Nehemiah Donnellan facts for kids

Nehemiah Donnellan (also known as Fearganainm Ó Domhnalláin) was an important leader in Ireland. He lived from around 1560 to 1609. He became the Archbishop of Tuam, a major religious role. He is best known for his work translating the New Testament into the Irish language.

Early Life and Education

Nehemiah Donnellan was born in County Galway, Ireland. His father was Mael Sechlainn Ó Dónalláin. His mother was Sisly, daughter of William Ó Cellaigh. He was a descendant of Domnallan mac Maelbrigdi.

He went to King's College, Cambridge, in England in 1579. He later moved to Catharine Hall at Cambridge. There, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1582.

Becoming Archbishop

After finishing his studies, Donnellan returned to Ireland. He worked with William Ó Maolalaidh, who was the Archbishop of Tuam at the time. In 1595, Nehemiah Donnellan was chosen to take over as Archbishop. This was suggested by Thomas, Earl of Ormonde.

Queen Elizabeth I approved his appointment. She believed he was very good at speaking with people in their own language. She also thought he could help teach them about their duties and religion. The Queen was very happy that he was translating the Communion Book and New Testament into Irish.

Donnellan held other church positions too. He was in charge of churches in Kilkenny and Dublin. He decided to step down from his role as Archbishop in 1609. He passed away shortly after in Tuam and was buried in the cathedral there.

Translating the New Testament

Donnellan was an expert in the Irish language. He played a key part in translating the New Testament into Irish. This important project was started by John Kearney and Nicholas Walsh. It was finished by William O'Donnell (also known as Daniell).

The complete Irish New Testament was published in Dublin in 1602. Its full title was Tiomna Nuadh ar dtighearna agus ar slanaightheora Iosa Criosd, ar na tarruing gu firinneach as Gréigis gu gaoidheilg. Re Huilliam O Domhnuill. The cost of printing was covered by the province of Connaught and Sir William Usher. Many people hoped this translation would help spread new religious ideas in Ireland. It's interesting that three of the four scholars who worked on this translation – Kearney, Walsh, and Donnellan – all studied at Cambridge University.

Family Life

Nehemiah Donnellan was married to Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Nicolas O'Donnell. They had several children:

• John
• James, who became a knight and a very important judge. He was the Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas.
• Edmund, who lived in Killucan, County Westmeath.
• Teigue, who lived in Ballyheague, County Kildare.
• Murtough, who became a Roman Catholic priest.

See also

• Bible translations into Irish