Beschreibung:

MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS OF THE DUNNE FAMILY, BALLYMANUS, STRADBALLY, QUEEN’S COUNTY [LAOIS], 1811-1903 INCLUDING A LARGE COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY MANUSCRIPT VERSE. Co. Leix Archive: During the 19th century the Dunne family rented from the Grattans of Tinnehinch the house and lands of Ballymanus, Stradbally, Queen’s County (part of an estate which the statesman Henry Grattan bought in 1782 from the Cosbys with money awarded to him by the Irish Parliament). In the 1850s Michael Dunne played a significant political role in the county, and his son the racehorse owner William Dunne bred two Irish Derby winners and his horse Cortolvin won the Grand National in 1867. The archive principally contains a large collection of early 19th Century manuscript Songs & Ballads. This collection of rhymes, songs, ballads and poems, written collected and in many cases transcribed by the Dunne family of Ballymanus, Stradbally, Queen’s County (Laois). Most are Irish, some are from the sister island, a few from further afield. In subject they vary from sentimental and patriotic to humorous and whimsical. Nearly all are in manuscript and date from the early and mid 19th century. Some, such as “The Lincolnshire Poacher” and “The Meeting of the Waters”, are well known, but others may never have been published and a many are certainly original, being composed for individual people or occasions. The earliest is probably a drinking song “wrote by Miss Moore for Mr Willm Dunne, Ballimanus October the 2nd 1788” and a transcript of “Lochaber no more” is dated 1793. Two poems lament the death of Patrick Dunne of Ballymanus in 1817 aged 26. An exercise book contains a number of valentines and other ditties addressed to young ladies, the last dated 1864. The most recent item is perhaps “The Kaiser’s Raid” by “W.H.D.”, a denunciation of the German naval attack on West Hartlepool in December 1914. A few of the songs have political motives. At the general election of 1859 two Dunnes were returned unopposed – Michael Dunne of Ballymanus (a strong farmer, Catholic and Liberal) and Lt. Col. the Rt Hon. Francis Plunket Dunne of Brittas (a landowner, officer, Protestant and Conservative). This caused an effusion of pride from John W. Hanagan “the Bard of Dooragan”: May honour, virtue and renown Your Parliamentary labours crown And this shall be the Poet’s prayer May the House of Dunne never want an heir. This collection is an intimate reminder of the days when music and song were the principal form of entertainment at the Irish fireside. The archive also contains the following: · 10 items re the planting of trees at Ballymanus by William Dunne, 1811-1817 (1 of 1878). · 2 letters from Francis Biddulph of Rathrobin House, Killoughy, Tullamore, 1840, giving a detailed account of an attempt on his life. Signed “Killoughy, himself again” and “Killoughy for ever.” · Correspondence between Michael Dunne, Walter Berwick and James Grattan of Tinnehinch, Co. Wicklow, concerning the rents of Ballymanus, 1849-1855. 2 letters from Grattan’s brother Henry. 21 items. · 2 letters from Rev. Francis Clough, S.J.. Headmaster of Stonyhurst, re progress of “your dear boy”, 1855 and 1859. · Correspondence and plan from James Boyd & Sons, Paisley, for a new greenhouse to be built at Ballymanus for William Dunne, 1890s. · Certificate signed by Sir Algernon Coote, Lieutenant for the Queen’s County, appointing William Dunne of Ballymanus a Deputy Lieutenant, 21 August 1903. · Specification of alterations to be made at Ballymanus for G. Dennehy Esq., J.P. n.d. · Other items. As an Archive, in two folders and a file, w.a.f. (1)