Richard Martyn (Mayor of Galway) facts for kids

Richard Óge Martyn (born around 1602, died 1648) was an important lawyer from Galway, Ireland. He was a member of the Catholic Confederates of Ireland, a group of Irish Catholics who formed their own government during a time of conflict in the 1640s. Richard came from the powerful Martyn family, one of the well-known "Tribes of Galway" – these were the leading families in the city. He lived at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvarra.

Richard worked closely with his brother-in-law, Patrick D'Arcy. Together, they spoke out against the "Plantation of Connaught" in the 1630s. This was a time when the English government was taking land in Ireland and giving it to new settlers. Richard also served on the Supreme Council, which was like the main governing body, for the Confederate Catholics.

Richard Martyn was also the Mayor of Galway from 1642 to 1643. He and Patrick D'Arcy were part of a group of Catholic lawyers in Galway. They found ways to keep practicing law even though the "Penal Laws" made it very hard for Catholics to work in many professions. Richard was allowed to join King's Inns (a place for lawyers) in 1631. However, he was stopped from practicing law in 1635 because he was known to be Catholic. He was allowed to return to work in 1637, likely after taking an oath to the King.

He had many friends and people he knew, including John Lynch, Mary Bonaventure Browne, and Sir Dermott Ó Seachnasaigh. Other important people living at the same time as Richard included Mícheál Ó Cléirigh and Randal MacDonnell.

Richard Óge Martyn's Role in the 1640s Conflicts

Richard Óge Martyn played a big part in the events that happened in Galway between early 1642 and summer 1643. His actions are mentioned in several historical records called the "1641 Depositions." These records are statements from people about what they saw and experienced during the conflicts.

Many people said that Richard Martyn was a key leader in the rebellion in Galway.

• One person, William Hamond, stated that Richard Martyn and Patrick D'Arcy were the ones who first encouraged the town of Galway to rebel.
• Joseph Hampton described Richard Martyn as a "great actor" in the rebellion. He said Richard was involved in carrying weapons and helping other rebels.
• William Lincoln also said that Mr. Martyn and Mr. D'Arcy were the main people who advised and led the rebellion and the siege of Galway.
• Thomas Bagworth mentioned that Richard Martyn, as Mayor of Galway, did not help the King's fort in the city, even though he had promised to. Instead, he acted against it.
• Andrew Darcy said that in 1641, a special council was set up in Galway by the mayor and other leaders. He believed this council was formed because of Richard Óge Martyn's influence, with the goal of rebelling against the English government.

One of the most detailed statements came from John Turner. He said that Richard Martyn and Patrick D'Arcy publicly declared that it was wrong to stop people from getting weapons for the rebels. He also claimed that after they came to Galway, the town allowed Irish people from the countryside to enter. These people robbed and harmed English residents. John Turner said that neither the Mayor nor the other leaders, including Richard Martyn, punished those who committed these acts. Instead, he believed they supported them.

John Turner also stated that Richard Martyn, while he was Mayor of Galway, was seen helping to tear down the King's fort in Galway after it had been forced to surrender in June 1643.

Richard Óge Martyn's Family

Richard Óge Martyn was survived by his wife, Magdalene French. They had five children who lived: Oliver Óge Martyn, Peter Martyn, John, Patrick, and Magdalene. His father was Oliver Mór Martyn.

Richard is an ancestor of two very famous people in Irish history:

• Edward Martyn (1859–1923), who was the first president of Sinn Féin, a major Irish political party.
• Edward Carson, Baron Carson (1854–1935), who was a leader of the Irish Unionist Alliance and the Ulster Unionist Party.

A later relative was the Hungarian artist, Ferenc Martyn (1899–1986).

Richard Óge Martyn was also related to Richard Martin (1754–1834), who was also known for his support of Irish causes.

See also

• The Tribes of Galway