Canon Sheehan
In October 1913 the news of the death of Canon Sheehan in the north Cork village of Doneraile spread throughout Ireland and further afield. Sheehan was well known for his works of literature, his love of Ireland but above all his support for tenants and their rights.
The Skibbereen Eagle reported his death as follows, providing a great insight into the life he led:
The news of the demise of the Very Bev Doctor Sbeehan, better known aa Canon Sheehan, the beloved parish priest of Doneraile, which, took place at the Parochial House, Doneraile, on. Sunday, will be received with widespread sorrow and regret, not only by the Irish race at home and beyond the seas, but by the whole Catholic world. The late distinguished litterateur was universally recognised as the' greatest Irish writer of his time, and his superb genius obtained, speedy and enduring recognition in all phases of literature. The late Canon Sheehan received a medal from Pope Leo XIII. in recognition of the service rendered to religion by his writings.
The late Canon Sheehan was born in Mallow on St. Patrick's-Day, 1852, and was educated at St. Cohnan's College, Fermoy, from which he passed to Maynooth College, where, after a distinguish ed course, he was ordained priest in 1875. He spent the two first years of his sacred ministry on the English Mission in Exter, Devonshire, and his experience left a mark on him which was easily distinguished in almost every one of his books. In 1877 the Rev. Patrick Angustine Sheehan, as he then was, returned to his native town of Mallow, where he served as curate till 1881. He was then transferred to Queenstown, returning to Mallow in 1880, and in 1805 he was appointed parish priest- of Doneraile. In 1902 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity, from Pope Leo, and in 1903 was appointed Canon of Cloyne.
A brilliant classical scholar and linguist, Canon Sheehan (found time in the midst of his busy life of devotion to his pastoral duties to write numerous essays, and - lectures and a sequence of brilliant novels. The late Canon Sheehan was also a writer of superb and stirring verse, which he published under the title of Cithara Mee and he composed the music to which he set some of his popular ballads. The real Celtic spirit and genius is evident in every line, and it is not to be wondered that the late Canon was a great novelist, since he could interpret the very souls and emotions of his people so delicately and intimately.
The late Canon Sheehan was a schoolmate and a lifelong friend of Mr. William O'Brien, M.P., and a staunch supporter of the policy of the All-for-Ireland League, while the splendid leading article in the first issue of; the " Cork Free Press " was from the pen of the distinguished pastor Of Doneraile.
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