John O'Donovan, Irish Language Scholar, Dies

John O’Donovan (Irish: Seán Ó Donnabháin; 25 July 1806 – 10 December 1861), from Atateemore, in the parish of Kilcolumb, County Kilkenny, and educated at Hunt’s Academy, Waterford, was an Irish language scholar from Ireland.

John O’Donovan, the renowned Irish language scholar and antiquarian, died on December 10, 1861. O’Donovan was a key figure in the 19th-century revival of interest in Irish language and history.

He was the fourth son of Edmond O’Donovan and Eleanor Hoberlin of Rochestown. His early career may have been inspired by his uncle Parick O’Donovan. He worked for antiquarian James Hardiman researching state papers and traditional sources at the Public Records Office.

Birth

John O’Donovan was born on July 25, 1806, in Atateemore, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

Education

O’Donovan received his education at the Jesuit-run Clongowes Wood College and later at St. Patrick’s, Carlow College.

Career

O’Donovan’s career was largely focused on Irish language studies and historical research. He worked on the Ordnance Survey of Ireland and made significant contributions to the study of Irish place-names and topography.

Irish Ordnance Survey Letters

O’Donovan, along with fellow scholar Eugene O’Curry, played a crucial role in collecting and transcribing the Irish Ordnance Survey Letters. These letters contain valuable information on Irish folklore, traditions, and local history.

Annals of the Four Masters

O’Donovan was involved in the translation and publication of the “Annals of the Four Masters,” a chronicle of Irish history, which covered events from ancient times to the early 17th century.

Publications

O’Donovan’s scholarly work includes various publications, and he was known for his meticulous research and attention to detail.

Legacy

John O’Donovan is remembered as a pioneering figure in Irish scholarship. His work laid the foundation for subsequent generations of Irish language and historical studies.

Death

Never in great health, he died shortly after midnight on 10 December 1861 at his residence, 36 Upper Buckingham Street, Dublin. He was buried on 13 December 1861 in Glasnevin Cemetery, where his tombstone inscription has slightly wrong dates of both birth and death.

O’Donovan’s dedication to the preservation and study of the Irish language and his contributions to Irish history and topography have had a lasting impact. His legacy continues to be acknowledged and celebrated within the field of Irish studies.