William Byrne (1871-1949)

An Beirneach: Milltown Priest and Gaelic Scholar

Student 1892-99

Though he is not widely known, even to scholars in his field, Fr. William Beirne is one of the most outstanding products of Maynooth in terms of Gaelic scholarship and literary output. Born into a rural family in the north-eastern corner of Co. Galway near its border with Mayo, he had a chequered career, the last thirty years of his life being essentially lost to history, though the indications are of ill health and unpopular political leanings. This article, published in 2018 in the Tuam Historical Journal, and also on the Milltown Community Website, is a much-deserved tribute to his life and work.