The Irish standard., 1905-09-09
Clontari. Published first as letter
to the New York Herald, Paris edition


to the New York Herald, Paris edition
OF January 23. 1905. the statement is
now issued as circular.
AT the top OF this is beautiful bas-
relief OF the Pope, Alexander H., re-
ceiving from him the crown and sccp
tire. This bas-reliei is on his monu-
ment at Poggio, Castlemound the
seat OF another claimer OF descent
from the illustrious family, near Boil
sena. This bas-relici, it is proposed to
reproduce on a tomb i'll the church OF
Samo Steiano, where a, present Don
ough's remains lie withou, any token.
Under the pleasing bas-reliei is an i'll
scription as follows:
"'Donough O'Brien, Rex Cashel ct
Thomond. Ad Mcrdicm ct occdcn
TEN Hiberniae Regions. jam Senex
Urbem Assccutus. Sunna Pietate
Mo,us ac Religione Coronam ct Sccp-
trum Ragale Alexandra II. P. M.
Dono Dedit. Sepultus est Romae i'll
! Ecclesia S. Stephani, a. D. MLNlN.
The text OF the circular is thus:
/ Contemplated memorial OF Donough
| O Bren. king OF Cashcl and Thomond.
! Buried at Rome in 1864. etc, etc.
To the Editor OF the Herald: Sir
! Many Irish readers OF the New York
Herald will regret 10 learn that. with
the renovation OF the pavement i'll the
i church OF San Stciano Rotondo i'll
! Rome, the few fragments OF stone
which were supposed to mark the rest
ing place OF Donough O'Brien. king
of Cashel and Thomond (now Munster
and Clare). have entirely disappeared.
| This valiant warrior deserves better
fate than to be forgotten by his coun-
trymen. and few words in the ubi-
J quitous IN. Y. H." would undoubtedly
rally some of Donough's compatriots
to contribute towards the erection OF
some fitting memorial in the churcl,
OF San Stefano where the old king
was buried in 1864.
1t will be recalled by those who take
all interest in Irish history that, i'll the
numerous battles fought against the
Danes, the signal triumphs OF Irish
arms were III great part due to the
military prowess OF Donough. al
though the chief glory OF those victor
les must for ever, and justly, remain
with his father, the celebrated mon
arch. Brian Boroihme, Ireland's ma
tional hero. All historians are agreed
as to Donoughs strategic ability as a
leader OF troops. and the few caumni-
ators who accused him OF playing the
role OF Acncas to Dido of royal
siren by the waters OF Bolscna-whilc
his consort. Driella (sister of Harold
II. king OF England), was still alive
have bccn routed by the venerable
Keating. who points out the kings adj
vanced age when he retired to Italy,
and the religious object OF his last
journey there. AS matter of fact,
Donoughs sojourn at Bolscna was
during much earlier period of his
lifetime.
AS to the fierce controversy which
has ragged around the subject OF Don
ough's gift OF the crown OF Cashc to
Pope Alexander H., it matters little
now; all we can be sure of at this dis
tancc of time is that he was brave
Irish soldier, an interesting historical
parsonage, and we'll worthy OF some
memorial in the church where he was
laid to rest For this purpose COM
mittec has been formed, which has
chosen for its president the Hon.
Louise O'Bricn. who will acknowledge
receipt Of all subscriptions sent to her
for King Donough's memorial, and it
is hoped that all Irish men and women
who take an interest in their country S
history, as we'll as the descendants of
the ancient royal house of O'Bricn and
also those of the name of O'Bricn, will
forward some contribution in order to
enhance the artistic merit OF the mon
ument. Contributions, whether by
check or postoficc order (Which
should be enclosed in registered ell
velopc for greater safety, should be
addressed to the Hon. A. M. Louise
O'Brien, Banco Roesler Franz, 20 via
Condotti, Rome.
Thanking you for your courtesy,
ROBERT RIPARI,
Professor OF Languages in the Royal
Technical Institute, Rome.
Rome, Ian, 20, 1Qos,