Poet, Patriot, Scientist and Scholar

The extraordinary career of one of the greatest historical figures from Tyrone, Ulster and Ireland will be revived at a launch of a biography of Dr George Sigerson (1836-1925) at the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library and Archive, Armagh, on next Tuesday, 1 March, at 7.30 p.m.

From a local perspective, Dr Sigerson – who was born at Holyhill, near Strabane, is generally remembered little more than as the man who wrote the words of the Tyrone ‘anthem’, The Mountains of Pomeroy, and the man who presented the Sigerson Cup for inter-varsity Gaelic football. In truth, however, these were rather minor details in a long life of achievement. Over several decades, Sigerson was one of the most eminent figures in Ireland in the fields of medicine and science, university life, literary, linguistic and political affairs.

Here is a short list of just some of his many accomplishments:

• He studied in Galway, Cork, Dublin and Paris.
• As a doctor and neurologist, he was well known throughout Ireland and abroad – in Paris, he studied under Jean-Martin Charcot, ‘the founder of modern neurology’; and at an early stage in his career, he was in correspondence with luminaries such as Charles Darwin.
• He was the only lecturer at UCD to remain on its staff since the days of the Catholic University Medical School. For a period he was Professor of Botany, and he eventually held the position of Professor of Zoology at UCD.
• He was an outstanding linguist, who taught himself Irish (to first-class degree standard) and translated old Irish poems into verse, resulting in the publication of The Poets and Poetry of Munster (1860) and the monumental Bards of the Gael and Gall (1897).
• He was president of the Irish National Literary Society from 1893 to 1924, during a time of much celebrated literary work by Irish authors.
• He was a prolific journalist and historian, whose writings had considerable influence on issues such as the land question, the establishment of the National University, prison reform, the poor law and social and economic conditions, and also influenced the suffragettes. His works included History of the Land Tenures and Landed Classes in Ireland (1871), Political Prisoners at Home and Abroad (1890) and The Last Independent Parliament of Ireland (1918).
• He was a close friend of celebrated figures such as John O Leary, Charles Kickham, John Mitchel, Thomas MacDonagh and Dr Douglas Hyde.
• He was appointed as a member of Seanad Éireann from 1922 until 1925, and he was Cathaoirleach of the chamber on its opening day.

These and many other fascinating details are captured in this new book, George Sigerson: Poet, Patriot, Scientist and Scholar. The author, Ken McGilloway from Derry City, who is married to a descendant of Dr Sigerson, spent many years researching this book, which is the first-ever biography of Sigerson. It draws on the recollections of Sigerson’s daughter, Hester Sigerson Piatt, contained in a hitherto unpublished manuscript. The book is illustrated with rare photographs and other documents concerning Sigerson. The wide range of Sigerson’s activities are discussed in the book, and a chapter at the end deals with the Sigerson Cup and its legacy as the longest-circulating national Gaelic games trophy since 1911.

Ken McGilloway will be present at the event in the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library to speak and sign copies of his book. Joseph Martin, author of the acclaimed history, The GAA in Tyrone, will formally launch it. Tea/coffee will be served complimentary.

The book will also be launched at Strabane’s Alley Theatre on Monday 28 February, and at the National Library of Ireland, Dublin, on Wednesday 2 March. The Dublin launch of the book will be preceded by the unveiling of a plaque on Sigerson’s long-term residence in Dublin, 3 Clare Street, by the Lord Mayor of Dublin. On the following day, Thursday 3 March, the centenary Sigerson Cup finals weekend will commence at University College Dublin. It is hoped that these events, as well as the launch of this book, will lead to a heightened public awareness of the significance of Dr Sigerson.

The book, George Sigerson: Poet, Patriot, Scientist and Scholar, is published by the Ulster Historical Foundation, and retails at £16.99. For further details of the launch at the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library, please contact Dónal at 37-522981 or e-mail dmcanallen@ireland.com.