Parnell Gale
Encyclopedia
Political career
Prior to serving as Mayor, Parnell Gale was a collector of excise in GalwayGalway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
in 1815.
Parnell Gale’s term as major was marked by social unrest. Caused in part by meteorological conditions sparked off by volcanic activity, food shortages were prevalent in Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
in early 1817. In January 1817, Major Gale believed food riots could be controlled and resisted efforts to invoke the Peace Preservation Act, the equivalent of martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
. However, by March 1817, Gale was not so confident in maintaining order and in a letter to Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle off Dame Street, Dublin, Ireland, was until 1922 the fortified seat of British rule in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex. Most of it dates from the 18th century, though a castle has stood on the site since the days of King John, the first Lord of Ireland...
, requested the cavalry be sent since mounted troops might more effectively pursue rioters. Rioters were attacking stores and merchant’s houses as well as removing the sails from ships so that vessels could not carry provisions from the town.
A good harvest and falling market prices finally brought the disturbances of 1817 to an end.
Personal life
Parnell Gale was born in Queen’s County (present day County LaoisCounty Laois
County Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
), Ireland
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...
, the son of Anthony Gale and Anne Delany.
Parnell Gale is the brother of Anthony Gale
Anthony Gale
Anthony Gale was the fourth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and the only one ever fired. Fewer records survive concerning him than any other Commandant. He is the only Commandant for whom the Marines neither know his burial location nor have a portrait or likeness.-Early life:His...
, fourth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
.
Parnell Gale is buried at St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church
St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church
The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship. It is located in Galway in the Republic of Ireland and was founded in 1320, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers...
in Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
. The inscription on Parnell Gale’s burial monument reads: “GALE Beneath are deposited the remains of Parnell Gale Esqr who departd this life May 19th 1818 ag'd 46 years after discharging the distinguished office of Mayor of this town with credit to himself and satisfaction to his fellow citizens.”