Dictionary of Irish Biography adds 41 new entries

Among the high-profile contemporary figures added are writer Brian Friel (1929–2015, pictured far left), broadcasters Terry Wogan (1938–2016, pictured third) and Bill O'Herlihy (1938–2015), and founder of the Irish Hospice Foundation, Mary Redmond (1950–2015). 

The 'missing persons' cohort includes Dorothea Heron (1896–1960, picture far right), the first woman to be admitted as a solicitor in Ireland; charismatic theatre director and actor Daisy Bannard Cogley (1884–1965); trans civil war soldier, Albert Cashier (1843–1915); Clare-born American mining magnate James A. Murray (1840–1921, pictured second); and the enigmatic quack doctor and politician, Ethens de Tomanzie (1841–86).

Fourteen of the sixteen ‘missing person’ biographies were supplied by new contributors to the DIB, and profound thanks goes to them for their considerable efforts.

Other newly published entries include those on folk singer and member of The Dubliners, Jim McCann (1944–2015); legendary Kilkenny hurling coach, Fr Tommy Maher (1922–2015); Glenroe creator, Wesley Burrowes (1930–2015); lawyer and politician, Desmond Boal (1928–2015); and the enormously successful, and extravagant, pharmaceuticals pioneer Edward Enda Haughey (1944–2014).

Visit the DIB’s website for a full list of the newly added biographies.