The series includes lantern slides and glass plate photographic images relating to the life and career of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC (1790-1856), a famed nineteenth century temperance campaigner and Capuchin friar. It is very probable that these lantern slides were used as illustrative aids by the Capuchins for public talks and auditorium lectures on Fr. Mathew’s campaign against intoxicating liquor. Temperance activity was revived in 1905 when the Irish Catholic hierarchy invited the Capuchins to preach a National Crusade. This revival generated widespread public enthusiasm and by 1912 the Capuchins had administered over a million pledges throughout the country. The lanterns slides were, in all probability, used in this campaign. The collection includes images of various places associated with Fr. Mathew’s life and notable events associated with his crusade against intoxicating liquor which began in Cork in 1838. Other images relate to later commemorations of Fr. Mathew and include photographs of the ‘Father Mathew Pavilion’ at the Cork International Exhibition of 1902 which displayed historical artefacts, devotional objects and personal paraphernalia associated with his campaign.
This series includes material relating to the promotion of total abstinence by organisations which emerged in response to the late nineteenth century temperance revival. The files comprise material from both local and national organisations such as the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA) founded in 1893. The section also includes minute books, fliers, publications and ephemera created by Capuchin-founded local temperance societies such as the League of the Sacred Thirst (established by Fr. Albert Mitchell OSFC in 1880) and the League of the Young Irish Crusaders (initiated by Fr. Aloysius Travers OSFC in 1909). Much of the publicity and commemorative material generated by these abstinent societies focused on Fr. Mathew’s legacy as a temperance pioneer and leader.
A clipping of an article advertising the ‘Varnishing Day’ exhibition in the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin. The article includes images of Laurence Campbell’s sculptural busts of Fr. Gerald McCann OFM Cap., Bishop William MacNeely, and Fr. Senan Moynihan OFM Cap. The article was published in the ‘Irish Press’ (13 April 1946).
A clipping referring to an exhibition of paintings by Sir John Lavery and Lady Lavery at the Alpine Club Galleries in London. The article is taken from the ‘Irish Independent’ (12 October 1921). (Volume page 179).
Photographic print of a large group of lay persons outside the main entrance to Ard Mhuire Friary. The group may have been assembled for a religious ceremony. The group includes some members of An Garda Síochána.
A large group of both men and women (both sitting and standing) outside the main door to St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin. Some of the men in the back row appear to be wearing temperance badges. They are probably part of a lay temperance association attached to the church.
A large group of both men and women (both sitting and standing) in St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin. Most of the individuals are wearing Father Mathew Temperance Society badges and medals. They are almost certainly members of the lay temperance association attached to the church.
An image of Edward Byrne, Archbishop of Dublin, blessing the foundation stone for the Church of Saint Anne in Shankill in County Dublin. A typescript annotation on the reverse of the print reads: 'Laying the foundation stone of new Dublin church / 27 July 1931 / The Archbishop of Dublin yesterday blessed and laid the foundation stone for the new Church of St. Anne at Shankill, Dublin / The Archbishop of Dublin praying at the foot of the cross surrounded by a huge congregation'. The photograph is credited to Keystone View Company, 12 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, London.
