James O'Mara (councillor) facts for kids
James O'Mara (1817–1899) was an important person in Limerick, Ireland. He was a successful businessman and a politician who worked for Irish independence. He also served as a justice of the peace, which is like a local judge. He helped his city in many ways throughout his life.
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Who Was James O'Mara?
James O'Mara was born in 1817 in a place called Toomyvara in County Tipperary. When he was older, he moved to Limerick city. In 1839, he started his own business, O'Mara's Bacon Company. He even changed his family name from O'Meara to O'Mara to make it shorter for his business. His company became very well known in Limerick.
Family Life
In 1841, James O'Mara married Hanora Foley. They had several children together. One of their sons, Stephen O'Mara, grew up to be a very important person too. Stephen later became the Mayor of Limerick, a Member of Parliament (MP), and a Senator.
Supporting Irish Causes
James O'Mara was an early supporter of a movement called Home Rule. This movement wanted Ireland to have its own government, instead of being fully ruled by Britain. He worked with Isaac Butt, a leader of the Home Rule movement. James and his son Stephen helped Isaac Butt get elected to represent Limerick city in 1871.
Public Service in Limerick
James O'Mara was involved in many parts of public life in Limerick. He became a Poor Law Guardian, which meant he helped manage support for people in need. In 1887, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Limerick City. This was an important role, like a chief officer for the city.
His Role as High Sheriff
While he was High Sheriff, James O'Mara welcomed an Irish-American visitor in November 1887. This visitor gave a speech at a special event. The event was to remember a group called the Manchester Martyrs. These were people who were remembered for their fight for Irish independence in 1867. James's son Stephen was also at this event. The next year, Stephen O'Mara took over from his father as High Sheriff.
James O'Mara also served as a Town Councillor for Limerick Corporation. This meant he was part of the local government that made decisions for the city. He was a councillor from at least 1888 until 1898. He was also a member of the Limerick Harbour Commissioners, helping to manage the city's port. He helped run the Fever Hospital and was a Trustee of the Limerick Savings Bank.
He was even suggested to become the Mayor of Limerick, but he chose not to take the role. From 1893 until his death in 1899, James O'Mara was a Justice of the Peace. In this role, he also visited the local prisons. He continued to serve his community until he passed away in 1899.
