Eugene O'Curry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene O'Curry
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Photograph taken of Eugene Curry circa. 1850.
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| Born | 20 November 1794 Doonaha, near Carrigaholt, County Clare, Ireland |
| Died | 30 July 1862 (aged 67) Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | Scholar |
Eugene O'Curry (born November 20, 1794 – died July 30, 1862) was a very important Irish scholar. He was an expert in languages and ancient history. He helped us understand a lot about Ireland's past and its old writings.
Contents
Eugene O'Curry's Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Eugene O'Curry was born in Doonaha, a small place near Carrigaholt in County Clare, Ireland. His father, Eoghan Ó Comhraí, was a farmer. Interestingly, his father was able to read and write. He also loved Irish stories and traditional music. It seems Eugene learned a lot from his father, especially about old Irish manuscripts. These were handwritten books from long ago.
Eugene worked on his family's farm for some years. He also spent time as a school teacher. Around 1824, he moved to Limerick and worked at a hospital for seven years. In 1824, he married Anne Broughton. Eugene supported a movement called Catholic Emancipation. This movement wanted to give Catholics more rights in Ireland.
Becoming a Scholar
Eugene O'Curry became well-known for his deep knowledge of the Irish language and Irish history. By 1834, he was talking with other important scholars. One of them was John O'Donovan.
From 1835 to 1842, Eugene worked for the Irish Ordnance Survey. This was a project to map Ireland and collect historical information. John O'Donovan suggested him for this job. Eugene spent most of his later life in Dublin. He made a living by translating and copying old Irish manuscripts. He even helped create a list of Irish manuscripts for the British Museum.
He also helped John O'Donovan with a huge project. This was editing The Annals of the Four Masters. This book is a very important collection of Irish historical records.
Teaching and Later Projects
In 1851, Eugene O'Curry became a member of the Royal Irish Academy. This is a famous group of scholars in Ireland. When the Catholic University of Ireland started in 1854, he became a professor. He taught Irish history and archaeology, which is the study of old things and places.
He worked with another scholar, George Petrie, on a book called Ancient Music of Ireland. In 1852, he and O'Donovan suggested creating a Dictionary of the Irish Language. This big project was finally finished many years later in 1976.
His lectures were published in 1860. These lectures gave people a much better understanding of old Irish literature. After he passed away, three more books of his lectures were published. They were called On the Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish. Eugene also made many copies of old Irish law books. These show how hard he worked.
Death and Legacy
Eugene O'Curry passed away in Dublin on July 30, 1862, from a heart attack. He is buried in Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin.
Several places are named after him to honor his memory. These include O'Curry Road in Dublin and O'Curry Street in Kilkee. There is also an O'Curry GAA club on the Loop Head peninsula.
