Welcome to the Dictionary of Irish Biography
The Dictionary of Irish Biography, a collaborative project between Cambridge University Press and the Royal Irish Academy, is the most comprehensive and authoritative biographical dictionary yet published for Ireland. These 11 volumes contain fascinating short summaries and detailed assessments that document over 10,000 lives, ranging from the earliest times to 2010. Biographical subjects include: artists, scientists, lawyers, actors, musicians, writers, politicians, criminals, and saints.
The following lives were added to the Dictionary of Irish Biography Online in December 2019.
- Barnewall, Sir John (1634?–1691?), barrister and judge
- Barry, Denis (1883–1923), Irish Volunteer
- Bewley, Victor Ernest Henry (1912–2000), quaker businessman and philanthropist
Biography of the Day
Kerins, Charles (1918–1944)
by David MurphyKerins, Charles (1918–44), IRA chief of staff, was born 23 January 1918 at 5 Caherina, Tralee, Co. Kerry, son of Thomas Kerins, slater, and Johanna Kerins (née Griffin). Educated locally, he worked as an office clerk after leaving school and joined the IRA in the 1930s. At the outbreak of World War II he held a senior position in the organisation, and in July 1942 was appointed its deputy chief of staff. On 9 September 1942 Detective-sergeant Denis O'Brien was murdered in the driveway of his hom...
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The Dictionary of Irish Biography, a project of the Royal Irish Academy, is funded by the Higher Education Authority.
