14 Comments
User's avatar
Louis Smyth's avatar

A great read and someone who should be better known . I curious as to why the family left and went to Spain ?

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

As his family was one of catholic descent, their prospects in Ireland from 1689 onwards were very limited. The Penal Laws introduced by the Protestant elite of Ireland severely limited the freedoms of Irish Catholics forcing many to seek a life abroad in Spain and France - more broadly this generation of Irish Catholics are referred to as the Wild Geese

Expand full comment
Martin O’Neill's avatar

Great read thanks.

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

Glad you enjoyed, thank you!

Expand full comment
michael mcgrath's avatar

Fascinating!

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

Thank you !

Expand full comment
David Gemeinhardt's avatar

What a remarkable trajectory. I look forward to more stories about Irishmen abroad in this period.

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

It really was a whirlwind! I hadn’t expected such a vast life experience when I began readin!

Expand full comment
Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

I’ll have to see what sources I have that further explore the reforms, once a drill head always a drill head.

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

I had a lot of fun with this one!

Expand full comment
History Harbor's avatar

Fascinating! I'd never heard of him and I was riveted!

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

I’m so pleased, thank you for reading!

Expand full comment
Daryl Campbell's avatar

Only about half way through, but a great piece. I will be enjoying the rest when I get a tea break.

Expand full comment
Ruairí Nolan's avatar

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

Expand full comment