Geoffrey Keating facts for kids

Geoffrey Keating (whose name in Irish was Seathrún Céitinn) was an important Irish historian, priest, and poet. He lived from about 1569 to 1644. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland. He is buried in Tubrid Graveyard, near Ballylooby-Duhill.

Life Story

For a long time, people thought Geoffrey Keating was born in Burgess, County Tipperary. A monument was even put up there in 1990. However, new research suggests he was likely born at Moorstown Castle. This castle is also in Tipperary, in the area of Inishlounaght.

In November 1603, Keating began his studies in France. He was one of forty students who traveled to Bordeaux. They went to the Irish College, which had just opened there. This college was founded by Cardinal François de Sourdis.

While in France, Keating wrote poems about Ireland. He wrote Farewell to Ireland when he arrived. Later, he wrote Lament on the Sad State of Ireland. This was after he heard about the Flight of the Earls. The Flight of the Earls was when many important Irish leaders left Ireland.

Around 1610, Keating finished his studies. He earned a degree called Doctor of Divinity from the University of Bordeaux. He then returned to Ireland. He became a priest in the parish of Knockgraffan, near Cahir. He made sure that Mass started on time, even if important local families were late.

His Main Work: History of Ireland

Geoffrey Keating's most famous work is Foras Feasa ar Éirinn. This means Foundation of Knowledge on Ireland. It is usually called History of Ireland. He wrote it in Early Modern Irish. He finished it around 1634.

This book tells the story of Ireland from the very beginning. It starts with the creation of the world. It goes all the way up to the invasion by the Normans in the 12th century. Keating used many old Irish stories and records. These included Irish mythology, Irish bardic poetry, and church records.

The History of Ireland was not printed right away. The English government in Ireland did not allow it. This was because Keating's book supported Catholic views. At that time, Catholics faced many challenges in Ireland. For example, in 1634, a plan to improve rights for Catholics was rejected.

Keating himself had Old English ancestors. He believed that Ireland's true leaders were the old Irish clans and the Old English families who stayed Catholic. His ideas influenced many Irish people. This included groups like the Confederates and Jacobites. His work continued to be important for Irish writers for many years.

Other Works

Keating's main focus was his History of Ireland. For more details on different versions and translations of his work, you can look at the page for Foras Feasa ar Éirinn.