The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-12-30
PRIEST AND HISTORIAN
The Life Story of the Patriot Abbe
MacGeoqheqan,


lingar and died in France in the year
1850. His great historical work en-
titled Historic de IIrlande, Ancienne
ct Moderne," embraced three volumes
The first two volumes were published
in Paris between the years 1853 and
1852; the third volume was brought
out at Amsterdam in 1868. An English
translation appeared in Dublin in 1874.
1t presents the history of Ireland from
the earliest period to the Treaty Of
Limerick; and the work has been con-
tinued to our own times by the ia
nous John Mitchell.
The first volume, or part, comprises
the times which have passed from the
establishment of the Scoto- Milesians
In Ireland down to the First century;
the second commences with the begin
ming OF Christianity in Ireland in the
Fifth century, and continues until the
Twelfth century. The third part COM
prises the different invasions of the
English, their establishment in Ire
land, and all that had occurred down
to his own day. AS regards the mer-
it's Of the work, one opinion has al
ways prevailed-that among tho many
works already written on the subject
that by Mr.. MacGeoghegan Is unriv-
aled for Discrimination, sound judg-
ment and freedom from prejudice.
The libraries of Paris, stored with the
best books on Ireland, We're at his dis
posal; and, as to the important affairs
connected with the reigns OF James l.
and James H., there could be no bet
ter means OF acquiring information
than those within the immediate reach
Of the Able MacGeoghegan.
He dedicated his history Of Ireland
to the Irish Brigade. Of which body no
was for some time the chaplain. His
studies were made In France. At an
early age he entered the College of
Rheims, then celebrated for the ability
and learning of it's professors, and
read there distinguished course Of
philosophy and theology. After his
ordination he still continued in the
college, acquiring further knowledge
and preaching occasionally in the
churches Of the city. About the year
1886 he went to England as chaplain
to an ILnglishman; and during this
period of his life found means to truy.
ell into ireland and to visit his native
place.
We may we'll imagine what were his
feelings at the sight of the manifold
suiferings and dreadful prosecutions
under which his countrymen were then
laboring. Having travelled through
countries where faith was triumphant,
where men were not hanged and quar-
tered for worshiping God, where Ii
cense was not given to the libertine
soldiery to satisfy their base appetites
In defenseless villages, he must have
contemplated in bitterness OF heart tho
melancholy scenes that poor Ireland
then presented to his view. We next
find him in Paris, attached to one of
It's churches. and actively engaged in
the duties Of his ministry.
At this time his historical labors
seem to have commenced. 1t was a
time when exilcd Irishmen displayed
to the world their valor, their pctv
and their prowcss. In those days
France numbered among her armies 81
corps which none dared deny to be
the flower Of chivalry, the savior of
France, and the terror of England.
That corps is known in history as the
Irish Brigade: and the Abbo Mac
Geoghegan was Its chaplain. The
MacGeoghegans belong to the race of
Fiacha, son of Mall Noygiallach, who
was monarch OF Ireland and lived in
the Fourth century. Hindel- Fiacha,
signifying the children or race of
t1acha, Is an extensive territory in
Westmeath. which includes, besides
the barony of Moycashel, part OF those
of Rathoonrath. Mullingur and Fer
tullach. This territory was divided
into several fields and belonged since
the Fifth century to the different
branches Of the MacGeoghegans.
The chief OF this tribe was Mac
Geoghegan Of Moycashcl. The fiefs
belonging to the different branches
are Donore. Castletown, Sionan, New
town, Dromore, Lochanleonach, Larah.
Louhertan, Ballysomnine and Coulte-
tor. The last time that q MacGeog-
hogan drove to Mullingar in a coach
drawn by horses, Protestant de-
manded possession Of the four charg-
ers. and was about to hand over the
legal value, which was pounds apiece.
when the indignant owner shot him
on the spot. Ever afterwards, when
he went the same iournev hia coach