Bishop Edward Thomas O'Dwyer of Limerick, 1842-1917

About this book

"Born in Holy Cross, Co. Tipperary, in 1842, Edward Thomas O'Dwyer became bishop of Limerick in 1886 - a position which he was to hold for over thirty years. For most of that time he was a thorn in the side of the hierarchy, and he acquired among the Irish people an unenviable reputation as a 'Castle' bishop. Even so, he played a major role in improving primary education, in resolving the University question, and as a leader in workhouse reform." "In his final years he helped to change the course of Irish history. In 1916, when the population was cowed following the execution of the leaders of the Rising, O'Dwyer wrote from Kilmallock his public letter to General Maxwell in defence of two of his priests, in which he denounced Maxwell as a murderer and stirred the whole country to life. His subsequent famous speech when the Freedom of Limerick was conferred on him gave an episcopal approval to the spirit of national resistance and influenced the East Clare election of 1917. O'Dwyer became a national hero, de Valera quoted his speech at the hustings, and his name was joined to those of the dead 1916 leaders in popular ballads."--BOOK JACKET.