Iris na Gaeilge Marta 2004 uimh 6 |
Table of contents
Answers to History Quiz(1) Arthur Young was born in London worked at Kings Lynn. He wrote widely on social matters in England and France and travelled extensively. His book ,"A Tour in Ireland" in 1780 was highly acclaimed. He criticised heavily the landlord class and sympathised with the plight of the lower and working classes. All this evoked much debate . He claimed that 'droit du seigneur' was commonplace in rural areas of Ireland at that time. For the first time the focus was on rural life in Ireland, rather than on that of Dublin. (2) Eduard Hempel was Minister at the German Legation in Dublin
1937 to 1945 which covered the period of the Second World War, (1939--45).
His realistic and cool reporting of matters in Ireland to Berlin may have
averted a German attack on Ireland's neutrality. This would probably have
sparked a British military intervention and appalling destructive hostilities.
Hempel's innate friendship for Ireland, as well as his professionalism,
was critical in keeping Ireland safe and out of History's worst conflict
ever. Mr. de Valera, realising that Ireland owed so much to Hempel's good
work, visited the Legation on the occasion of Hitler's death, in April,
1945, according to protocol. This caused much displeasure abroad at that
time .A recent book by John P. Duggan on Dr. Hempel's (3) Sir Ralph Abercrombie, a Scot, was appointed Commander-in Chief of Crown forces in Ireland in October, 1797. He was outraged at the behaviour he found among the troops. Their brutality and lawlessness against a largely docile population, appalled him. This violent behaviour was a critical factor in causing the subsequent rebellion of 1798 in which 30,000 people died. Abercrombie could get no co-operation from the Government for troop reform or restraint . He resigned his Command, in disgust, in March 1798. The Rebellion broke out in May. A big opportunity for conciliation was lost by ignoring him Abercrombie died of plague in Egypt in 1801, still in the British Army. (4) King George V. Grandfather of Elizabeth II. He rejected a speech hostile to Nationalist sentiments given to him to read when opening the Belfast parliament in May 1921. He substituted a speech of his own which was conciliatory to all Irishmen. This unexpected gesture led to the offer of a Truce by London to Dublin, where the War was still in progress. In turn, this led to negotiations and the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 6th December, 1921. Earlier, George V had offered to mediate in the Terrence McSwinney hunger-strike case, in Oct. 1920. Much later, in 1927, he privately welcomed an Irish delegation, as newcomers, to a London international conference. He was a peace-maker. (5) James Gandon was born in London and became an architect. His work caught the eye of a Mr. Beresford who coaxed him to Dublin. He liked Neoclassicism as a building style. Many of the fine buildings which enhance the beauty of Dublin as a city today, can be traced to the work of Gandon. Outstanding examples are the Custom House, Carslisle Bridge and the Four Courts. He remained all his life working in Dublin and was very influential in city matters. (6) John Stuart Mill was born in London and is regarded as one of the Great Victorians. He was also a philosopher and deep in English Empiricism. He wrote some of the most scorching articles and essays against British handling of Irish affairs. He earned profound hostility on that account. Yet, his writings had the effect of converting Mr. Gladstone, four times Prime Minister, to the policy of Home Rule for Ireland. This was an unprecedented event and a milestone on the road to Irish independence. (7) Kuno Meyer. was born in Hamburg. He was but one of the great band of German and continental scholars who worked so successfully on ancient Irish language documents and early speech. He taught at London, Liverpool and Dublin. He is regarded as the chief interpreter of early Irish literature for German and English readers. Those who have read 'The Vision of Mac Conglinne' have a taste of his work. A talented lecturer, he also opened up Irish Nature poetry and the Fenian cycle for the modern Irish reader , and also for the world. (8) Thomas Drummond was a Scot by birth and a reformer by nature. Even when beneficial laws were enacted it was generally difficult to have then enforced. Drummond was part of the British administration in Dublin. He strove, successfully, to have any improving measures quickly imposed which O'Connell could wring out of London. He encountered deep resistance and hostility. Generally, he got his way. His dictum 'Property has its responsibilities as well as its rights', caused disbelief among the landlord class. His perception went to the centre of the Irish problem at that time. He died young, at 43. A great loss. (9) Pope Adrian IV. Born near St. Alban's, he was the only Englishman
to become Pope. His name was Nichlas Breakspear. He had a low opinion
of Irish civilisation and thought he could improve the Irish, and help
the Papacy as well, by issuing his famous Bull , which he called Laudabiliter.
(10) Charles Bianconi came to Ireland in 1802 to sell prints. He did fairly well, but he found it hard work to get from one Irish town or city to another, So he had the idea of establishing a system of horse-drawn cars for the general public. A good businessman, he was highly successful in this venture. His cars ran over a great portion of Ireland and were warmly welcomed. The railways had not come at that time. Some of his cars could carry twenty passengers. This innovation was a great help to the Irish public and to the Irish economy. |