Daniel MacCarthy Glas Collection- Descriptive List

Descriptive list of the Daniel MacCarthy (Glas) Collection

'The New Monthly Magazine' in 1835; his historical romances 'The Siege of Florence’, 'Massaniello', and 'The Free Lance' were published in 1840, 1842, and 1844 respectively; and his short story, ‘The Memorial Window’ appears to have been self -published around 1879. Daniel also edited a journal called 'The Tablet', published in Florence in 1835, and wrote poetry, as evidenced by a manuscript notebook of his poems included in this collection [see PR70/A/6]. However, Daniel’s great passion was the study of his MacCarthy ancestry and the history of Ireland. Most of the material in this collection relates to Daniel's historical research into the life of Florence (Finian, Finghín) MacCarthy Reagh ( c. 1562 – c. 1640), Gaelic chieftain and scholar, and the MacCarthy Glas sept of Gleannacroim, part of the ancient principality and territory of Carbery in west Cork. His books 'The Life and Letters of Florence MacCarthy Reagh …' [1867] and ‘A Historical Pedigree of the Sliochd Feidhlimidh, the MacCarthys of Gleannacroim ...' [1875] drew on years of research in libraries and archives, as well as correspondence with the leading scholars of Irish history and archaeology of the day. He also wrote numerous articles on the topics for academic journals and newspapers, including the journal of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, the journal of the Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland, the 'Dublin Review', and the ‘Nation’ newspaper. In 1867, Daniel began a project with George T Macartney [one of the founders of the Home Rule Party], along with support from the poet Denis Florence MacCarthy, and the architect James Joseph MacCarthy, to try and elect a chieftain of the MacCarthy clan, known as the MacCarthy Mór [Florence MacCarthy Reagh had been one of the last Gaelic chieftains inaugurated as MacCarthy Mór]. They wrote letters to numerous individuals named MacCarthy or McCarthy in Ireland and Great Britain to canvas their support for electing a new chieftain, and sent many copies of Daniel’s book, ‘The Life and Letters of Florence MacCarthy Reagh …’ to various notable MacCarthys/McCarthys, particularly members of the Catholic clergy in Ireland. Most of their correspondents were positive about the project, and several suggested Daniel as an ideal candidate for chieftain. Plans were even discussed for the consecration of the new chieftain at a ceremony in Killarney Cathedral by the Bishop of Kerry, Dr David Moriarty. Ultimately, however, the project petered out and Daniel withdrew his candidacy, particularly following the publication of an anonymous letter in the 'Dublin Evening Mail' which ridiculed the project [see PR70/B/274]. It was also around this period that Daniel adopted the agnomen “Glas”, which he claimed had been borne by all the descendants of his great-great-grandfather Cormac Glas. Daniel visited his beloved ancestral home of Cork at least once, in August – September 1870. The visit gave him the opportunity to finally meet many of the correspondents he had been in contact with for years, including Dr Richard Caulfield, who he described as "my learned and most kind and obliging friend". He toured the county and visited Blarney Castle, the abbey and castle at Kilcrea, Queenstown [Cobh], Passage West, Dunmanway, and Togher and Ballinacarriga castles. At the end of his visit, he noted sadly that he was unlikely to ever visit Ireland again as he "could not face the sea-sickness any more ..." For a period, Daniel and his son Florence had considered settling in Cork, and Daniel made enquiries about purchasing Togher Castle near Dunmanway, a stronghold of his ancestors, as well as several other houses in the locality. It is possible that the failure of the Overend and Gurney Bank, which apparently reduced Daniel’s income, put an end to such plans. Instead, Daniel commissioned a plaque by the Cork sculptor John Scannell honouring the MacCarthy an Orsa sept to be installed in