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Joseph McGarrity: Man of Action, Man of Letters


Curator’s Welcome

 

The nation soul of Erin

 

Nigh dead from rack and wrong,

 

Has been revived an hundred times

 

By just a little song!

 

Joseph McGarrity, “To Eleanor Rogers Cox,” Celtic Moods and Memories.

 

Those interested in the history of modern Ireland will know Joseph McGarrity (1874-1940) as the Ulster-born American immigrant who carried with him from his homeland a passionate and uncompromising commitment to Irish independence, who from his adopted home of Philadelphia rose to lead the Clan-na-Gael (the leading Irish republican organization in the United States), and who emerged as a prominent and influential figure in Irish revolutionary circles during the first half of the twentieth century.

Joseph McGarrity the committed revolutionary, romantic Irish nationalist and steadfast physical-force republican is undoubtedly an influential, fascinating and controversial historical figure; he was, however, also a published poet, an avid collector of books, a newspaper publisher, and he even dabbled in sketching. Among his personal papers held by Villanova University can be found his unfinished memoirs, an unpublished travel narrative, and a self-published musical score for a song set to one of his poems.

Though at best a minor poet, McGarrity worked diligently and seriously at his verse. Taken in context, his literary efforts offer a valuable supplement to the biographical and historical record surrounding him.  This exhibition aims to explore this lesser known but quite telling side of Joseph McGarrity as a man of letters.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Villanova library for their many considerations and kindnesses. I would particularly like to thank Michael Foight for his generosity with his valuable time and professional knowledge; Laura Bang for her seemingly inexhaustible patience and good humor; and Joanne Quinn for her enthusiasm and creativity.

 

Curated by Brian J. McDonald, PhD (2012 Digital Library Intern), with graphics by Joanne Quinn.

 


 

Comments:

Posted by Sharon Taylor on
Wonderful job! Both texts and images work very well together to tell the story.
Can you tell me what platform/softwares you used to make this digital archive?
Posted by Allan McGarrity on
Hello, I am interested in finding out more about Joseph McGarrity as i believe he may be my great uncle, my great grandfather Bernard McGarrity was born in Pomeroy near Carrickmore Tyrone in 1842 and I think was Josephs uncle, Joseph was my grandfather 'Michael McGarrity's' cousin.
My Grandfather was born in 1892 and was a late baby as his dad was 50 at the time and looking at the photo of Joseph he bears a striking resemblance to my grandfather.
I would like to find out if my great grandfather Bernard was indeed Josephs McGarrity's uncle, any help would be great.
Posted by James Francis Ryan on

I am searching for information on Joseph McGarrity connection to Saint Gregory's Church 52nd Warren St. Philadelphia. Was there a building named for McGarrity on Lancaster Ave near 52nd street? Also if available a list of Clan Na Gaul Members 1901.
Thank You for your time