Item 11 - A Song for the Pope

Identity area

Reference code

IE 2135 P43/2/7/11

Title

A Song for the Pope

Date(s)

  • [c. 1900-1910] (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

4 pp. (outsize)

Context area

Name of creator

(1914-1990)

Biographical history

Timothy Looney, a native of Cahir, county Tipperary, was born in 1914. A well-known local historian, he could regularly be found exploring local castles, churches, graveyards and sites of archaeological interest. He was known to challenge established beliefs and traditions and to use the evidence of cross-disciplinary elements such as documents and landscapes to offer alternative interpretations. His house on Pearse Street, a treasure trove of maps, books, documents and photographs, was a popular port of call for genealogists tracing their ancestors and for scholars researching historical topics. Looney’s collecting activities culminated in a remarkable salvage operation to recover papers from Shanbally Castle, county Tipperary prior to its destruction by a controlled explosion in March 1960.

In addition to his historical pursuits, Looney was an active member of his local community. He had a lifelong interest in the GAA, and was influential in the development of Gaelic games in Cahir. He was a tireless charity worker and fundraiser. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he organised volunteers to travel around the country to collect money for the Central Remedial Clinic, known as the Little Willie Fund, to aid the plight of polio victims. A supporter of the trade union movement, he was also active in the Irish Transport and General Workers Union. He had a great fondness for Cahir, and campaigned prominently to save its historical railway station. Timothy Looney died in his native town in 1990.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

A Song for the Pope. Dedicated to the Students of St Patrick’s College Maynooth. Words by Dr. Murray. Music adapted by the Rev. T. J. O’Reilly. Dublin: Cramer, Wood & Co., [n.d.].

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

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Conditions governing reproduction

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Physical characteristics and technical requirements

    Fragile.

    Finding aids

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    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

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    Notes area

    Alternative identifier(s)

    Original number

    P43/652

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        Accession area