Full version of Annals of the Four Masters presented to Raphoe Diocesan Archive

The Raphoe Diocese has taken receipt of a full seven-volume leather-bound edition of The Annals of the Four Masters.

Dr Joseph O’Neill presented the books to Moira Hughes, the Curator of the Raphoe Diocesan Archive, on behalf of his brother, Fr John O’Neill.

The collection was gifted on behalf of the Nashville-based Fr John O’Neill, who worked briefly as a locus surgeon at Letterkenny University Hospital in the 1990s. 

“The Archive is delighted to accept this valuable donation to its collection,” said the Raphoe Diocesan Archive.

Fr O’Neill’s sister-in-law, Dr Averil Fountain, is a medical consultant at the Donegal Hospice.

Before emigrating from Ireland to the United States, Fr John O’Neill worked a vascular surgery resident in Ireland, England and Pakistan.

He now serves as pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Hohenwald, Christ the Redeemer Church in Centerville, and St. Cecilia Church in Waynesboro.

The Annals of the Four Masters were compiled between 1632 and 1636.

Much of the work took place while the Four Masters were trying to evade capture by the occupying crown forces. There are numerous places around the local countryside where they are believed to have found shelter to carry out their work.

The Four Masters were Franciscan brother Mícheál Ó Cléirigh and three laymen, Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh, Fearfeasa Ó Maolchonaire and Cú Choigcríche Ó Duibhgeannáin. 

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Earlier this year, as part of the Donegal Town 550th celebrations, scholar John O’Donovan’s edition of The Annals of the Four Masters went on display in Donegal Town and Mountcharles.