Richard O'Brien

Background

He was born at Kilrush, County Clare.

Education

He studied law at the Catholic University, Dublin, after which he went to London.

Career

Parnell wished to make him a MP, but he declined, as he preferred to remain focused on writing. He wrote a much-discussed biography of Parnell in 1898. O'Brien was a political insider and a committed Home Ruler and the biography throws light on the activities of Home Rule MPs and their links to the Fenian Movement.

Achievements

• He was a founder-member there of the Irish Literary Society and also joined the London Gaelic League.

Politics

Politically he was loyal to, but not uncritical of, Charles Stuart Parnell, leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party at Westminster.