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 June 2019.
- Beckett, Mary (1926–2013), writer
- Boland, Harry (1925–2013), businessman
- Brugha, Máire MacSwiney (1918–2012), teacher, author and charity worker
Biography of the Day
Cleary, James Vincent (1828–1898)
by David MurphyCleary, James Vincent (1828–98), catholic archbishop and educator, was born 18 September 1828 in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, the son of Thomas Cleary and his wife Margaret O'Brien. Educated locally, at the age of fifteen he went to Rome to begin studies for the priesthood. Returning to Ireland in 1845, he entered St Patrick's College, Maynooth, was ordained in September 1852, and then travelled to Spain to study at Salamanca University. On his return to Ireland he became professor of dogmatic theo...
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The Dictionary of Irish Biography, a project of the Royal Irish Academy, is funded by the Higher Education Authority.