Showing 52 results

• Letter from Patrick Forrestal to Fr. Aloysius Travers OFM Cap. giving his father’s recollections of Fr. Mathew. He writes ‘My father was born in 1832 in the Parish of Ramsgrange, Wexford. … . He took the pledge from Father Mathew and kept it about 16 years. … It was very remarkable the multitude that gathered around him, the platform was enormous, something like ten thousand. He [Fr. Mathew] walked off the platform to where my father stood and told him you are very young may God bless you and placed his two hands around his head …’. [c.1902]. Manuscript, 6 pp.
• Copy article from the 'Cork Examiner' on Fr. Mathew’s birthplace. 27 Oct. 1931. Typescript, 1 p.
• Note by Fr. Francis Hayes OFM Cap. re two contemporary engravings of Fr. Mathew in the possession of Charlie McCarthy. Fr. Francis notes that they were engraved and designed by John Brown, Patrick Street, Cork, heraldic artist for Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC, 1845. Typescript, 1 p.
• Note on the inscription on the Daniel O’Connell memorial window in Holy Trinity (Father Mathew Memorial) Church in Cork. It reads: ‘Sacred in gratitude and affection to the memory of Daniel O’Connell, liberator of his fellow Catholics from the inflictions of the Penal Code and assertion of equal rights of all communities to civil and religious freedom, RIP’. Manuscript, 1 p.
• Cuttings referring to the visit of Fr. Mathew to Kilkenny where he had ‘17,000 adherents to the total abstinence principles’ and a similar visit to Limerick. 'Morning Register', 23 Jan. 1840; 'Saunder’s News-Letter', 23 Mar. 1840. Pasted onto card, 2 pp.
• Copy excerpts from the 'Quarterly Review', December 1840-Mar. 1841, referring (negatively) to the relationship between the Fr. Mathew’s temperance movement and ‘Romanism in Ireland’. Typescript, 1 p.
• Notes by Fr. Paul Neary OSFC re Fr. Mathew taken from 'The Nation'. Manuscript, 10 pp.
• Letter from Deborah Webb to Fr. Silvester Mulligan OSFC enclosing her recollections of a meeting with Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC in Rathfarnham, Dublin. 25 Oct. 1913. Manuscript, 5 pp.
• Extracts relating to Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC in the Life of Catherine MacAuley. Typescript, 1 p.
• Extracts from 'Tuckey’s Cork Remembrances' (Cork, 1838), John D’Alton, 'History of the County of Dublin' (Dublin, 1838), 'The Irish Magazine', and 'Dublin University Magazine' re the Capuchins in Cork and Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC. One of the extract reads ‘10 Oct. 1810: The corporation determined to improve this city, by pulling down the houses on the right of Blackamoor Lane, and continuing Sullivan’s Quay to the South Bridge’. Manuscript, 8 pp.
• Extract from An Irishman’s diary by Quidnunc in the 'Irish Times', 9 Aug. 1943, referring to visit to London by Fr. Mathew in Aug. 1843. ‘Led off by prayer and a speech, the temperance pioneer received pledges from 3,000 abstainers during one day, of which number about one-half were Irish’. Typescript, 1 p.

• 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.

Deed of assignment from Fr. Richard Dominick Clarke OSFC to Fr. Paul Neary OSFC, Fr. Nicholas Murphy OSFC, Fr. Columbus Maher OSFC and Fr. Bernard Jennings OSFC of his interest in premises on Bow Street (formerly nos. 22 and 23 and the premises at no. 25 on the said street) for the residue of the terms specified in the original leases. In consideration of 10s.

Lease by John Cornwall Brady, Myschall House, County Carlow, to Fr. Paul Neary OSFC, Fr. Nicholas Murphy OSFC and Fr. Columbus Maher OSFC, Church Street, Dublin, of a plot of ground on the west side of Church Street ‘formerly called Proper Lane’ for 99 years at the annual rent of £10.

Legal documents arising out of efforts to establish title to the properties known as nos. 138-140 Church Street. The properties consisted of three dwelling houses fronting onto Church Street and four houses in Willis’s Court. In 1886, Fr. Nicholas Murphy OSFC and other Capuchin friars agreed to purchase John Coyle’s interest in a lease of the properties dated 28 May 1856 (See CA CS/2/2/3/2). The Capuchins also intimated an interest in purchasing the interest of John Coyle’s landlord, Frederick Kennedy, whose title derived from a lease of the premises for lives renewable forever at the yearly rent of £27 6s 0 (late Irish currency) dated 2 Oct. 1783. It was resolved that Coyle would take a conveyance of the properties from Kennedy (See CA CS/2/2/3/10) and that Coyle would then convey the interests in both leases to the Capuchins. The transfer of the properties was rendered more difficult by the loss of the original lease of 2 Oct. 1783 and by the absence of registered copies of Kennedy’s renewal leases of 28 Dec. 1815 and 13 June 1856 (See CA CS/2/2/3/1). The file includes legal documents generated in order to prove title to the interests held by both Coyle and Kennedy and to facilitate the transfer of the premises to the Capuchin friars. The documents include:
• Copy memorial of a lease (2 Oct. 1783) from George Kiernan, apothecary, and others to Robert Shutter, merchant, of the above-noted properties for lives renewable forever at the yearly rent of £27 6s 0. Copy made at the Registry of Deeds, 10 Mar. 1883.
• Assignment from John Hanrick and Joseph Bolger of the aforementioned premises to John Coyle in consideration of the sum £220. 2 Apr. 1883. With copies of said assignment.
• Abstract of title of Maryanne O'Brien and the trustees of the will of the late James Willis to houses and premises at 138-140 Church Street with four houses at the rear of 139 Church Street in Willis's Court. 20 Apr. 1883.
• Copy will and probate of John Willis, 139 Church Street, Dublin, 4 Feb. 1865. Willis died on 24 Feb. 1865. The copy will was compiled by Frederick Kennedy, 4 Lower Ormond Quay, c.1886.
• Instructions for Philip White, barrister, to advise on title occasioned by the transfer of nos. 138-140 by John Coyle to Fr. Nicholas Murphy and other Capuchin friars. The instructions refer to the intention of the Capuchin friars to demolish the four houses in Willis’s Court and to sell or demise the three houses fronting onto Church Street for a period of twenty years. White wrote: ‘On the whole I would, having regard to the fact that no other premises will suit the querists’ [the Capuchins] purpose, and to the fact that querists have had the risk of being restrained from pulling down the houses thoroughly explained to them and that they are prepared to run the risk, accept the title shown both to Coyle’s and Kennedy’s interests’. 23 Nov. 1886.
• Abstract of title of Frederick Kennedy to premises on Church Street. The abstract commences with a recital of the lease of George Kiernan and others to Robert Joseph Shutter of a ‘messuage, tenement and dwelling house … situate on the west side of Church Street ... containing in the front to the said street from north to south 55 feet, in the rear 22 feet, and in depth from east to west 185 feet … situate in the parish of St. Michan, for lives renewable forever at the yearly rent of £27 6s 0d. The abstract concludes with reference to an assignment of said premises by Henry Smith to Frederick Kennedy (12 Mar. 1883). The document was prepared by Frederick Kennedy in c.Nov. 1886.
• Conveyance and assignment by John Coyle to Fr. Nicholas Murphy OSFC and others of the aforementioned properties. In consideration of £710. 14 Jan. 1887.
• Conveyance by Fr. Nicholas Murphy OSFC and others to Fr. Paul Neary OSFC and others of the aforementioned properties on Church Street to hold in fee simple. (17 Mar. 1888).

Abstract of title of Mary Craven, widow and administratrix of John Kelly, late of 55 Church Street, broker, to two houses numbered 2 and 3 situated on Thunder’s Court at the rear of Church Street. The abstract commences with a recital of a lease (dated 24 June 1858) by Michael Clarke to John Kelly of the said premises for 93 years at the yearly rent of 2d and in consideration of £40 (See CA CS/2/2/6/1). The abstract concludes with a reference to letters of administration granted under Probate (18 Dec. 1883) to Mary Craven (formerly Mary Kelly of 141 Church Street) for the administration of the personal estate and effects of the said John Kelly (d. 18 Jan. 1865). The file also includes:
• Letters of administration of John Kelly (18 Dec. 1883).
• Assignment by Mary Craven (widow of John Kelly) to Fr. Paul Neary OSFC and other Capuchin friars of the aformentioned premises in consideration of £225. (16 Jan. 1889).
• Letters of administration granted to Elizabeth Kelly, a daughter of Mary Craven (died 5 Mar. 1889) for the administration of her mother’s personal estate and effects. 22 Mar. 1889.
• Draft statement of account given by Elizabeth Kelly of the personal estate and debts of her late mother Mary Craven. The account notes that the amount of money owing from the estate was £107 17s 3d. 10 Apr. 1889.
See also CA CS/2/2/6/5.

• Flier from the Father Mathew Centenary Committee seeking subscriptions for a fund for the completion of Holy Trinity (Father Mathew) Memorial Church, Cork. The flier includes a list of subscribers and the amounts given to the fund. March 1889. Printed, 1 p.
• Copy programme for a ‘Grand Vocal and Instrumental Concert in aid of the Father Mathew Centenary Celebration’ performed by the Cork Amateur Orchestral Society in the Opera House, Cork, on 9 Oct. 1889. The programme includes a recital of the Centenary Ode by Fr. Michael O’Flynn, CC, Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Church, Cork. Copy print, 1 p.
• Copy obedience to Br. Masseo Hyland OSFC (d. 18 May 1908) allowing him to travel to the United States with Fr. Mathew O’Connor OSFC to receive subscriptions for the celebrations of the centenary of the Father Theobald Mathew and the completing of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Cork …’. The obedience is signed by Fr. Paul Neary OSFC, Provincial Minister, and is dated at Rochestown, 18 Oct. 1889. With a copy of a similar obedience (in Latin) to Fr. Mathew O’Connor OSFC. Manuscript, 3 pp.
• Notes re the Fr. Mathew ephemera and relics used in the Centenary Exhibition in 1890. The exhibited items included:
A banner painted by a sister from the South Presentation Convent.
A lock of Father Mathew’s hair which was loaned by Frank Driscoll, Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London. It is affirmed that ‘it was given to a Mr Regan, a devoted follower of Fr. Mathew, a few months before he died’.
A pair of heavy silver spectacles.
Temperance medals and cards including ‘the first medal sold in Cork by Fr. Mathew – sold to Wm. Kelly, and sent in by his daughter, Mrs Daly of Evergreen Street’.
A bible lent by Mrs Donegan, Monkstown. It had been given to Fr. Mathew by Mrs Donegan’s Aunt.
The file also includes notes by Fr. Nessan Shaw OFM Cap. on the wider centenary celebrations of Fr. Mathew’s birth in 1890. Many of the extracts appear to have been taken from the 'Cork Examiner'. Manuscript and typescript, 9 pp.
• Copybook containing extracts from 'The Standard' (14 Oct. 1889) and the 'Freeman’s Journal' (25 Oct. 1889) reporting on a meeting of a committee organising the commemorations of the centenary of the birth of Fr. Mathew. The article in 'The Standard' reads ‘As a rule the inhabitants of the sister island find it anything but easy to discover a common ground on which they may meet each other without fear of dispute. The names of famous Irishmen are usually rather emblems of discord than national rallying cries. According as the great men in Irish history were Protestant or Catholic loyal or disloyal men of the North, or men of the South so did they receive the sympathy or dislike of the various sections of the population. Hardly one of them is capable of uniting even for a moment the sentiment of the whole country … . The zealous and single-hearted priest whom the Irish race with its love of picturesque phraseology knows as the “Apostle of Temperance” is one of the very few persons whom the whole country agrees to honour. That Father Mathew was a brave and good man, and that he did his best to succour and to raise the peasantry is a fact which is never disputed in Ireland’. Extensive reference is also made to the plan to erect a statue on O’Connell Street commemorating the temperance campaigner. Manuscript, 23 pp.
• 'The Father Mathew Centenary / by John Francis Maguire / 1890' (Cork: Irish Temperance League, 1890). Printed, 8 pp.
• An article from 'The Shamrock' on the unveiling of the statue of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC on O’Connell Street, Dublin. It reads ‘Father Mathew needs no statue to perpetuate his memory … but it is only proper that in the Capital of his Nation a grateful people should testify by some public memorial their recognition of his services, and should set his image in their streets as a witness of their gratitude. … Father Mathew would never have been suspected of being a clergyman from his dress. He wore no clerical coat or hat. He dressed like a gentleman of the time in a frock coat, hessian boots and a tall hat. Yet it was as a Capuchin Friar he did his marvellous work, and it is quite appropriate that in the statue which has been just unveiled in Dublin he should appear in the habit of that order. The statue is a fine work of art. It is by Irish hand, and the sculptor, to whom we offer our congratulations, is Miss Mary Redmond’. The article includes a sketch of the statue and of Thomastown Castle, Fr. Mathew’s birthplace. Feb. 1893. Printed, 4 pp.