Fondo P83 - The Grace O’Malley Cantillon Papers

4 standard boxes and 1 photographic box

Donated to the University of Limerick by Grace O’Malley Cantillon on 30 January 2020.

This collection contains research notes and research material generated and collected by Grace O’Malley Cantillon while preparing her book on family history titled The Round House O’Malleys: The Power of One Woman! (2014). The collection encompasses a range of primary manuscript material sourced by the author, including letters from her uncle Thomas O’Malley to his mother and sisters while trying to carve out a life for himself in Australia between 1910 and 1914 (P83/1/6/3/2-11). Another interesting compilation of primary material (degree certificates, apprenticeship agreements, personal correspondence and memoirs) relates to Grace O’Malley Cantillon’s father, Charles Vincent O’Malley, who operated a successful dental practice in Limerick city in the first half of the twentieth century (see P83/1/6/7/1/1-P83/1/6/7/5/6). Also worth noting are the memoirs of Frank O’Malley describing his life as a rubber planter in early twentieth-century Malaya (P83/1/6/6/3-5). In addition, there is an extensive photographic component extending back to the 1880s. The primary material in this collection provides useful insights into Ireland as part of the British empire and the blossoming of the prosperous Irish Roman Catholic professional class following Irish independence.

All records have been retained except for duplicates and photocopies of original items present in the collection, which have been destroyed.

No accruals are expected.

The material is divided into four series. Series 1 contains Grace O’Malley Cantillon’s research notes accumulated while researching for her book. These include pedigrees, press cuttings, correspondence and photocopies of articles and other research material, but also primary sources such as letters, accounts, certificates and manuscript memoirs. The material has been subdivided by the person to whom it relates to match the structure of the book as faithfully as possible. Series 2 contains a collection of postcards sent to members of the O’Malley family. Series 3 contains photographs, which are subdivided by the main branch of the family to which they relate. Series 4 contains items that relate to the O’Malley family but are not linked to a specific individual or family branch.

Unrestricted access to most items. Some items contain personal information and are closed to protect the privacy of living individuals. These items have been identified in the descriptive catalogue.

Standard copyright regulations apply to all items. For photocopying or reproducing material, please consult with the staff.

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Paper documents and photographs in good or reasonable condition.

This description follows guidelines based on ISAD(G) 2nd edition (2000), Irish Guidelines for Archival Description (2009), National Council on Archives: Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names (1997) and EAP Guidance on Data Protection for Archive Services (2018).

Papers arranged and described by Anna-Maria Hajba in January 2024.