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Healy, Angelus, 1875-1953, Capuchin priest Fr. Theobald Mathew: Research and Commemorative Papers
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Newspaper cuttings commemorating Father Mathew

File of newspaper clippings mainly re various anniversaries and commemorations connected with Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC and the temperance campaign. The file includes:
• ‘The New Father Mathew Movement’, 'Irish Catholic', 4 Jan. 1902.
• ‘The Life and Work of Father Mathew’, 'The Bulletin of the Catholic Abstinence Union of America', Jan. 1908.
• ‘Father Mathew / Lecture by Fr. Stanislaus Kavanagh OFM Cap. at the Annual Meeting of the Pioneer Association’, 'Irish Catholic', 1 Dec. 1938.
• James Maher, ‘Father Mathew and the Author of Knocknagow’, 'Kilkenny People', 1 July 1939.
• Alexander Flanigan, ‘Father Mathew / The Apostle of Temperance’, 'Irish Times', 21 Dec. 1956.
• ‘Father Mathew Anniversary / Celebrations in Queen Street Hall / Oration by Very Rev. Fr. Angelus [Healy] OSFC’, 'Cork Examiner', 15 Oct. 1915.
• ‘Over 60,000 Pioneers for Big Cork Rally / Celebrating Centenary of Fr. Mathew’s Death’, 'Cork Examiner', 6 June 1956.
• ‘Cork Bishop’s Tribute to Father Mathew / Centenary Lecture in Dublin’, 'Evening Echo', 10 Oct. 1956.
• ‘Public Enemy No. 1’, 'The Evening News', 18 July 1957.

Provenance Information re Temperance Society Medals

• Notes re the provenance of temperance medals held in the Irish Capuchin Archives. The text refers to a large gold medal (CA FM RES/9/3/6) with the following engraving on the rim: ‘P.P. Daly took the Total Abstinence Pledge, May 20th 1840’. It is affirmed that this medal was ‘bought from a jeweller, who was going to melt it, for £7’. Reference is also made to a large silver medal presented to the Capuchins by a Miss Gibson from Ballyglass in County Mayo. A cross, also gifted to the Capuchins by Miss Gibson, belonged to the Youghal Roman Catholic Total Abstinence and Religious Society founded on 19 May 1839. Another silver medal has a large green ribbon attached to it and was presented by a Miss Tobin, 13 Killarney Street, Dublin. A smaller silver medal is engraved on the rim: ‘Presented to L.S. Gore Jones by the Rev. T. Mathew’. It was given to Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. by Fr. Laurence Kelly, Catholic Curate, St. Michan’s Church, Halston Street, Dublin. [c.1915]. Manuscript and typescript, 8 pp.
• Letters and notes re the provenance of temperance medals sent to the Capuchin friars. One of the letters to Fr. Maurice O’Dowd OFM Cap. refers to a medal gifted by a Mrs Lyons of 29 Clarence Street North. The letter states that ‘it belonged to her father-in-law Maurice Lyons who is dead over 40 years’. The letter is dated 10 Apr. 1938. Another note states that a medal given to Fr. Canice Bourke OFM Cap. by a Dr O’Mahony on 30 Aug. 1930 and was found ‘in a secret drawer belonging to his uncle the late Dr Shanahan’. Manuscript, 7 pp.
• Newspaper cutting of an article by Michael Kenny titled ‘Discovering the National Museum’, 'Irish Times', 5 April 1981. The article refers to the National Museum’s collection of temperance medals and dies from which the medals were struck. The article reads ‘Given the great numbers enrolled it is hardly surprising that a huge number of medals were struck of widely varying design and legend. A few were struck in gold and silver, but the vast majority in bronze and white metal, particularly the latter. Many contemporary medallists were involved in their production … particularly Isaac Parkes of Dublin …’. With letters to the editor responding to Michael Kenny’s article. 5 Apr. 1981-19 Apr. 1981. Clipping, 5 pp.

Research relating to Father Mathew

• Notes by Séamus Ó Casaide (dated 26 June 1930) referring to extracts from the 'Spirit of the Freeholder' (Cork), 1823-3. The extracts refer to the Society of St. Joseph connected with Fr. Mathew and the South Friary and to the possible donation of an altar for Fr. Mathew’s new church (Holy Trinity) in Cork. One of the extracts reads: ‘The new shop opened by Father Mathew at the “Botany” Garden’s, as they are called, is doing a world of all business. So beloved is this Holy Friar, it would seem as if people die purposely to encrease [sic] his custom – not an hour in the day but you’ll see a corpse walking to its long lane. "Freeholder", 19th March 1831’. Manuscript, 4 pp.
• Letter from Séamus Ó Casaide to Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. referring to a copy of the ‘pulpit criticism’ of Fr. Mathew. 23 June 1930. Manuscript, 2 pp.
• Copy extracts from 'The Freeholder', re the early life of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC as a preacher in Cork. The extracts date from 23 Dec. 1825-31 Mar. 1828. Typescript, 3 pp.
• An essay by Clodagh Murphy, St. Leo’s Convent of Mercy, Carlow, on the life of Fr. Theobald Mathew. Manuscript, 5 pp.
• Note re the register of ascribed members of the Institute of Charity (Rosminians) which notes the enrolment of Fr. Mathew on 27 June 1846. Manuscript, 1 p.
• 'The Catholic Bulletin', xxi, no. 8 (Aug. 1931). An article by Mrs William O’Brien titled ‘A tragic pair’ refers to a letter from the wife of Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) to Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC. Printed, pp 737-832.
• Letter from Henry Smyth to a Mr Kelly referring to the potential to publish a memoir of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC. Smyth affirms that it first appeared in the 'Church of Ireland Gazette'. 27 Sept. 1909. Manuscript, 3 pp.
• Letter to Fr. Aloysius Travers OFM Cap. claiming that Fr. Mathew held his first instruction on Drinan Street ‘opposite his own house’ in Cork. The letter is undated and unsigned. Manuscript, 4 pp.

Research relating to Father Mathew

• Note re the ordination of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC. It affirms that he received minor orders on 12 March 1813 and was appointed a deacon on 3 April 1813. He was ordained to the priesthood on 17 April 1814 in Townsend Street Church, Dublin. Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. notes that this information was extracted from the archives in Archbishop’s House in Dublin. Manuscript and typescript, 4 pp.
• Copybook containing notes on temperance subjects possibly compiled by Fr. Paul Neary OSFC (1857-1939). Includes extracts from Battersby’s Catholic Directory (1847-9) and notes for a talk on the life and temperance mission of Fr. Mathew. Reference is also made to notes for lantern slides used to illustrate the talk. The images include Thomastown Castle (Fr. Mathew’s birthplace), the old Capuchin friary on Blackamoor Lane, Cork, views of Holy Trinity Church, temperance medals, the Father Mathew Statue on St. Patrick’s Street, Cork, portraits and engravings. See also digitised glass plate collection (CA PH-2) where some of these lantern slides are extant. Manuscript, 45 pp.
• List of lantern slides used to illustrate a talk on Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC in 1904. Each slide has an accompanying note and explanatory comment. The final page has a transcription of a letter from Fr. Mathew to John O’Connell, eldest son of Daniel O’Connell, offering his condolences on the death of his father (4 June 1847). See also digitised glass plate collection (CA PH-2) where some of these lantern slides are extant. Manuscript and typescript, 10 pp.
• Biographical sketch of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC probably compiled by Fr. Francis Hayes OSFC (1866-1946). Manuscript, 45 pp.
• Clipping an article by Rev. Joseph Corr C.Ss.R. titled ‘Athenry Abbey and Esker Monastery’ published in 'The Redemptorist Record' in March 1939. The article refers to Fr. Mathew preaching at the consecration of the new church at Esker in 1844. Printed, 2 pp.
• Extracts from John Francis Maguire’s 'Father Mathew / A Biography'. Manuscript, 10 pp.
• Notes re contemporary printed sources relating to Fr. Mathew and his temperance campaign. Includes reference to newspapers, manuals, biographies and pamphlets. Manuscript, 2 pp.
• Liam Maher, 'Temperance in Ireland' (Dublin: Catholic Truth Society of Ireland, 1959). Printed, 20 pp.
• Letter from Andrew McIntyre, The Diamond, Lifford, County Donegal, to Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap. referring to a visit by Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC to County Donegal on 15 June 1841. He wrote ‘The Medal Hill in 1841 was not planted. It was bare and rounded on all sides, so that Father Mathew was able to stand at the top with the people around him on all sides. Of course, the great majority of these people were Catholics, but there were many Protestants. I knew one, Alick Moffatt, of Ballymore, who was there that day, and took the Pledge, and kept it for several years. He often talked of the great day. My grandfather, James Collins, took the pledge on that day and kept it until his death on 19th January 1893’. 22 Feb. 1955. Typescript, 2 pp.
• Booklet for a Mass Celebration on Medal Hill (formerly Doe Chapel) near Creeslough in County Donegal to mark Fr. Mathew’s temperance gathering at the same location on 15 June 1841. The commemorative mass was held on 21 August 1988. With (colour) photograph prints of the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the location and newspaper cuttings from the 'Donegal People’s Press', 26 August 1988 of photographs from the open-air mass. 9 items.

Temperance Medals

Temperance Medals

A collection of Total Abstinence Society medals collected by Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. and other Capuchin friars.
• Silver medal of the Metropolitan Total Abstinence Society. The front (face) shows St. Michael with the winds and the inscription ‘Who is like God’. The obverse: Cruciform text of pledge. The outer-rim inscription reads ‘The Metropolitan Total Abstinence Society The Rev. A. O’Connell President. Inner rim reads ’26 Nov. 1839’.
• Pewter medal of the Total Abstinence Society. Fr. Angelus notes that the medal is extremely worn and defaced.
• Silver medal of the Total Abstinence Society of Ireland. Fr. Angelus notes that the maker was Woodhouse of Dublin.
• Silver medal of the Total Abstinence Society of Ireland. Fr. Angelus notes that the maker was Jones of Dublin. A green ribbon is attached to the medal. An annotation on the covering envelope reads ‘Presented to Fr. Angelus by Miss Tobin, 13 Killarney Street, Dublin’.
• Pewter medal of the Cork Total Abstinence Society. An annotation on the covering envelope reads ‘Presented to Fr. Angelus by Mr. Cosgrave’. The medal is very worn and defaced.
• Pewter medal of St. Mary’s Temperance Society, Kilkenny. The medal is very worn and defaced. For more information on St. Mary’s Temperance Society see the 'Journal of the American Temperance Union', Vols. 1-4 (1837) at p. 190. It is noted that St. Mary’s Temperance Society has 1,300 members with 100 to 200 members meeting on the evening of the Sabbath under the spiritual direction of the Rev. J. P. O’Reilly. The medal was probably made by Isaac Parkes (b.c.1791-1870). See: http://www.libraryireland.com/irishartists/isaac-parkes.php
• Pewter medal of the Cork Total Abstinence Society. A note attached to the medal reads ‘Lent by M.A. Rogan, 55 St. Patrick’s Road, Drumcondra’. The medal is very worn and defaced.
• Silver temperance medal. A note in the covering envelope reads ‘Presented by Mr. W. O’Herlihy, 61 Gurranabraher Avenue, Cork, apparently inherited from his grandfather, a married daughter gave it to me. Fr. Nessan Shaw OFM Cap., 13 April 1982’. The medal is very worn and defaced.

Temperance Medals and Crosses

Temperance Medals and Crosses

A collection of Total Abstinence Society medals collected by Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. and other Capuchin friars. Most of the medals were sent to Fr. Angelus who duly recorded their provenance and source. The collection includes:
• Silver medal ‘presented to Fr. Angelus by Miss Gibson, Ballyglass, County Mayo. It belonged to her grandfather, who had taken the pledge from Fr. Mathew. He was a convert, but she is of the opinion he had taken the Pledge whilst he was a Protestant’.
• Silver cross of the Youghal Roman Catholic Total Abstinence Society founded by the Rev. John Foley on 1 May 1839. The obverse has the text of the pledge with the Latin phrase ‘In hoc signo vinces’. Two examples of the cross are extant. Fr. Angelus notes that one of the crosses was donated by Miss Gibson of County Mayo.
• Silver medal of the Total Abstinence Society of the Sacred Thirst. The medal has a red ribbon and pin attachment. With annotated envelope by Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap.
• Silver medal of the Total Abstinence Society of Ireland. The medal is engraved on the rim ‘Presented to L.S. Gore Jones by The Rev. T. Mathew’. The medal was given to Fr. Angelus by Rev. Laurence Kelly CC, St. Michan’s Church, North Anne Street, Dublin.
• Pewter medal of the Dublin Total Abstinence League founded in 1872. The inscription on the obverse reads ‘For / Glory to God / for example to man / safety / I promise with the Divine / Assistance to abstain / from all intoxicating / drinks and to / discountenance / the / liquor traffic’. The front has a side-profile view of Fr. Mathew. Fr. Angelus notes that the maker was Woodhouse, Dublin.
• Pewter medal of the Total Abstinence Pledge. The front (face) shows the Good Shepherd. The outer-rim inscription reads ‘I have found the sheep that was lost Luke Chap. 15 v. 6’. The obverse: Cruciform text of pledge. The outer-rim inscription reads ‘The Dublin Total Abstinence Pledge The Very Revd. Dr. Spratt Patron 1840’. Fr. Angelus notes that the maker was J. Taylor.

Temperance Society Pledge Card

An original certificate of enrollment of Robert Cosgrove in St. Paul’s Temperance Society, Dublin, dated 5 Apr. 1840. With a letter from Ellen Weedon to Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. affirming that the pledge card belonged to her grandfather. The letter is dated 18 Apr. 1927.

Total Abstinence Society Medals

Total Abstinence Society Medals

Face (front): Centre: Man and woman on pedestal on which two children are seated. The adults carry a shield surmounted by a cross, with an angel above. The upper part of the shield has a lamb bearing a banner. The man bears a banner with the words ‘sobriety’. The woman bears a banner with the words ‘Domestic Comfort’. Outer-edge inscription reads: ‘In hoc signo vinces’.
Obverse: Cruciform text of pledge. Outer edge inscription reads: ‘Total Abstinence Society, The Very Rev. T. Mathew, President’. Inner rim inscription reads ‘Founded 10 April 1838’.

One of the medals is engraved on the rim with the inscription ‘P.P. Daly took the Total Abstinence Pledge May 20th 1840’. This medal was found in an envelope with a note by Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. The note reads ‘This medal was in the hands of a jeweller in Cork, who had purchased it with the intention of smelting it. Fr. Angelus with permission of the Fr. Provincial bought it for £7 0s 0d the amount the jeweller had paid for it’. With two paper reproductions of the medals.