Standish Hayes O'Grady facts for kids

Standish Hayes O'Grady (born May 19, 1832 – died October 16, 1915) was an Irish expert in old things, especially old writings and history. He was born in Castleconnell, County Limerick, Ireland. His father was Admiral Hayes O'Grady. Standish was a cousin of another writer named Standish James O'Grady, so people sometimes mix them up. When he was a child, he learned the Irish language from people living nearby. He went to school at Rugby School and then to Trinity College Dublin.

Discovering Ancient Irish Tales

Even though Standish Hayes O'Grady trained to be a civil engineer, he is most famous for his work with old Irish stories. He spent a lot of time studying ancient Irish manuscripts. These are old handwritten books and documents.

His most important work is called Silva Gadelica. This was a huge collection of tales from medieval Irish manuscripts. It was published in two volumes in 1892. This book helped many people learn about Ireland's rich history and legends.

Working with Other Historians

Standish was friends with other important historians of his time. These included John O'Donovan and Eugene O'Curry. They were all interested in preserving Irish history.

In 1853, he helped start a group called the Ossianic Society. This society worked to publish old Irish texts. He later became the president of this society in 1855.

Life in America and Later Years

In 1857, Standish Hayes O'Grady moved to the United States. He lived there for 30 years. Later, in 1901, he wrote an essay for a book called Ideals in Ireland. This book was put together by Augusta, Lady Gregory. His essay was about the "Anglo-Irish Aristocracy."

Standish Hayes O'Grady passed away in England in 1915. He was working on a book about Irish manuscripts in the British Museum when he died. Another scholar, Robin Flower, finished this important work for him.

Major Books and Writings

Here are some of the important works that Standish Hayes O'Grady published:

• The Pursuit After Diarmuid, O'Duibhne, and Grainne, the Daughter of Cormac Mac Airt, King of Ireland in the Third Century (1857)
• The Pursuit of the Gilla Decair and his Horse
• The Colloquy with the Ancients
• Silva Gadelica (I.-XXXI.): A Collection of Tales in Irish with Extracts Illustrating Persons and Places; Volume 1 (1892)
• Silva Gadelica (I.-XXXI.): A Collection of Tales in Irish with Extracts Illustrating Persons and Places; Volume 2 (1892)