Fr. Paul Walsh
Encyclopedia
Father Paul Walsh (19 June 1885 – 18 June 1941) was an Irish
priest and historian.
, County Westmeath
. Educated locally, he spent a year at Mullingar's Christian Brothers
school, and subsequently in 1900 to St. Finnian's College, Navan
, where he studied for three years. Noted as a good student, Walsh achieved especial distinction in classics and mathematics. In autumn 1903 he became a student at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, again achieving great distinction in subjects such as Irish, French, Italian and Philosophy.
Under the influence of Father Peter Yorke
(1864–1925), Walsh became interested in many aspects of Irish culture. Tomás Ó Fiaich later commented that Walsh was one of "... a generation of students [at Maynooth] which was collectively able, multi-talented, committed and independent-minded", many of whom went onto achieve great distinction in many aspects of Irish life. However, his participation in a controversy concerning 'compulsory Irish' at the National University
led to him been denied ordination
at Maynooth; the ceremony instead took place at All Hallow's College, Dublin, on the 24 June 1909. He was also forbidden to return to pursue postgraduate studies.
Between 1910 and 1916 Walsh participated in a diverse range of activities; four months as a curate
in Dunsany, County Meath
, teaching at Ring summer school, County Waterford
, and teaching Latin at St. Finnians. He continued with his studies, obtained a B.A.
with first class honors in 1912, and in 1914 an M.A.
with first class honors, both from the National University of Ireland
. The outbreak of war in 1914 prevented travel to continental Europe
for a travelling scholarship.
In April 1916 he was a minor participant in the run-up to the Easter Rising
, when he became a member of the various groups sent by Eoin MacNeill
to countermand Sunday 'manoeuvres, travelling as far as Athenry
, County Galway
. But upon his return to Dublin he learned that a small group of Irish Volunteers
intended to proceed.
In autumn 1916 Walsh became the first Lecturer
of Welsh in Maynooth. In June 1919 he became Professor
of Ecclesiastical history. Due to his shy nature he was reputed to be a poor lecturer and was thus relieved to be appointed curate of Eglish, Birr
, County Offaly
. He was then transferred to Stamullen
, County Meath, and lastly, to Multyfarnham
, County Westmeath in June 1932, as parish priest. His health declined precipitously in spring 1941, and following a brain haemorrhage, Walsh died at the Pembroke Nursing Home, Dublin, on 18 June 1941. He was interred in the hillside graveyard at Multyfarnham on 21 June 1941
, and Irish genealogy
. He also wrote nearly sixty book reviews.
's 1837 Ordnance Survey letters for the county. It was part of a projected comprehensive work, and though Walsh continually collected material on the subject it remained unfinished at his death. An expanded version was published in 1957 by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
which was heavily supplemented by Walsh's notes and annotations.
, which was a journal of the Flight of the Earls
. This edition was published in 1916. It was followed by Genealogie Regum et Sanctorum Hiberniae in 1918, a previously unpublished collection of genealogies of kings and saints by the Four Masters. Further such studies included The Will and Family of Hugh O'Neill (1919; published in book form in 1930); The Life of Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill (1922); The Book of O'Donell's Daughter (1929); and Colonel Myles O'Reilly, Sheriff of County Cavan, 1641 (1935). 1920 saw the publication of Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne: An account of the Mac Sweeney Families in Ireland, with Pedigrees. The dedication was " Nollaig Ó Muraíle
describes it as "an important, well thought-out book, a work which no-one working on Donegal
history can afford to ignore" (#3). Unfinished at his death was his edition of Beatha Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill by Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh
. However, this led to a "series of meticulous and penetrating studies that were to shed a great deal of light on the story of Mícheál Ó Cléirigh
and the Four Masters" (#4), all of which were published in the 1930s and are still invaluable.
and annalistic dating. An especially valuable study, The Dating of the Irish Annals, was published shortly after his death. World War II brought an unexpected boon in the relocation of the first half of the Annals of the Four Masters
from Dublin to Multyfarnham
. These two autograph
s had been held at Stowe House
and Rome until their return to Ireland in 1872, after which they had been kept at the Franciscan House at Merchant's Quay, Dublin. This meant that John O'Donovan's edition relied on two 18th century copies and thus contained some defects. Paul Walsh availed of this opportunity and by the time of his own death had transcribed the years AD 428 through to 1170, totalling 650 pages.
After his death his library was purchased at the behest of his fellow Meath clergy, and donated to St. Finnian's where it remains available for study.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
priest and historian.
Life and career
Walsh was the eldest of the five sons and three daughters born to Michael Walsh and Brigid Gallagher of Ballina (aka Balliea), in the parish of MullingarMullingar
Mullingar is the county town of County Westmeath in Ireland. The Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act of 1542, proclaimed Westmeath a county, separating it from Meath. Mullingar became the administrative centre for County Westmeath...
, County Westmeath
County Westmeath
-Economy:Westmeath has a strong agricultural economy. Initially, development occurred around the major market centres of Mullingar, Moate, and Kinnegad. Athlone developed due to its military significance, and its strategic location on the main Dublin–Galway route across the River Shannon. Mullingar...
. Educated locally, he spent a year at Mullingar's Christian Brothers
Congregation of Christian Brothers
The Congregation of Christian Brothers is a worldwide religious community within the Catholic Church, founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. The Christian Brothers, as they are commonly known, chiefly work for the evangelisation and education of youth, but are involved in many ministries, especially with...
school, and subsequently in 1900 to St. Finnian's College, Navan
Navan
-People:Navan was the childhood home of Pierce Brosnan, who appeared in the television series Remington Steele and was the fifth film actor to play James Bond. TV personality Hector Ó hEochagáin, and comedians Dylan Moran and Tommy Tiernan also hail from Navan....
, where he studied for three years. Noted as a good student, Walsh achieved especial distinction in classics and mathematics. In autumn 1903 he became a student at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, again achieving great distinction in subjects such as Irish, French, Italian and Philosophy.
Under the influence of Father Peter Yorke
Peter Yorke
Father Peter Christopher Yorke was an Irish-American Catholic priest and a noted Irish Republican and Labor activist in San Francisco was the youngest child of Gregory Yorke, a sea-captain, and his wife Brigid, née Kelly. He was pastor of St...
(1864–1925), Walsh became interested in many aspects of Irish culture. Tomás Ó Fiaich later commented that Walsh was one of "... a generation of students [at Maynooth] which was collectively able, multi-talented, committed and independent-minded", many of whom went onto achieve great distinction in many aspects of Irish life. However, his participation in a controversy concerning 'compulsory Irish' at the National University
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
The National University of Ireland, Maynooth , was founded by the Universities Act, 1997 as a constituent university of the National University of Ireland. It is Ireland's second oldest university, having been formed from St Patrick's College, Maynooth, itself founded in 1795.The university is...
led to him been denied ordination
Ordination
In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is...
at Maynooth; the ceremony instead took place at All Hallow's College, Dublin, on the 24 June 1909. He was also forbidden to return to pursue postgraduate studies.
Between 1910 and 1916 Walsh participated in a diverse range of activities; four months as a curate
Curate
A curate is a person who is invested with the care or cure of souls of a parish. In this sense "curate" correctly means a parish priest but in English-speaking countries a curate is an assistant to the parish priest...
in Dunsany, County Meath
County Meath
County Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
, teaching at Ring summer school, County Waterford
County Waterford
*Abbeyside, Affane, Aglish, Annestown, An Rinn, Ardmore*Ballinacourty, Ballinameela, Ballinamult, Ballinroad, Ballybeg, Ballybricken, Ballyduff Lower, Ballyduff Upper, Ballydurn, Ballygunner, Ballylaneen, Ballymacarbry, Ballymacart, Ballynaneashagh, Ballysaggart, Ballytruckle, Bilberry, Bunmahon,...
, and teaching Latin at St. Finnians. He continued with his studies, obtained a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
with first class honors in 1912, and in 1914 an M.A.
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
with first class honors, both from the National University of Ireland
National University of Ireland
The National University of Ireland , , is a federal university system of constituent universities, previously called constituent colleges, and recognised colleges set up under the Irish Universities Act, 1908, and significantly amended by the Universities Act, 1997.The constituent universities are...
. The outbreak of war in 1914 prevented travel to continental Europe
Continental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
for a travelling scholarship.
In April 1916 he was a minor participant in the run-up to the Easter Rising
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
, when he became a member of the various groups sent by Eoin MacNeill
Eoin MacNeill
Eoin MacNeill was an Irish scholar, nationalist, revolutionary and politician. MacNeill is regarded as the father of the modern study of early Irish medieval history. He was a co-founder of the Gaelic League, to preserve Irish language and culture, going on to establish the Irish Volunteers...
to countermand Sunday 'manoeuvres, travelling as far as Athenry
Athenry
Athenry is a town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies east of Galway city, and one of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. The town is also well-known by virtue of the song "The Fields of Athenry".-History:...
, County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
. But upon his return to Dublin he learned that a small group of Irish Volunteers
Irish Volunteers
The Irish Volunteers was a military organisation established in 1913 by Irish nationalists. It was ostensibly formed in response to the formation of the Ulster Volunteers in 1912, and its declared primary aim was "to secure and maintain the rights and liberties common to the whole people of Ireland"...
intended to proceed.
In autumn 1916 Walsh became the first Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer is an academic rank. In the United Kingdom, lecturer is a position at a university or similar institution, often held by academics in their early career stages, who lead research groups and supervise research students, as well as teach...
of Welsh in Maynooth. In June 1919 he became Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Ecclesiastical history. Due to his shy nature he was reputed to be a poor lecturer and was thus relieved to be appointed curate of Eglish, Birr
Birr
Birr is a town in County Offaly, Ireland. Once called Parsonstown, after the Parsons family who were local landowners and hereditary Earls of Rosse. It is also a parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe....
, County Offaly
County Offaly
County Offaly is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe and was formerly known as King's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. Offaly County Council is...
. He was then transferred to Stamullen
Stamullen
Stamullen is a village in County Meath, Ireland on the border with County Dublin. It lies just off the M1 motorway some 35 km north of Dublin and beside the River Delvin...
, County Meath, and lastly, to Multyfarnham
Multyfarnham
Multyfarnham or Multyfarnam is a village in County Westmeath, Ireland.-History:The Irish Franciscan friars still maintain a presence in the ancient monastery here which was founded in 1268. During the English conquest of Ireland it was raided six times and twice burnt out by the Crown forces...
, County Westmeath in June 1932, as parish priest. His health declined precipitously in spring 1941, and following a brain haemorrhage, Walsh died at the Pembroke Nursing Home, Dublin, on 18 June 1941. He was interred in the hillside graveyard at Multyfarnham on 21 June 1941
His work as a scholar
Between 1907 and 1941 Walsh authored over twenty books and some three hundred articles. He was also responsible for eding and studying several important Irish texts, learned notes on Irish historical writers, along with extensive work on the history of Meath, UlsterUlster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
, and Irish genealogy
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history. Genealogists use oral traditions, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kinship and pedigrees of its members...
. He also wrote nearly sixty book reviews.
"The Placenames of Westmeath"
In 1915, Walsh produced part one of The Placenames of Westmeath, and abridged version of John O'DonovanJohn O'Donovan (scholar)
John O'Donovan , from Atateemore, in the parish of Kilcolumb, County Kilkenny, and educated at Hunt's Academy, Waterford, was an Irish language scholar from Ireland.-Life:...
's 1837 Ordnance Survey letters for the county. It was part of a projected comprehensive work, and though Walsh continually collected material on the subject it remained unfinished at his death. An expanded version was published in 1957 by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies Dublin, Ireland was established in 1940 by the Taoiseach of the time, Éamon de Valera under the . The Institute consists of 3 schools: The , the and the . The directors of these schools are currently Professor Werner Nahm, Professor Luke Drury and...
which was heavily supplemented by Walsh's notes and annotations.
Gaelic Ulster
Paul Walsh's first work concerning Ulster was his edition of the diary of Tadhg Ó CianáinTadhg Ó Cianáin
Tadhg Og Ó Cianáin was an Irish writer.He was the author of Imeacht na nIarlaí/The Earls' Departure, a diary of the Flight of the Earls, kept from September 1607 to November 1608, from Rathmullen, County Donegal to Rome. It is the earliest example in Irish of the diary genre...
, which was a journal of the Flight of the Earls
Flight of the Earls
The Flight of the Earls took place on 14 September 1607, when Hugh Ó Neill of Tír Eóghain, Rory Ó Donnell of Tír Chonaill and about ninety followers left Ireland for mainland Europe.-Background to the exile:...
. This edition was published in 1916. It was followed by Genealogie Regum et Sanctorum Hiberniae in 1918, a previously unpublished collection of genealogies of kings and saints by the Four Masters. Further such studies included The Will and Family of Hugh O'Neill (1919; published in book form in 1930); The Life of Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill (1922); The Book of O'Donell's Daughter (1929); and Colonel Myles O'Reilly, Sheriff of County Cavan, 1641 (1935). 1920 saw the publication of Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne: An account of the Mac Sweeney Families in Ireland, with Pedigrees. The dedication was " Nollaig Ó Muraíle
Nollaig Ó Muraíle
Nollaig Ó Muraíle is an Irish scholar. He published an acclaimed edition of Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh's Leabhar na nGenealach in 2004. He was conferred with the honour of admittance to the Royal Irish Academy in 2009.-Life and career:...
describes it as "an important, well thought-out book, a work which no-one working on Donegal
Donegal
Donegal or Donegal Town is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Its name, which was historically written in English as Dunnagall or Dunagall, translates from Irish as "stronghold of the foreigners" ....
history can afford to ignore" (#3). Unfinished at his death was his edition of Beatha Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill by Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh
Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh
Lughaidh Ó Cléirigh , sometimes anglicised as Lewey O'Clery, was an Irish Gaelic poet and historian. He is best known today as the author of Beatha Aodha Ruaidh Uí Dhomhnaill, a biography of Red Hugh O'Donnell.-Life:...
. However, this led to a "series of meticulous and penetrating studies that were to shed a great deal of light on the story of Mícheál Ó Cléirigh
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh , sometimes known as Michael O'Clery, was an Irish chronicler, scribe and antiquary and chief author of the Annals of the Four Masters, assisted by Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh, Fearfeasa Ó Maol Chonaire, and Peregrinus Ó Duibhgeannain.-Background and early life:Grandson of Tuathal...
and the Four Masters" (#4), all of which were published in the 1930s and are still invaluable.
The Irish Annals
From about 1939 Walsh concerned himself with the medieval Irish annalsIrish annals
A number of Irish annals were compiled up to and shortly after the end of Gaelic Ireland in the 17th century.Annals were originally a means by which monks determined the yearly chronology of feast days...
and annalistic dating. An especially valuable study, The Dating of the Irish Annals, was published shortly after his death. World War II brought an unexpected boon in the relocation of the first half of the Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
from Dublin to Multyfarnham
Multyfarnham
Multyfarnham or Multyfarnam is a village in County Westmeath, Ireland.-History:The Irish Franciscan friars still maintain a presence in the ancient monastery here which was founded in 1268. During the English conquest of Ireland it was raided six times and twice burnt out by the Crown forces...
. These two autograph
Autograph
An autograph is a document transcribed entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one written by an amanuensis or a copyist; the meaning overlaps with that of the word holograph.Autograph also refers to a person's artistic signature...
s had been held at Stowe House
Stowe House
Stowe House is a Grade I listed country house located in Stowe, Buckinghamshire, England. It is the home of Stowe School, an independent school. The gardens , a significant example of the English Landscape Garden style, along with part of the Park, passed into the ownership of The National Trust...
and Rome until their return to Ireland in 1872, after which they had been kept at the Franciscan House at Merchant's Quay, Dublin. This meant that John O'Donovan's edition relied on two 18th century copies and thus contained some defects. Paul Walsh availed of this opportunity and by the time of his own death had transcribed the years AD 428 through to 1170, totalling 650 pages.
After his death his library was purchased at the behest of his fellow Meath clergy, and donated to St. Finnian's where it remains available for study.
Articles
- A fragment used by Keating, in Archivm Hibernicum, I, p. 1-9, 1912.
- On a passage in Serglige Conculaind, in ZCP 8, p. 555-6. 1912
- The Topography of Beatha Colmain, in ZCP 8, p568-82. 1912.
- An elegy on Eamonn O Braonain, in IMN, p. 19-24, 1913.
- Elegy on Niall Garbh O Domhnaill, in IMN, p. 39-50, 1914.
- Placenames in Vita Finniani, in ZCP 10; 73-7. 1914
- A Poem by Aodh Mac Aingil, CB 6, p. 381-5. 1916
- Aodh Buidhe Mac Cruitin i bhFlonndrus, i An Claigheamh Soluis, 26 Feb/ 1916.
- An tAthair Eamonn O hOgain, CS, 15 December 1917.
- Description of O'Renehan MS 107, in IMN, 19-27, 1917
- Particulars of Clare Poets, in INM, 58-9, 1917
- The Will and Family of Hugh O Neill, in IER, 5/13; 27-41
- The Chieftains of Fermanagh, in IER, 5/15: p 353-64; 17: 571-84; 19: 1-14. 598-613. 1920
- The Irish language and the Reformation, in ITQ 15, 239-50. 1920
- Eisibeal Stibhin in An Reult I, p. 57-58. 1920.
- Marbh chaoine an Athar Sean Ui Mhaonaigh o Chill Rosanta, in An Sioladar, 1/1, 27-40.
- The Learned Family of O Duigenan, in IER 5/17, p. 225-35.
- The Life of Aodh Ruadh O Domhnaill (part), in AH 7, supplement 1-80, 1922
- Hugh Roe O Donnell's sisters, in IER 5/19: 358-64. 1922
- Sean O Mathghamhna's Irish MSS in IBL 18, p. 144. 1930.
- Meath in The Book of Rights, in Feilscribhinn Eoin Mhic Neill, p. 508-21, 1940.
- The Mac Iago Family, in Irish Press, 29 October 1940.
- The Ua Maelechlainn Kings of Meath, in IER 5/58; p. 165-83
Books
- Seanmoiri Muighe Nuadhad, II, 1907
- Seanmoiri Muighe Nuadhad, III, 1908
- The Placenames of Westmeath, 1915
- The Flight of the Earls, 1916
- Genealogiae Regum et Sanctorum Hiberniae, 1918
- Gleanings from Irish Manuscripts, (first edition), 1919
- Leavhar Chlainne Suibhne: An Account of the Mac Sweeney Families of Ireland, with Pedigrees, 1920.
- Leaves of History, part I, 1930
- The Will and Family of Hugh O Neill, 1930
- Saint Patrick A.D. 432-1932 (editor), 1932
- Gleanings from Irish Manuscripts, second edition, 1933
- Irish Men of Learning, 1947
- Beatha Aodh Ruadh Ui Dhomhnaill, part one, 1948
- Beatha Aodh Ruadh Ui Dhomhnaill, part two, 1957
- Irish Chiefs and Leaders, 1960
- Irish Leaders and Learning Through the Ages, ed. Nollaig Ó MuraíleNollaig Ó MuraíleNollaig Ó Muraíle is an Irish scholar. He published an acclaimed edition of Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh's Leabhar na nGenealach in 2004. He was conferred with the honour of admittance to the Royal Irish Academy in 2009.-Life and career:...
, 2005
Unpublished work
- A transcript of the Annals of Inisfallen (unfinished). Forty pages.
- A transcript of the Four Masters annals from the Franciscan autograph, A.D. 42-1170. Six hundred and sixty pages.
- Catalogue of Irish manuscripts in the library of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth (mainly Murphy MSS 1-58)
- Norman genealogies from Royal Irish Academy 23 D 17. Sixty eight pages
- Essay on chronology of Irish annals. Sixty four pages.
- Parish annals of Duleek, County Meath. Twenty four pages.
- Parish annals of Doonore, County Meath. Eighteen pages.
- Historical notes on Meath parishes. Ten pages.
- The O Neill genealogies. One hundred pages.
- Christian Kings of Munster (unfinished). Seven pages.
- Historical notes on Irish bishops (unfinished). Eighteen pages.
- Notes on the history of the province of Connacht: A broadcast. Ten pages.
- Connach Mac William families (unfinished). Sixty pages.
- O Rourke's lordship (unfinished). Eighteen pages.
- An appreciated of the work for Welsh literature of J. Gwenogvryn Evans. Twelve pages