Thomas MacNevin facts for kids

Thomas MacNevin (born 1814 – died 8 February 1848) was an important Irish writer and newspaper reporter. He passed away in a special hospital in Bristol.

Many people thought he was one of the smartest people connected to The Nation newspaper. This newspaper was part of the Young Ireland movement, a group that wanted to make Ireland a better place.

Early Life

Thomas MacNevin was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was Daniel MacNevin. When Thomas was 17, he started studying at Trinity College, Dublin. Some people also think he might have been born in Galway.

Charles Gavan Duffy, who wrote a book about the Young Ireland movement, described MacNevin. He said Thomas was not very tall but was strong and quick. He had red-brown hair and clear blue eyes. People said his face could show many different feelings without him having to make big expressions.

Education and Learning

While at Trinity College, Thomas MacNevin was very active in the College Historical Society. This society was a club for students interested in public speaking and history. He was the treasurer from 1834 to 1835 and later the leader (auditor) in 1837–38.

This society was very old, started by Edmund Burke almost a hundred years before. It helped train many Irish speakers and leaders. In 1838, the society had to leave the college, but MacNevin became its president during this time.

The society's meetings were held in a hotel called Radley's. Many famous people, like Isaac Butt and Joseph Lefanu, would debate there. They spoke in a very strong and exciting way, much like the old Irish Parliament. At Trinity College, MacNevin also learned how to speak well (elocution) from famous teachers like John Vandenhoff. He finished his degree in 1838 and became a lawyer the next year.

Writing Career

In 1844, MacNevin helped prepare a book called State Trials. Later, he wrote two books for the Young Ireland group's "Library of Ireland" series. The first book, History of the Irish Volunteers of 1782, came out in 1845. It was about a group of Irish soldiers from the past. The second book, The Confiscation of Ulster, was published in 1846. It was about how land in Ulster was taken over long ago.

In 1845, he also published a play called Gerald. This play had three acts and was about King Henry II invading Ireland in 1171. In the same year, he helped publish the speeches of a famous speaker named Richard Lalor Sheil. MacNevin also wrote for a newspaper called The Vindicator.

Thomas MacNevin worked for The Nation newspaper for two years. He was very sad when his friend Davis died in 1845. In the last few years of his life, he struggled with his health.

His Passing

Thomas MacNevin passed away on 8 February 1848 in a hospital in Bristol. On February 19, The Nation newspaper wrote a special message to honor their friend and former colleague.

Works

• History of the Irish Volunteers of 1782 (1845)
• Gerald (1845)
• The Confiscation of Ulster (1846)