Tadhg Ó Neachtain facts for kids
Tadhg Ó Neachtain (born around 1670, died around 1752) was an important Irish writer. He was also a scribe, which means he copied books and documents by hand before printing was common. Tadhg was also a lexicographer, someone who writes dictionaries. He spent most of his life in Dublin, Ireland.
Early Life and Family
Tadhg Ó Neachtain was a very important person among the group of Irish language scholars in Dublin in the early 1700s. His father was Seán Ó Neachtain, a poet who moved from County Roscommon to Dublin. Tadhg was likely Seán's oldest son. His mother was Una Nagle, who passed away around 1703. Tadhg was probably born in Dublin, where he lived for most of his life.
The Ó Neachtain Circle
Tadhg Ó Neachtain was part of a special group known as The Ó Neachtain Circle. This was a group of scholars who studied and worked with the Irish language. Between 1726 and 1728, Tadhg wrote an Irish poem. In this poem, he mentioned twenty-six scholars he knew. These people are now considered members of his famous circle. Some of the scholars in this group included:
- Richard Tipper
- John Conry
- Tadhg Ó Rodaighe
- John Fergus
- Charles O'Conor (historian)
- Seon Mac Solaidh
Family Life
Tadhg Ó Neachtain was married four times during his life. Here are his wives and their children:
- His first wife was Caitríona Níc Fheorais. She passed away in 1714. They had a son named Peter Ó Neachtain, who was born in 1709. Peter later became a Jesuit, a member of a Catholic religious order.
- His second wife was Máire Ní Chomáin. She passed away in late 1715 during childbirth.
- His third wife was Máire Ní Reachtagáin. She passed away in 1733.
- His fourth wife was Isabel Ní Lárrach. She passed away in 1745.
