Image: Donat O'Brien Monument

Description: Marble effigy by William Kidwell for Sir Donough O'Brien, 1st Bt. The Latin description on the wall reads: Pause on your Way and Look Beneath this Marble is hidden the Mortal Part of DONATUS O’BRIEN Baronet Who by the Lineage of his Forefathers was Noble By his own Virtues far Nobler A Man truly made for Humanity Wholly born for Faith, Friendship, Favour In Bodily Stature he was Tall and Handsome The Dignity in his Aspect, the Majesty in his Speech The Gravity in his Gait, the Simplicity in his Manners Were Tokens of Prudence, Calmness, Authority As a Father you could see none more Indulgent As a Grandfather none more Kindly As a Husband none more Loving As a Friend none more True The Public Highways and Bridges prove him a Protector of Trade The Decorations of the Parish Church bespeak him truly its Son An Orthodox Clergyman disturbed by Impious Strife Cast out from his Benefice and by Wicked Violence bereft of his Flock Found Shelter in his House (whenever the Wickedness of the Times required) Thus showing Danger to Himself and his Neighbours Thus showing Charity to his Brother Man and his Zeal for his Religion For these Merits Fortune heaped Rewards on him His so conspicuous Virtues were adorned by Wealth and Honour He was a Member of the Royal Privy Council under Queen Anne His Patrimony, honestly and notably increased, he bequeathed to his Children To all Good Men he left Grief for his Loss He died on the 18th day of November 1717 in the 76th year of his Age This Monument as a Lasting Memorial of true and Sincere Goodness was placed here by Henry His second and only surviving Son At his own Expense.”
Title: Donat O'Brien Monument
Credit: These My Friends and Forebears: The O'Briens of Dromoland, Grania O'Brien, Balinakella Press, 1991
Author: William Kidwell
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No