us that ‘Bridget’ should be Margaret: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/r ... 001758353/

Sheila
Last edited by Sduddy on Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:18 am, edited 3 times in total.

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: Clare writers in Irish 1850 – (a translation)

Post by Sduddy » Wed Jan 05, 2022 11:05 am

A further note on Dr. Domhnall Ó Mathúna (1872-1942): I neglected to say that there is an entry for him in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=763. This tells us that he is among the few who devoted themselves mainly to the translation of other works into Irish. He was born (Daniel Mahony) on 16 Jan 1872. His father was Thomas Mahony, a shopkeeper, and his mother was Bridget Hayes. Daniel married Catherine Hayes on 25 Nov 1899, a daughter of John Hayes. In the 1911 census she gives her birthplace as Co. Limerick - and Daniel states that he has no Irish. [They are living in Botanic Road, Glasnevin, Dublin: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/r ... 000037581/ ] Shán Ó Cuív lived in the locality and at some point O’Mahony became his medical doctor. It may be that it was Ó Cuív who urged him to learn Irish. O’Mahony was present at the birth of Brian Ó Cuív, 20 Nov 1916. Brian Ó Cuív told Risteárd Ó Glaisne that his father and Dr. O’Mahony consulted each other on their writings, and that Dr. O’Mahony was a believer in simplifying Irish spelling.
There follows here a long list of his works.
Dr. O’Mahony died at Lindsay road on 11 Mar 1942 and is buried in Glasnevin. He was predeceased by his son, who had qualified as a doctor (he died in the 1930s). His daughter, Eily, drowned while on holiday, and her body was never found.
Risteárd Ó Glaisne wrote about him in The O Mahony Journal, No. 18, 1995. Chris O’Mahony added ‘Some Kilrush Mahonys’ in No. 19 (1996) of the same journal. This gives the further information that Thomas Mahony had married Bridget Hayes on 10 May 1870, and they had two daughters and six sons. Thomas was born in 1814, or before, perhaps, and his first marriage was on 22 Jan 1834. His wife was Bridget Cavanagh. Between 1834 and 1853 they had three daughters and three sons born to them. Bridget Cavanagh died in 1868. Because there were three Thomas Mahonys and because all three were shopkeepers in Market Square, Kilrush, and because Daniel’s father was one of them and a half brother [step brother?] to another of the three, Chris summed up his research as follows: ‘I had passed through an O’Mahony Cloud of Unknowing and finally reached the clear light of day, or understanding’.

Also, I neglected to say that there’s an article on Eoghan Ó Comhraí (Eugene O’Curry) in ‘Clare People’: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... ocurry.htm

And I see now that Seán Ó hÓgáin (1869-1947) was already discussed on this Forum – see topic “Conntae an Chláir a triocha and a tuatha": http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=6691

Sheila

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: Clare writers in Irish 1850 – (a translation)

Post by Sduddy » Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:37 am

A further note on Daithí Ó Coimin: there is an entry for him in ainm.ie: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=131 This tells us that Séamus Ó Dubhghaill (whose pen name was ‘Beirt Fhear’) wrote a booklet on him David Comyn 1854-1907 (1826), but did not give information as to where Comyn received his early education in Kilrush. Máirín Ní Mhuiríosa gives information on his work between 1876 and 1887 in her book, Réamhchonraitheoirí: nótaí ar chuid de na daoine a bhí gníomhach in ngluaiseacht na Gaeilge idir 1879 and 1893 (1968) [Notes on people who were active in the Gaelic movement between 1879 and 1893]. It is clear that Comyn was one of the very few who were really active and effective. Although he did not have fluency in the language, he was the workhorse in the Association for the preservation of the Irish Language, while more important people were just talkers. An article by Breandán Ó Conaire, "Dáithí Coimín agus Aontacht na Gaeilge" was published in Studia Hibernica in 1998.
There is also an entry in the Dictionary of Irish Biography: https://www.dib.ie/biography/comyn-david-a1908.
The 1901 census shows David living in Brighton Square, Rathmines DED, Dublin: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/r ... 003709283/. He died in 1907.

I think this David Comyn must be his father:
Death of David Comyn in Kilrush on 29 Oct 1877, aged 47, married, shopkeeper: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 203646.pdf

Sheila
Last edited by Sduddy on Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:19 am, edited 1 time in total.

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: Clare writers in Irish 1850 – (a translation)

Post by Sduddy » Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:13 am

The piece above on Annraoi de Blác (1884-1974) mentions a visit to him by Nils M. Holmer ( Swedish scholar of linguistics) and I see now that P. Waldron wrote on this forum in 2011 regarding Nils M. Holmer’s, The Dialects of County Clare – see topic “Long list of Irish speakers in Clare in 1946”: http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... f=1&t=1879, giving a link to the book by Nils M. Holmer: http://www.archive.org/details/toddlect ... 91royauoft

It is a very dry academic book, but, as P. Waldron points out, it contains a list Clare people who were identified as native Irish speakers by Nils M. Holmer in 1946. The list begins on page 10. I seem to remember seeing this list somewhere else, but can’t remember where. So, just to be sure to be sure that it is available and searchable, I have transcribed the list:

Kilbaha – Carrigaholt
Henry Blake, Kilbaha (Kilballyowen).
Mrs. Bríd Costello, Kilbaha
Barney Keating, Kilbaha (age 82-83)
Michael Boland, Kilbaha
Mrs. Lynch, Kilbaha
Seán Ó Crota, Kilbaha
Mrs. Seán Ó Crota, Kilbaha
John Costello, Kilbaha
Séamus Ó Catháin (“An Steanc”), Kilbaha
Michael McInerney, Kilbaha (cf. section 3)
Mrs. Michael McInerney, Kilbaha
Mrs. Séamus Blake, Kilbaha
Stephen Dunn, Kilbaha
Danny Ó Cathail, Kilbaha
Mrs. Mary Keating (“Mary Crotty”), Kibaha
Martin Fennell, Fordry (Kilballyowen; cf.section 5)
Mrs. Martin Fennell, Fodry
Seán Ó Crota, Kiltrellig (Kilballyowen)
Michael Ó Crota, Kiltrellig
Mrs. Mary Haugh, Kiltrellig
Mrs. Seán Ó Crota, Kiltrellig
Pádraig Keating, Cloghaunsavaun (Kilballyowen; ex-national teacher)
Michael Hanrahan, Cloghaunsavaun (age 73-74)
Pádraig(ín) Hanrahan, Feeard (Kilballyowen); blacksmith (age 88)
James Hanrahan, Cloghaunsavaun
Mrs. Katie O’Brien, Cloghaunsavaun (teacher); inclined to use literary forms
Mrs. James Hanrahan, Cloghaunsavaun
Miss Delia Hanrahan, Cloghaunsavaun (daughter of James Hanrahan above)
Mrs. Maggie (Katie?) Bonfield, Moneen (Kilballyowen; teacher)
Stephen Hanrahan, Cloghaunsavaun
Domhnall Bán Ó Loinsigh, Kilcloher (Kilballyowen)
Tadhg Connsaidín, Kilcloher
Mrs. Keane, Kilcloher
Michael Keane, Kilcloher
Seán Ó Catháin (“The Colonel”), Kilcloher
Thomas O’Haugh, Kilcloher (blacksmith)
Frank Keane, Cross (Kilballyowen)
Donncha Cathail, Cross (aged 82)
John Maloney, Rahona (Moyarta)
Eamonn Guinane, Rahona East (Moyarta); inclined to use literary or quasi-literary forms
Daniel Griffin, Rahona (age 74)
Michael Roche, Rahona
Mrs. Bride Hetherman, Rahona
Mrs. Scanlan, Carrigaholt (Moyarta)
Mrs. McInerney, Kildeema (from Carrigaholt)
Michael Haugh, Ennis County Home (from Carrigaholt)
Michael McMahon, Lisheen (Moyarta)
Dan Murray, Lisheen

Kilkee- Dunbeg
Dan Collins, Kilkee (Kilfearagh)
Patrick O’Brien, Corbally (Kilfearagh)
John Marnan, Corbally
Tom Gallagher, Ennis County Home (from Corbally)
Seán Tomás Mór McInerney, Killard
Mrs. Mary McMahon, Lake Street (Killard)
Tom Burns, Killard
Mrs. Tom Burns, Killard
John Kelly, Killard
Mrs. John Kelly, Killard
Mary Ryan, Killard
Pats Gorman, Carrowmore (Killard; age 77)
Michael Walsh (“Walsh Óg”), Cloghaun (Killard)
Martin Stack, Carrowmore

Miltown and Middle Clare
Donald (Dan) Griffin, Cloghaun Beg (Kilfarboy)
Patrick (“Patsie Maggie”) Griffin, Dunbeg (from Kilmihil; age 90)
Mr. McKnight, Kilmurry
John O’Connor, Quilty (Kilmurry)
Pat O’Connor, Quilty
Tom Boyle, Quilty
Michael Kenny, Kilmurry
James Gallagher, Kilmurry
Jack Hegarty, Cloonanaha (Inagh)
Jim Cotter, Cloonanaha
Mrs. Jim Cotter, Cloonanaha
Tomás Kinnane, Boolynamiscaun (Inagh)
John Harin, Boolynamiscaun (Inagh)
Pádraig Callahan, Cloonanaha
Mrs. Pádraig Callahan, Cloonanaha
Maurice Mullins, Ballyea (Inagh)
Pat Cleary, Ballybeg (Inagh)
Michael Tuttle, Derryharriv (Inagh)
George Curry, Bealcragga (Kilmaley)
Pat Queally, Bealcragga (age 94)
John McMahon, Feighroe (Kilmaley)
James Reidy, Kinturk (Kilmaley)
Tom Sullivan, Boolynagleragh (Kilmaley)
Joe Kearney, Cloontabonniv (Kilmaley)
Tomás McMahon, Kilcolumb (Kilmaley; age 81)
Mrs. Tomás McMahon, Kilcolumb
Martin McAuliffe, Letterafinny (Kilmaley)
Michael Crowley, Carncreagh (Kilmaley)
Mrs. Nora Greene, Bealcragga (see section 4; age 97)

Ennistymon-Liscannor
Michael Garrihy, blacksmith at Ennistymon
Tim Haran, Ennistymon
Mr. Kellaher (an old native of Ennistymon)
Tom McGuire, Monreel (Rath)
Patrick Lillies, Ennis County Home (from Ennistymon)
Connor Leyden, Kylemore (Rath?)
Mrs. Nora Conlan (née McKeen), Deerpark West, Ennistymon (from the parish of Kilshanny)
Austin Queally, Cill Easpuig Mhongáin (Killaspuglonane)
Michael McDonough, Killaspuglonane
Mrs. Michael McDonough, Killaspuglonane (age about 80)
Lizzy Kelly, Lisdoonvarna (from Liscannor)
Dennis McMahon, Carrowduff (Killaspuglonane)
Mrs. Margaret O’Brien, Derreen (Kilmacrehy)
Tom O’Brien, Kineilty (Kilmacrehy; cf. section 9)

Doolin-Luogh
Patrick Shannon, Doolin (Killilagh)
Patrick O’Brien, Doolin
Mrs. Bríd Cusick, Doolin
Dermott Griffin, Ballyvara (Doolin, Killilagh)
Mrs. McNamara (Molly Shannon), Fisherstreet (Doolin, Killilagh)
Mrs. Danaher, Doolin (born in 1859, in America 1885-1913)
Mrs. Patrick O’Brien, Doolin
Patneen O’Connors, Doolin
Mrs. Burn, Doolin (sister of Patneen O’Connors)
Michael Tierney, Doolin
Patrick Fitzgerald, Doolin
Mrs. Patrick Fitzgerald, Doolin
William Shannon, Fisherstreet
Michael Gearon, Doolin
Michael O’Donoghue, Doonnagore (Killilagh)
John Carey, Luogh (Killilagh)
John McMahon, Luogh
James Maloney, Doonnagore
Mrs. James Maloney, Doonnagore
Patrick McMahon, Luogh
Austin Dillon, Ballycotteen (Knockeevin, Kilmacrehy; see section 3)
Patrick Dillon, Ballycotteen
Seán Dillon, Ballycotteen
William Dillon, Ballycotteen
Mrs. William Dillon, Ballycotteen
Michael McMahon, Luogh
Peter Flannagan, Luogh
Peter Barrett, Luogh
Séamus Fitzgerald, Luogh
Mrs. Mary McMahon (née Connole), Ballynahown (Killilagh)
Mrs. Ann Connole (née Hillery), Ballynahown
Patrick O’Brien, Ballynahown
Jerome Howard, Ballynalackan (Kilmacrehy)
Joseph Considine, Ballynalackan
Tom Howard, Ballynalackan
Mrs. Doherty (Mary Connole), Ballylackan
Mr. Doherty, Ballylackan
John Quillnan, Fanore (Killonaghan)
Patrick Fitzpatrick, Fanore
Dennis Caroughan, Fanore
Patrick Irwin, Gleninagh (age above 80)
Martin Lennane, Gleninagh
Mrs. Lennane, Gleninagh
Patrick Lennan (Linnert), Park More, New Quay (Oughtmama; from Gleninagh)
Martin McNestor, Ennis County Home (from Gleninagh)

Lisdoonvarna – Ballyvaughan (North Clare)
Tom O’Donollan, Ballyconnoe, Killeany
John O’Brien, Ballyconnoe
Bridget Clare, Doonyvardan (Rathborney)
Michael Donoghue, Caherbarnagh (Kilmoon)
Tom Hillery, Kilmoon
James Donollan, Kilmoon
John Egan, Muckinish (Drumcreehy)
Michael Flaherty, Muckinish
Larry Keane, Ballyvaughan (from Muckinish; cf. section 4)
James Droney, Ballynafar (Abbey; from Muckinish)
Mrs. John Droney, Ballynafar (from Murrough)
Martin O’Lochlainn, Ennis County Home (from Ballyvaughan)
Martin Nyland, Bishopsquarter (Drumcreehy; see section 4)
Tom O’Donovan, Muckinish
John Nolan, Finavarra (Oughtmama; age 65)
Michael Glynn, Finavarra
Patrick Glynn, Finavarra
Colman Keane, Aughinish (Oughtmama)
Mrs. Colman Keane, Aughinish
Kate Mahon, Geehy (Kinvarradoorus, Galway; age about 83)
Tom Mahon, Geehy
Martin Kilkelly (Kelly), Shanclogh (Kinvarradoorus)
Michael Quinn, Knockgarra (Kinvarradoorus)
Mrs. Michael Quinn, Knockgarra
Martin Hynes, Kinvarradoorus
Tom Lennane, Kinvarradoorus
Mrs. Tom Lennane, Kinvarradoorus
Patrick Harvey, Funshin More (Kinvarradoorus)
Bridget Keane, Cappagh More (Killinny)
Francis McDonough, Ballyvelaghan (Abbey)
Tom Kelly, Corranroo (Abbey; on the Galway side of the border)
Mrs. Tom Kelly, Corranroo
Peter Kilkelly, Corranroo (on the Clare side of the border)
Patrick Tierney, Ballyvelaghan (fairly young)
Tom Fahy, Ballyvelaghan
James Hynes, Abbey
Tom King, Seach Bhríde (Abbey)
James Quinn, Oughtmama (Oughtmama)
Patrick Connors, Turlough (Oughtmama)
Miss Connors, Turlough (sister of Patrick Connors)
Patrick Hynes, Oughtmama

Kilfenora-Corrofin-Carran
Michael McNamara, Kilfenora
Michael Moran, Baile Uí Chéirín (Kilfenora)
Patrick Fogarty, Killinaboy (Killinaboy)
Martin Sullivan, Leana (Killinaboy; age 83)
Margaret Curtiss, Killinaboy
Tom Curtiss, Killinaboy
Tom Guthrie, Ballyportry (Killinaboy)
John Cahir, Cotteen Oughtaragh (Killinaboy)
Mrs. Patrick Hynes (wife of Patrick Hynes, Oughtmama [above]; from Corrofin)
Patrick McNamara, Ballymurphy (Noughaval)
Mrs. Mary Healy, Noughaval
Turlough Hynes, Eanty (Kilcorney)
Austin Kerin, Carran
John Flanagan, Carran
Michael Ford, Knockaun (Carran)

Northeastern Clare (with Gort [Co. Galway])
Michael Keating, Lurgan (Kilbeacanty, Co. Galway); has but little Irish)
John Moylan, Ballynoe (Beagh, Co.Galway)
Mary O’Donoghue, Gilroe (Beagh)
Michael Ruan, Gilroe
Peter Hart, Gortnacarnaun (Kilbeacanty)
Nora Heher, Inchaboy (Kilbeacanty)
Patrick Casey, Tubber (Beagh)
Patrick Waters, Kiltacky More (Kilkeedy)
Bridget Cloone, Aughrim (Kilkeedy)

Practically no Irish is spoken to-day in eastern Clare. In the parish of Tomgraney, two speakers were found, both, however, with very little Irish:
Myles O’Donnell, Corrakyle (Tomgraney)
Jim Brody, Corrakyle
For this investigation, Scarriff was chosen as headquarters. An old native speaker, one Mr. Cooney, does still live near Loch Attorick, but could not be found.
From Crusheen, Ennis (Clare Castle), Sixmilebridge, and Kilrush, information was obtained from speakers living in the Ennis County Home (cf. section 2);
Crusheen: Martin McNamara (from Crusheen, Inchicronan)
Ennis: Teddy Brackley (from Clare Castle, Doora)
James Collins (from Sixmilebridge; age 70)
James Hoolihan (from Kilrush).

End of transcription.

Nils M. Holmer uses his own spelling of surnames, e.g. Donellon (usually Donnellan); Hoolihan (usually Houlihan); Curtiss (usually Curtis). Bear this in mind if checking the 1901 and 1911 censuses. And, although some names on the list are in Irish, they are probably in English in the censuses, e.g. Séan Ó Crota is probably John Crotty; Séamus Ó Catháin is probably James Keane, or Kane; Danny Ó Cathail is probably Daniel Cahill; Pádraig Keating is probably Patrick Keating; Domhnall Bán Ó Loinsigh is probably Daniel Lynch; Tadhg Connsaidín is probably Timothy or Teady Considine; Martin Ó Lochlainn is probably Martin O’Loughlin.

Sheila

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: Clare writers in Irish 1850 – (a translation)

Post by Sduddy » Mon Jan 17, 2022 1:37 pm

Pádraig Ó Cearmada, who was born in Co. Clare (c 1833), could be included in the article on writers in Irish (translated above), I think, though it’s possible he is considered an Irish scholar rather than writer in the Irish language. He is the subject of a posting by Sharon Carberry in 2011, entitled “Patrick Carmody of SW Clare and Waterford,” (http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... f=1&t=2772). She gives a link to an article on him published in Decies, Journal of the Waterford Archaeological & Historical Society, No. 53 (1997) – scroll down to page 132: http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collection ... 123308.pdf
A reply by Paddy Waldron in 2014 gives some more links, including a link to an entry on Pádraig Ó Cearmada in ainm.ie: http://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=1874. The authors of that entry acknowledge that it relies almost entirely on Ó Macháin’s article.

Sheila

Post Reply