The Two Faces of Old Cultural Ireland
These 2 images, depict part of my Maternal Family and have taught me so much on a Country, that I knew little about 10 years ago.
They depict 2 types of Irish of the "Old Culture" and they ignite my thoughts on why a country was so hard done by. The years within it's own Politics, it's Famine, it's struggle with an identity crisis - To be part of the "Act of Union" or not and it's dealings with "Aunty" England.
These 2 men were one of many "co-pilots" to a nation as such, in a very tumultuous period.
2 very different views on how to steer a nation to success, well I suppose, their views of success.
Sir Edward battling with Henry Grattan and Thomas being one of many "Right Hand Men" to The Liberator - Daniel O'Connell, were some of the connections these men had.
Though something sits on my mind, that I must mention, is the "White Elephant in the room" and the biggest driver of their lives, were their religious views. This played out, quite a part in their Political lives. The greatest thing I learned out of these 2 men, is that in today's world, Religious views should be left out of Politics or at the "front door of Parliament".
Why? Because it clouds the mind of deciding what's best for the Country's best interests.
The "Act of Union" was a great learning tool for this. I'd suggest you read about the Act of Union and what swayed the voting and judge for yourself, as it was quite the eye opener. Part of this, plays out many years later when O'Connell tries to "Repeal" the Act.
Over the centuries, Religion surpassed the power of the Law until recent times.
In 1810, an intriguing instance of Religion vs Law event occurred.
It involves Thomas MacNevin's Father - Daniel MacNevin.
Daniel was an acting Sub-Sheriff and was embroiled in an event, which he had to physically punish 2 men. I'll let you discover the story : HERE
And the most surprising playout, with a very staunch Protestant Sir Edward, was that he allowed a Catholic Man to join the ranks of his Volunteer Militia. Because it was for the "cause of Ireland's best interest's". This particular act stunned my thoughts, because it wasn't like him to allow Catholic's into his domain.
It is probably the only act of "kindness" towards Catholic's, that I can find - from my point of view.
Now, the Protestantism and Irish National Catholicism clash in my DNA, I swear it battles my Fitzgerald DNA. It's probably why I try to rhetorically argue with myself on my thoughts.
I give you :
Protestant Catholic & Young Irelander (Nationalist)
Sir Edward Newenham MP (6th GGF) and Thomas MacNevin Esq (4th GGUncle)
These 2 images, depict part of my Maternal Family and have taught me so much on a Country, that I knew little about 10 years ago.
They depict 2 types of Irish of the "Old Culture" and they ignite my thoughts on why a country was so hard done by. The years within it's own Politics, it's Famine, it's struggle with an identity crisis - To be part of the "Act of Union" or not and it's dealings with "Aunty" England.
These 2 men were one of many "co-pilots" to a nation as such, in a very tumultuous period.
2 very different views on how to steer a nation to success, well I suppose, their views of success.
Sir Edward battling with Henry Grattan and Thomas being one of many "Right Hand Men" to The Liberator - Daniel O'Connell, were some of the connections these men had.
Though something sits on my mind, that I must mention, is the "White Elephant in the room" and the biggest driver of their lives, were their religious views. This played out, quite a part in their Political lives. The greatest thing I learned out of these 2 men, is that in today's world, Religious views should be left out of Politics or at the "front door of Parliament".
Why? Because it clouds the mind of deciding what's best for the Country's best interests.
The "Act of Union" was a great learning tool for this. I'd suggest you read about the Act of Union and what swayed the voting and judge for yourself, as it was quite the eye opener. Part of this, plays out many years later when O'Connell tries to "Repeal" the Act.
Over the centuries, Religion surpassed the power of the Law until recent times.
In 1810, an intriguing instance of Religion vs Law event occurred.
It involves Thomas MacNevin's Father - Daniel MacNevin.
Daniel was an acting Sub-Sheriff and was embroiled in an event, which he had to physically punish 2 men. I'll let you discover the story : HERE
And the most surprising playout, with a very staunch Protestant Sir Edward, was that he allowed a Catholic Man to join the ranks of his Volunteer Militia. Because it was for the "cause of Ireland's best interest's". This particular act stunned my thoughts, because it wasn't like him to allow Catholic's into his domain.
It is probably the only act of "kindness" towards Catholic's, that I can find - from my point of view.
Now, the Protestantism and Irish National Catholicism clash in my DNA, I swear it battles my Fitzgerald DNA. It's probably why I try to rhetorically argue with myself on my thoughts.
I give you :
Protestant Catholic & Young Irelander (Nationalist)
Sir Edward Newenham MP (6th GGF) and Thomas MacNevin Esq (4th GGUncle)
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| Portrait is from the National Gallery of Ireland CLICK HERE TO GO THERE |
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