Maurice Healy (writer) facts for kids

Maurice F. Healy (1887–1943) was a talented Irish lawyer and writer. He is best known for his book The Old Munster Circuit. This book shares fun stories about legal life in Ireland. He also wrote popular books about wine.

Maurice F. Healy: Irish Lawyer and Author

Early Life and Family

Maurice F. Healy was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1887. His father, also named Maurice Healy, was a well-known lawyer. His uncle was Timothy Michael Healy, who became the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State. This was a very important job in Ireland's government.

Maurice's mother was the sister of A.M. Sullivan. Sullivan was a famous lawyer too. He was the last person to hold the special legal title of Serjeant. Maurice also had other important relatives. Timothy Sullivan, a top judge in Ireland, was his cousin. So was Kevin O'Higgins, a key leader in the early Irish Free State government.

Education and War Service

Maurice went to school at Clongowes Wood College. He then studied at University College Dublin. After his studies, he became a lawyer in Ireland in 1910. He also became a lawyer in England in 1914.

During the First World War, Maurice served as a soldier. He fought in important battles on the Western Front and at Gallipoli. He received the MC medal in 1919 for his bravery. This was after he served in France and Germany.

Career in Law

In 1910, Maurice ran for Parliament in an election. He was a candidate for the All-for-Ireland League party. After the Irish War of Independence, many of his relatives became important politicians in the new Irish Free State. However, Maurice chose to work as a lawyer in England instead.

He wanted Ireland to have its own government peacefully. But he did not like revolutionary violence. He also spoke out against the bad actions of the Black and Tans. He seemed to find life in the Irish Free State difficult. In 1931, he became a King's Counsel, which is a very senior lawyer. Later, in 1941, he became the Recorder of Coventry. This was a judge's role. People thought he might become a High Court judge, but he sadly passed away too soon.

Famous Books and Broadcasts

Maurice Healy was also a talented writer. He wrote popular books about wine. These included Claret and the white wines of Bordeaux (1934) and Stay me with Flagons (1940). He also wrote poetry, which was often light and funny.

The Old Munster Circuit

His most famous book is The Old Munster Circuit (1939). This book is a warm and fond look at what life was like for lawyers in Ireland. It focuses on the Munster area between 1900 and 1920. The book was an instant hit. the Spectator magazine called it "Entirely delightful to read." It is still popular today.

Wine Books and Other Writings

In 1931, Maurice helped start the Saintsbury Club with André Simon. This club still meets today. It was created to honor Professor George Saintsbury. Maurice was also known for his great wit and conversation skills. He made several famous BBC radio broadcasts during the war years.