Maurice Healy facts for kids
Maurice Healy (born January 3, 1859 – died November 9, 1923) was an important Irish politician and lawyer. He was a strong supporter of Irish nationalism, which meant he wanted Ireland to have more control over its own affairs. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the British House of Commons four times between 1885 and 1918. This means he helped make laws for the United Kingdom, which included Ireland at the time.
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Who Was Maurice Healy?
Maurice Healy was known for his sharp mind and dedication. He was a key figure in Irish politics during a time of big changes. He worked hard to represent the people of Cork City and County Cork. His work as a lawyer also made him very respected.
Early Life and Family
Maurice was born in Bantry, Ireland. He was one of twins. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was born. He grew up very close to his older brother, Tim Healy. People said that a nurse placed baby Maurice in young Tim's arms. She told Tim he would have to be like a mother to his new brother.
Their grandmother, Jane Sullivan, mostly raised the orphaned children. The family later moved to Lismore. There, Maurice went to a local Christian Brothers school. Both Maurice and Tim married women named Sullivan. These women were first cousins to their husbands and to each other.
A Career in Politics
Maurice Healy became a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer, in 1882. He then started his political career. He was elected to parliament four times. His first time was as a member of the Irish Parliamentary Party. He represented Cork city from 1885 to 1900.
In 1900, he ran as an Independent Nationalist. However, he lost to William O'Brien after a tough election. He was elected again for Cork City in May 1909. He served until January 1910.
Later in 1910, he represented North East Cork. This time, he supported William O'Brien's All-for-Ireland Party (AFIL). From the December 1910 general election until the December 1918 general election, he again represented Cork City.
A Talented Lawyer
Maurice Healy was considered one of the best Irish lawyers of his time. He was known for being extremely careful and dedicated to every case he handled. In parliament, he was especially strong on issues related to land law. This involved rules about who owned land and how it was used.
He was a close friend and advisor to his brother, Tim. Maurice was quieter and more steady than his famous older brother. However, many thought Maurice was more intelligent. He often helped balance Tim's more emotional side.
His Family's Legacy
Maurice Healy came from a family involved in politics. His uncle, Timothy Daniel Sullivan, was also a Member of Parliament. His oldest brother, Thomas Joseph Healy, and his father-in-law, A. M. Sullivan, were also MPs.
When World War I started in 1914, a son from both Maurice and Tim's families joined one of the Irish Divisions to fight.
Maurice's son, also named Maurice (1887–1943), followed in his father's footsteps. He went to Clongowes Wood College. He ran for parliament unsuccessfully for West Waterford in December 1910. Maurice junior also wrote a lot for the Cork Free Press, which was a newspaper that supported O'Brien. He even wrote many funny poems.
After the Irish Free State was founded, Maurice junior moved to England. There, he became a successful lawyer. He also worked as a broadcaster for the BBC during the early years of World War II. He wrote a well-known book about law called The Old Munster Circuit. He also wrote a popular book about wine called Stay Me With Flagons: A Book about Wine and Other Things.
Later Life
Maurice Healy (the elder) passed away at his home in Ballintemple, Cork, on November 9, 1923. He was buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
