Gallagher the Ventriloquist, "Lord Coolamber", "The Harmonious Blacksmith."
Chapter VIII. On April 6, 1861, Dublin was agitated by a great tragedy The Rathmines omnibus, heavily laden, was about to ascend Portobello ...
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Chapter VIII. On April 6, 1861, Dublin was agitated by a great tragedy The Rathmines omnibus, heavily laden, was about to ascend Portobello ...
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Chapter VIII.
On April 6, 1861, Dublin was agitated by a great tragedy The Rathmines omnibus, heavily laden, was about to ascend Portobello Bridge, when the horses becoming restive, backed it against a wooden palisade which gave way, and the horses, vehicle, and inmates were hurled into the canal. The lock keeper lost his head, and hoping to float the omnibus let loose the volume of pent up water, which, of course, quite overwhelmed it. A very beautiful girl, Matilda O’Connell, with her mother, the wife of Charles O’Connell, a near relative of “the Liberator,” lost their lives. The Rev. John Kenyon, who had been a bitter opponent of O’Connell, came up from Clare to attend this melancholy burial by the Oak Walk at Glasnevin. Another funeral entered the grounds at the same time
- that of Mr. Gunn father of the popular lessee of the Gaiety Theatre. He also perished in the accident at Portohello Bridge.
An entry in the Register, some days later, records the burial of Samuel Barker, who was burnt to death with ten others, in Patrick-street, Dublin, on April 15th, 1861.
The 18th of November, 1861, was made remarkable in Dublin by the funeral procession of Terence Bellew MacManus, an ardent patriot of ‘48, of whose high qualities of head and heart Smith O’Brien has left a vividly written estimate. He was tried for high treason and condemned to death, but the sentence was ultimately commuted to penal servitude, from which, however, he contrived to escape under circumstances of an exciting and somewhat romantic character. At one time a shipping agent of opulence in that great commercial centre - Liverpool, he died a penniless exile amidst the gold fields of California. His remains were conveyed from Grass Valley to the greener sward he loved. Archbishop Cullen refused to allow the remains to lie in state in the Pro-Cathedral, but Father Lavelle attended from the diocese of Tuam, and pronounced a funeral oration of some eloquence.
In December, 1861, was buried Louisa Sarah Lady Bond, widow of Sir T. Lonsford Bond, Bart., of Coolamber, County Westmeath. The baronetcy - a relic of the Irish Parliament - is now extinct. The character of *Lord Coolamber *in Miss Edgeworth’s novel, “The Absentee,” is drawn from Bond, a near neighbour, whose idiosyncrasy she carefully studied.
In December of the same year, the Committee received the following letter from the Protestant Bishop of Limerick
“Royal Irish Academy, December 10th, 1861.
“Gentlemen,
The death of Dr. John O’Donovan, Professor of Celtic Literature, and author of many works, illustrating the ‘History and Antiquities of Ireland,’ has caused a wide-spread feeling of sorrow. The event will be recognised as a national loss by all who are capable of estimating the value of the services which he has rendered to the literature of this country. I therefore beg leave to suggest that, if the rules of the Cemetery, which is under your management, permit of such an arrangement, a free grant be made of ground for the purpose of his burial. The circumstances of his family unhappily render it desirable that such aid should be afforded to them, and even if this reason did not exist, I believe that your Committee would gladly avail themselves of an opportunity of doing honour to Dr. O’Donovan’s memory.
“The Royal Irish Academy has not directed me to make a formal application to you on this subject. But I know that the suggestion which I have offered is in accordance with the feeling of a great number of its most distinguished members. - I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
“Charles Graves, D.D., President, R.I.A.”
The members of the Cemeteries Committee thus addressed were only too glad of the opportunity afforded of marking the respect and appreciation in which they held the memory of a distinguished scholar, who by his profound knowledge or the Celtic language and historical monuments of Ireland had acquired European reputation. They offered space in whatever part of the Cemetery might be desired; and a plot close to Hogan’s tomb was eventually chosen. But a strange apathy succeeded the emotions of grief evoked by his death. For 15 years no memorial marked the spot, and but for the exertions of Lord Talbot de Malahide, Sir Samuel Ferguson, John O’Hagan, Dr. Ingram, Sir J. T. Gilbert and others, the neglect might have continued to this day. It has been told of O’Donovan that “he had begun life full of hope in the resurgence of true Irish learning, trusting that the results of his exertions, while advancing the reputation of his country, would gain for himself somewhat of national gratitude and estimation.” He died poor, and a friend muttered as” regards the stone tardily given, O Dono vano. [The phrase, signifying “O vain gift,” is said to have been uttered by Gregory XVI. under different circumstances.] He was the father of Edmund O’Donovan “the hero of Merv,” author of “Travels and Adventures East of the Caspian.”
O’Donovan’s brother-in-law, Eugene O’Curry - hardly less gifted in the same field-passed away a few months later, and was also buried at Glasnevin. The plot was granted free for the reception of his remains. Darcy McGee describes his long, oval, well-spanned head, and styles him the first of Celtic scholars and palaeographers. His funeral was attended by the members of the Royal Hibernian Academy with the Mace. O’Curry died July 30th, 1862. A valuable book has recently been published in which it is stated, “Above O’Curry’s faithful heart not even a name has been inscribed.” This unfortunately was the case until 1877; but in that year a beautiful Celtic cross was placed on his grave.
St. Martin” of Tours who divided his cloak with naked beggars, found his counterpart in the Rev. James Corr, Curate of St. Audeon’s, a man of great holiness, whose life was devoted to the poor. A tombstone not far from the old entrance records that he died July 14th, 1862, aged 45. For a long time after his death the poor loved to make pilgrimages to his grave.
A munificent benefactor to his creed and kind followed on November 18th, 1862. John Donegan, the well-known Dublin jeweller, used to give every priest going on the foreign mission a silver chalice, paten, and case for the holy oils; and any Irishman who distinguished himself in the walk of practical patriotism received a gold watch. He assisted broken-down merchants and half-bankrupt shopkeepers. He gave thousands of pounds to All Hallows College a few months before his own death. He raised a monument at Ballinamore to the champion of his Church - Father Tom Maguire. He gave to Armagh Cathedral chalices, monstrances and ciboriums set in diamonds. The good he did in private will never be known. A massive monument is raised to him in the O’Connell circle.
Not far from the grave of Richard O’Gorman, who stood by O’Connell at the duel with D’Esterre, rises an elaborately carved Celtic cross, dated 24th November, 1862. It is inscribed:- “To the memory of Alexander M’Donnell, F.R.C.S.I., of Ballinlig, in the Glens of Antrim; a man of ancient and honourable lineage, and an accomplished physician, whose whole life was devoted to the service of the poor. This monument has been erected by a large number of friends who admired his rare virtues and lamented his early loss.” On the panels of the shaft representations of the works of mercy are finely brought out. Dr. M’Donnell belonged to the same family as D. M’Donnell, the friend of Tone, so often mentioned by the historians of ‘98. The subject of the epitaph was brother of Colonel M’Donnell, the son-in-law of Lord O’Hagan.
A monument of unusual height and grandeur in the Chapel circle records the death on December 3rd, 1862, of Sir Timothy O’Brien, Bart., twice Lord Mayor of Dublin, who “represented Cashel in three Parliaments,” and took an active part in the early management of the Cemetery. It was during the same year that a Senator of some mark and likelihood once was borne to Glasnevin; but no stone is ever likely to mark his grave. Patrick Somers M.P. for Sligo, was a follower of O’Connell, on whose fidelity the Tribune never failed to rely. For him another great man professed much regard - Lord Palmerston-a proof that Somers’ mental qualities were above the average. “My friend Pat Somers” was at all times a welcome guest at Lord Palmerston’s private residence - now, in the whirligig of time, converted into a club.
Another man who had sat in St. Stephens as M.P. for Wexford County - James Fagan - was borne from Turvey Hall, Donabate - the ancient home of the Trimlestons-on January 13th, 1896. Captain Magan represented Westmeath at the same time; and the door-keeper of the House of Commons, confused by the pronunciation of both names, often accentuated Fagan’s on the last syllable and Magan’s on the first. He was a member of the Cemeteries Board, and took much interest in his work. A favourite avenue through the tombs is called Fagan’s Walk.
Patrick Harkan, son of Neil Harkan, of Raheen, County Roscommon, a landed proprietor, was sent to Rome in 1795, to pursue his studies for the priesthood; but “humanities” had less attraction for him than the relief of suffering humanity, and he became a physician. In Dublin he acquired a large practice. His status is proved by the fact that in 1817, although a Roman Catholic, he was appointed by the somewhat exclusive Meath Hospital its physician. For 40 years he filled the same post in the Fever Hospital, Cork Street. He lived for fully eight years at 40 Upper Sackville Street, where he died at this time. He was the brother of Peter Harkan, who, it will be remembered, came to grief on the wall of “Bully’s Acre.”
Few of those who read of the burial, at Glasnevin, of Father Bartholomew Esmonde, S.J., on the 18th of December, 1862, realised that he was a son of the Esmonde who figures in history as having headed, in 1798, a night attack on the Military barrack at Prosperous, and suffered execution. His son was one of four Irishmen who became priests on the restoration of the Order under Pius VII., and, uplifting the banner of the Cross, fought the battle of the Faith in Ireland. He preached with the fervour of a Wesley, of whom Macauley says that, “had he (Wesley) been placed at Rome he is certain to have become the first general of a new society devoted to the interests and honour of the Church.” At Clongowes are preserved copious notes by Esmonde for replying to the Evangelizers, who, in 1824, preached through Ireland with the object of effecting what was styled the Second Reformation. He resided for many years at Malta, where he published a polemic work well known at Rome. From long residence in Italy he became very familiar with the beauties of its temples: and the handsome church in Gardiner Street, Dublin, of which he was the architect, remains a monument of his genius and energy. This reflection will console his friends who fail to find at Glasnevin any monument over his grave. It may be interesting to add that a very rare and beautiful stone, known as the *lapis lazuli, *which imparts additional beauty to the tabernacle at Gardiner Street Church, was the gift of Major Sirr, the terrorist of ‘98, and who, in later days - as the cartoons in “Cox’s Magazine” shew - was given to singing psalms and denouncing Jesuits.
Old Martin Burke may thank W. M. Thackeray for a notoriety to which he did not himself aspire. In the “Irish Sketch Book” we read of a fashionable hotel frequented by the gentry, where the owner lived like one of the class he entertained When Mr. (afterwards Sir) Charles Gavan Duffy was put on** **his trial for the third time - the jury having previously disagreed his Counsel discovering Burke’s name on the panel, whispered to Duffy that, no doubt, he was put there because it was certain he would be swayed by the prejudices of the class by whom he lived. Burke, influenced by the oratory of Butt, took a resolute stand for Duffy. The fame which Thackeray had begun to weave for Burke was completed by Brougham. An angry speech which he delivered in the House of Lords, called the attention of England to the undisguised partiality manifested by Burke in the jury box. The latter retorted in a public letter full of indignant warmth. Burke, who was the father of J. Milo Burke, D.L., and the grandfather of Martin Burke, Q.C., died on the 16th of January, 1863. He is described on his tomb as Martin Burke of the Shelbourne Hotel, and Springfield House, County Tipperary: “A good Christian; a fearless patriot; an independent juryman; and a true-hearted Irishman.”
A long account of Captain O’Brien, “Father of Irish Coursing,” appears in the newspapers of the day. He died on February 27th, 1863.
Gallagher was a well-known ventriloquist and entertainer. Among his exploits off the stage was an oral appeal for help, seemingly from a sewer, which caused the street to be ripped up in the humane attempt to rescue an unseen sufferer. Poor Gallagher thy voice is not heard from the ground now! He proved a very popular ventriloquist and dramatic student. He drew good houses: and a well-posted cartoon of himself - which always heralded his advent - hat in hand, and bowing with an obsequiousness worthy of Sir Pertinax MacSycophant, remains in the memory of many. He was the father of an able journalist, and the grandsire of another to whose memory a tomb has been raised by public subscription. Gallagher himself died 7th April, 1863. Born in January, 1800, he humorously claimed to be one of the first men of the century.
A monument near the old entrance, recalls a not uninteresting personality:- “Sacred to the memory of William Dillon Walker, who fell at the battle of the Wilderness, in America, on the 5th May, 1863, combating for the restoration of the Great Republic of the United States. In the Italian war of 1860 he gallantly took up arms with the Irish section of the Papal Brigade in defence of the Chair of St. Peter, and earned for himself laurels which were publicly acknowledged by Pope Pius IX. in electing and proclaiming him Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester.”
There are few pictures better known than that of Curran by Sir Thomas Laurence, with the sparkling black eyes and speaking features. Its strength was reproduced with great skill by the sculptor, Christopher Moore, R.H. A., [Christopher Moore had won distinction in modelling busts - that of Sheil was a marked success - but the Committee who returned to him the statue of Thomas Moore were ignorant of the fact that statues belonged to an entirely distinct branch of art, requiring special early training in “the life school,” and a diligent study of the antique. Moore had executed a bust of Francis Earl of Charlemont, which gave that nobleman such satisfaction, that he offered to double his subscription to the proposed statue of Thomas Moore if Christopher were selected as its sculptor. The Committee met at Charlemont House under the presidency of the patriot peer, whose suggestion was readily accepted. The statue disappointed Moore’s admirers, and it was dryly suggested that the inscription beneath it shoud be ” Blame not the Bard.”] and visitors to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, are struck by that work of art. “It is the finest monument, so simply made, I ever saw,” writes Thomas Davis, ” Let the reader look at it when the setting sun comes upon it, and he will recognise lineaments of power.” He adds that “it is most like him in his glorified mood-full of thought and action.” The hand that guided the successful chisel now rests at Glasnevin. Moore died on the 11th of February, 1864, in Upper Pembroke Street, and within a few doors of Surgeon Leonard Trant, who some days later followed him to Glasnevin. The obituary memoirs point to Trant as a past president of his college, and surgeon to Cork Street Fever Hospital; as a highly distinguished member of the profession. [A Memoir of Trant appears in Sir Charles Cameron’s History of the College of Surgeons, p.403.]
Two days after Moore’s a remarkable *cortége *arrived. It was the funeral of the Right Rev. Dr. Yore, V.G., whose name has been already mentioned as a zealous labourer in the establishment of a Catholic Cemetery. A relic of penal days, his long career had been one continuous virtue, exhibiting itself in endless variety. Early in life the youthful Yore attracted the attention of the famous Father Gahan, who, not less struck than charmed by his promise, took him to reside with him at John’s Lane Convent. In 1800 the youth proceeded to Carlow College to pursue his studies for the priesthood. On receiving ordination he was appointed to the chaplaincy of Kilmainham Prison, under Dean Luby, P.P. of St. James’s.
The young priest, in the discharge of his duties, had to witness the most harrowing and revolting scenes at the numerous executions at which his presence with the condemned was necessary, at a time when death was the penalty of many minor offences. Two girls, sentenced to be hanged received his ministration, and he described, long years after, the shock he experienced when, emerging from a dungeon into the broad light of day, he saw a sea of faces surging beneath the drop.
On being appointed pastor of St. Paul’s he found the chapel hidden away in a wretched lane, but soon succeeded in obtaining a site on Arran Quay, where the new church now stands. The steeple, crowned by the cross, rapidly shot up: and Dr. Yore erected within it the first peal of bells that, since the Reformation, were allowed to sound their iron tongues in thanksgiving. In his new enterprise he was generously assisted by Protestants. Lord Clifden gave the ground, and Mr. Robinson, brother of Joseph Robinson, Doctor of Music, insisted on supplying the ornamental railings and gates. [Mr. Robinson, who owned the Royal Phoenix Iron Works, was famous as a singer, and acquired the *sobriquet *of “The Harmonious Blacksmith” - alluding, of course, to Handel’s grand composition.]
In Consequence of his representation to the Crown that justice had not been done to Catholic soldiers, chaplains of their Church were appointed and, by the regimental rules, the men were marched to their place of worship on Sundays, just as Protestant soldiers were marched to theirs. When the troops were about to embark for the Crimea, St. Paul’s presented an animated scene. The long red lines of kneeling soldiers as they received the Holy Sacrament at the hands of Dr. Yore was in itself a touching spectacle; but when it was known, as it now is known, that most of them were destined never to return, the retrospect becomes still more touching.
This is not the place to record all the good he did whether in founding blind asylums, institutions for the deaf and dumb, or orphanages. He gave to the Vincentian Fathers a chapel-of-ease he had built at Phibsborough. In fact he was ever ready to respond, like Abraham, “Here I am.” To feed his orphans and his blind he sold his valuable library, as well as the carriage and horses with which he had been presented. A minute of the proceedings of the Cemetery Board records, September 6th, 1864:- “In grateful recognition of the inestimable public services and exalted character of the late venerated Dr. Yore - the good priest, the ever active, but unostentatious patriot, and the unwearied and indefatigable benefactor of the helpless and the poor - this Committee shall, out of the funds at its disposal, erect a suitable monument over his grave in Glasnevin.” This monument will be found close to that of Tom Steele, who, as “Head Pacificator” in turbulent times, had co-operated with Dr. Yore.
A brief inscription on the monument of Captain Leyne, R.M., in the Curran Section, fails to record some not uninteresting services. Richard Leyne, eldest son of Maurice Leyne, M.D., of Tralee, Co. Kerry, by Agnes, daughter of The MacGillycuddy of the Reeks, joined the 73rd Regiment in 1809, at Perth, bringing with him 400 recruits from the Kerry Militia. It was then commanded by the subsequent General, Sir Maurice O’Connell, a second cousin of “The Liberator.” The regiment was sent soon after to Sydney to suppress a mutiny there, and Lieutenant Leyne, after serving for some years in New South Wales, returned to Europe and joined the second Battalion of his regiment, which, upon Napoleon’s escape from Elba, was ordered to the scene of war. Leyne liked to tell of the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball; of the march to Waterloo through the Forest of Loynes; of the death of the Duke of Brunswick at the head of his black cavalry; of the flight of the Belgians early in the day! [He would tell, too, of one Paddy Murphy of his corps, who, after Quatre Bras, was suddenly seen on top of a wall with a struggling goat round his neck like a fur boa. This he had grasped by the legs in front, and sought to keep steady, while a volley of oaths in Irish fell from his lips. Wellington usually repressed with sternness any attempt to loot; but Murphy cut such a comical figure that, in this instance, he laughed heartily.] Captain Leyne obtained his company on the field, and his regiment suffered so severely, that fourteen officers, senior to him, were placed *hors de combat. *The regiment was almost literally mown down by French cannon, the disaster at Balaclava being only more remarkable from the commemoration it has received. “At the close of the battle,” records the ‘Waterloo Roll Call,’ “only 50 wounded men of the 73rd
were left out of a total of 600 men.” [Dalton’s Waterloo Roll Call: London, 1890.] The command of the survivors devolved on Captain Leyne, who retained it during the march of the Allies from Brussels to Paris, and for some months after while the British army bivouacked in the Champs
Elysees, and subsequently at Boulogne. Before embarking for England in November, 1815, Wellington complimented him on the discipline enforced upon the troops under his command. O’Keefe, in his “Life of O’Connell ” (ii. p. 547), describes Leyne as officially present at the Tithe battle at Carrickshock - but incorrectly: for Leyne did not become a Resident Magistrate until 1838. His letters to Daniel O’Connell, of whom he was a kinsman, appear in the “Private Correspondence” of the latter. Leyne died January 3rd, 1864, aged 74. His son succeeded Sir de Lacy Evans in command of the British Legion in Spain, and died President of the Legislative Council of Queensland.
An influential leader of the Munster Circuit was Christopher Coppinger, Q.C., afterwards Chairman of Kildare, and subsequently of Kerry. He was the person chiefly instrumental in promoting the passing of the Act of 1851 (14 & 15 Vic., c. 57), which consolidated and amended the whole Irish County Court Code: greatly enlarging the jurisdiction; abolishing the old system of paying the judge by fees; and, in other respects, generally improving his position. Mr. Coppinger received a valuable presentation of plate from his brother assistant Barristers - now known as County Court Judges - in recognition of his services, and the Bill itself is said to have been drafted by him. In 1858 he published a law book of considerable authority, but he did not long live to enjoy the kudos it brought him. [“Law and Practice of the County Courts in Ireland in Civil, Testamentary and Insolvency Cases, with their Jurisdiction in Appeals, Civil and Criminal; also, the Law relating to the Duties of Justices of the Peace in and out of Quarter Sessions, &c.” An able effort to bring this work up to date has been made in the hook now known as “Dixon’s Carleton.”]
He died March 29th, 1864, aged 57. Coppinger was a sound lawyer, and a vigorous speaker; but he once made a bull, for which he was much chaffed. After some exuberant vocabulary he added: “My lord, are we to live, like the birds in the bushes - from hand to mouth?”
“Lord, have mercy on the soul of Patrick Vincent FitzPatrick. 1865.” - is inscribed on a Celtic cross in the old O’Connell Circle, and claims a responsive prayer. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer to “The uncrowned monarch of Ireland” - in other words, he organised the O’Connell tribute - and the many letters addressed to him in the Private Correspondence” of the Liberator, show the importance of his help. To the public Vincent FitzPatrick never appeared in any capacity other than that of an able financier; for the strife of the political arena he was by nature unfitted. From the year 1846 he filled the post of Assistant Registrar of Deeds. Happily his post was a sinecure, and thus he was able to brighten many a home and charm troops of friends at the dinner-table or fireside by his store of brilliant anecdote and quiver of brisk impromptus. His gaiety of heart was infectious and refreshing; his *facetiae, *never barbed by malice or made hurtful by sarcasm, are remembered as the characteristics of the man, and will long recall him to the fond memory of many. He continued to the last to recreate himself with poetic efforts, showing no little culture.
John Fisher Murray is described by Sir Charles Gavan Duffy as “Tall and dark - a man of vigorous physique and vigorous ability, akin to Swift’s.” He died in London, October 20th, 1865, but is buried at Glasnevin in the South Section, beneath a remarkable monument and epitaph. He wrote a clever novel called “The Viceroy,” in which the intrigues and tinsel of what he considered a sham Court are vividly described. The Right Hon. Anthony Blake, a distinguished member of the ‘Backstairs Cabinet,’ and a pious Catholic, is introduced as ‘Snake,’ with other public men who, long since, have been raised to an Upper House not made with hands. Murray wrote for Blackwood under the supervision of Christopher North. He also produced “The Environs of London,” 1841; “The World of London,” 2 vols., 1843; ” New Series,” 1845 ; and “Picturesque Tour of the Thames,” 1845. As regards the latter we learn from Mr. Ed. Allibone that it is “an extremely beautiful and interesting volume, full of entertaining anecdotes and descriptions, and illustrated by a profusion of exquisite engravings. Fisher Murray had been greatly attached to his wife-” the dear partner of his cares and joys.”
“My happy home, in thy confiding breast
Where my worn spirit refuge found and rest.”
The last stanza of eight sings :-
Oh! mayest thou, if permitted, from above
The starry sphere,
Encompass me with every-during love,
As thou didst here;
Still be my guardian spirit, lest I be
Unworthy thee;
Still, as on earth, thy grace celestial give,
So guide me life as thou wouldst have me live.”
The inscription on Murray’s monument informs us that it was “Erected by Hannah Murray in memory of her beloved husband, John Fisher Murray, born February 11th, 1811.” On the right side of monument is inscribed:-
“An honorable life, hard pressed
By sore temptation; yet maintained
The conscious virtue of the breast,
The narrow, thorny path retained.”
On the left side
“A simple life, an honest heart,
A cheerful, hospitable grace,
Courage to act a manly part;
Spirit to feel for human race.”
And on the back:
“What now shall cheer the dreadful day,
What now irradiate the gloom,
Accompany in death’s dark way,
Contented lead us to the tomb?”
The tomb of a policeman who, as it announces, was assassinated in the discharge of his duty, on April 29th, 1866, is coffin shaped and striking. His colleagues of the force raised it by their united contributions; but the red and black letters in which his fate is recorded, is not, perhaps, in the best taste. It was sharply criticised by Mr. Sullivan, M.P., who described it as a stone edition of the “Hue and Cry.”
John Blake Dillon: “One of the most gentle of men; yet a patriot of great energy and deliberation, his memory shall long be green in the land to which he gave the services of a warm heart and finely cultivated mind.” Thus spoke T. D. Sullivan - himself a man of much culture - in dealing with John Dillon, M.P. for Tipperary. When studying for the priesthood at Maynooth, he found that his vocation lay elsewhere, and entering Trinity College, where he became auditor of the ‘Historical Society,’ he formed a friendship for Davis, afterwards a chief in the party of Young Ireland. He helped to establish the “Nation” newspaper; joined the bar; and with O’Connell, raised the standard of Repeal. Though opposed to physical force, he felt in honour bound not to desert his attached friend Smith O’Brien in 1848. From the Islands of Arran he escaped to France, and thence to America, where he was admitted to practise in the New York courts. Returning to Ireland, he sacrificed popularity by a consistent denunciation of the Fenian League. The fulness of his knowledge always secured him an attentive hearing in Parliament; but suddenly that tall and stately figure was laid low, and in September, 1866, his remains were consigned to Glasnevin Cemetery, of which he had been one of the governing body.
Prime Sergeant Sir John Howley belonged to that type of barrister whose epitaph, “a sound lawyer and an honest man,” drew from a cynical visitor the comment: “I wonder why two men were buried together.” Howley - a most estimable and philanthropic person-presided as Chairman of Quarter Sessions for Tipperary during the eventful period covered from 1835 to 1865. His funeral *cortege *entered Glasnevin Cemetery on February 2nd, 1866.
A monument in the Garden Section, bearing date 30th January, 1866: “To Normeender Horan, great grand-daughter of James, commonly called the last Earl of Desmond,” recalls memories of a race whose career is interwoven with some stirring episodes.