Hugh Reily facts for kids

Hugh Reily, also known as Hugh Reilly or Hugh O'Reilly (born around 1630 – died 1695), was an important Irish politician and writer. He represented the town of Cavan in the Patriot Parliament of 1689. His Irish name was Aodh O'Raghallaigh. His family were the leaders of the O'Reilly clan in East Breifne.

Early Life and Legal Career

Hugh Reilly was born in County Cavan, Ireland, around 1630. He studied law and became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer, around 1650.

Reilly became a legal advisor to Oliver Plunkett, who was the Archbishop of Armagh. This was during Plunkett's trial in 1681. Plunkett said that Reilly "took many risks for me," showing how dedicated Reilly was.

Political Role

In 1686, Hugh Reilly was appointed as a Master in Chancery. This was an important legal position. He lived in the area of Laragh, County Cavan.

In 1689, Reilly was elected as a Member of Parliament (M.P.). He represented the Borough of Cavan in the Patriot Parliament in Dublin. This Parliament was called by King James II. Reilly was also appointed as Clerk of the Privy Council for King James II's government in 1689.

Life in Exile and Writings

After King James II lost power to King William III, Reilly went with King James II to France. In 1690, King James II gave Reilly the title of Lord Chancellor of Ireland. However, this was just a title, as James II no longer had real power in Ireland.

In 1691, King William III took away Reilly's land in County Cavan. This was because Reilly had supported King James II.

Ireland's Case Briefly Stated

In 1695, Hugh Reilly published an important book called Ireland's Case briefly stated. A second edition of this book came out in 1720. The book talked about the experiences of Roman Catholics in Ireland. It covered the time from Queen Elizabeth I to King James II. Reilly also wrote about how Roman Catholics felt neglected during the reign of King Charles II.

The book included the last speech of Oliver Plunkett. It is said that King James II was not happy with Reilly's book. Some accounts say that James II even took away Reilly's small income and his title of Lord Chancellor. However, other stories suggest that King James II saw the book before it was published and even said there was "too much truth in it."

Hugh Reilly is believed to have died in 1695.

Legacy of His Work

Reilly's book, Ireland's Case briefly stated, was reprinted many times. It was published as the Impartial History of Ireland in London in 1754. It was also reissued in Dublin in 1787 and again in 1799 and 1837 under the title Genuine History of Ireland.

The book was very popular in Ireland. This was not just because of its writing style. It was one of the few printed arguments that supported Irish Roman Catholics at the time.