Vice Great Seneschal of Ireland facts for kids
The Vice Great Seneschal of Ireland is not a formal job title. Instead, it describes a special helper role. This role assists the Hereditary Great Seneschal or Lord High Steward of Ireland. These important officials acted under the King or Queen's authority for many centuries.
The job was given to Patrick Denis O'Donnell (1922–2005), who was the Hereditary Seneschal or Lord Steward for Tyrconnell. His son, Francis Martin O'Donnell, later inherited this role.
Historically, the Lord High Steward could appoint a deputy. This happened when someone was made a Seneschal or Lord Steward of a County. For example, John Penyngton was appointed Steward of the Liberty of Wexford. The British House of Lords even supported these appointments. This showed that the Lord High Steward of Ireland had the right to choose deputies.
The deputy's job is to act for the Lord High Steward if needed. This includes carrying special items like the Curtana, which is a Sword of State, or a White Wand. These are used in important State ceremonies, such as Royal Coronations. Queen Victoria confirmed this responsibility on September 15, 1871. In the past, the deputy also led the court where Irish nobles (Peers) had their important meetings.
Even though the island of Ireland now includes the independent country of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, the Vice Great Seneschal of Ireland role is still carried out in the United Kingdom.
Important Helpers: Deputised Lords High Stewards
These individuals were chosen to lead important meetings of Irish nobles (Peers) in the Irish House of Lords. Their ceremonial duties were mainly related to their temporary role as leaders of these meetings.
- 1739: Thomas Wyndham (1681–1745), 1st Baron Wyndham of Finglass
- 1743: Robert Jocelyn (1727–1756), 1st Viscount Jocelyn
- 1798: John FitzGibbon (1749–1802), 1st Earl of Clare
