George O'Callaghan-Westropp facts for kids

George O'Callaghan-Westropp (born February 18, 1864 – died July 30, 1944) was an important Irish person in the early 1900s. He was a landowner, a soldier, and a politician. People sometimes called him "The O'Callaghan." He also served as a Justice of the Peace, which meant he helped keep law and order in his area.

Early Life and Family

George O'Callaghan-Westropp was born George O'Callaghan. His father was Colonel John O'Callaghan, and his mother was Mary Johnson Westropp. He grew up in the Church of Ireland.

He lived in a large country house called Coolreagh in County Clare, Ireland. In 1885, he added "Westropp" to his name. This happened because his aunt Catherine's husband, Ralph, left him some land at a place called Fortanne.

In 1895, George married Henrietta Cecile Rose Godbold. They had four children together.

Military and Royal Connections

In 1905, George O'Callaghan-Westropp received a special honor. He was named an honorary Aide de Camp to King Edward VII. This meant he was a special assistant to the King. This honor was given to him during the King's Birthday Honours list that year.

Land and Family History

In 1912, George inherited his father's large estate. This land was about 4,000 acres (16 square kilometers) and had five hundred families living on it as tenants.

He called himself "The O'Callaghan." He believed he was the leader of the ancient Gaelic O'Callaghan family group, also known as a sept. This family had lost their lands in County Cork during the 1600s. This happened during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, and they were forced to move across the River Shannon.

However, in 1943, the official Chief Herald of Ireland decided that the true leaders of the O'Callaghan family were actually living in Spain.

Political Views and Actions

George O'Callaghan-Westropp was a Unionist in politics. This meant he wanted Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom. He was a main member of the County Clare Unionist Club.

In 1911, he spoke at a meeting of the Hollywood Unionist Club in County Down. He also wrote a small book called Notes on the Defence of Irish Country Houses. This book gave advice on how to protect large homes in Ireland.

In 1919, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Clare. This was an important role in local government and law enforcement.

During the War of Independence

During the Irish War of Independence, George O'Callaghan-Westropp spoke out against British soldiers. He said they were "running wild" and causing problems. He even said their actions were making more people join Sinn Féin, a political party that wanted Ireland to be independent.

Later, he changed his mind and started to support Home Rule. This meant he wanted Ireland to have its own government but still be part of the British Empire. Because of his views, a group called the Black and Tans burned a hay barn and a cattle shed on his property. They also sent him a threatening letter.

Later Political Career

In 1921, George O'Callaghan-Westropp was nominated to join the Senate of Southern Ireland. This was a new, short-lived parliament for Southern Ireland.

In 1925, he tried to get elected to the Seanad, which was the upper house of the Irish Free State parliament. However, he did not win the election. He was a member of the Farmers' Party.

Later Life and Death

George O'Callaghan-Westropp's first wife died in 1929. He married again in 1937 to Muriel Haidee Battley. He passed away in 1944 and was buried in his family's plot at the church of St Mochulla in Tulla.