The Belligerent Prelate: An Alliance between Archbishop Daniel Mannix and Eamon de Valera
This book is an examination and evaluation from a historical perspective of the alliance that was established and forged between the former Taoiseach and President of Ireland, Eamon de Valera, and the former President of Maynooth and Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia, Dr Daniel Mannix. The book will examine how the alliance between the two men played a pivotal role in Ireland’s push for independence. The Archbishop’s role is used as a symbol of the vast Irish diaspora worldwide and how their support, both financially and physically through demonstrations for Ireland, helped keep the push for autonomy alive. Having examined the role the Archbishop played in his alliance with de Valera and the clergy, the book appraises how Dr Mannix, so revered at one stage in Irish society, became such an isolated figure after 1925. Irish history has largely neglected the role of the Archbishop. This historical analysis, grounded in research of both primary and secondary sources including previously undocumented oral evidence, archival papers, written public and private correspondence between the two characters and visual sources, will help to replenish his role.
Patrick Mannix holds a research masters in History from the University of Limerick. He has previously worked at such historical sites in Ireland as Kilmainham Gaol and the Irish Parliament. His research interests include modern Irish history, particularly church-state relations.
"The history of Irish diaspora leaders, both religious and lay, is a fertile ground for Irish history scholarship. Dr Mannix was the Archbishop of Melbourne for forty-six years and was a very influential figure in both Australia and Ireland. Mannix stood up for Irish Catholics when they were still treated as second-class citizens even in their own country. On this pretext alone, his name will never be forgotten. This volume is an important contribution to the study of Mannix’s historical legacy."
Dr Mícheál Ó hAodha Department of History, University of Limerick, Ireland
"The type of dual contextualized biography pursued by Patrick Mannix is more sophisticated and compelling than previous titles. My view is that The Belligerent Prelate: An Alliance between Archbishop Daniel Mannix and Eamon de Valera will prove popular in a number of specialized areas and has the capacity to excite public interest in Ireland, Australia, North America and beyond."
Dr Ruan O’Donnell Senior Lecturer, Department of History, University of Limerick, Ireland
"Patrick Mannix retells the familiar story of the archbishop’s controversial 1920 visit to the United States—a stop before his visit to Pope Benedict XV in Rome. But the book’s special value lies in its portrayal of how de Valera took advice from Mannix on such questions as the oath on entering the Dail, the new Irish Constitution, and numerous other issues. Especially instructive is the author’s portrayal of how Mannix ignored de Valera’s pleas to be less aggressive toward the Irish hierarchy in 1925 and again in the 1930s, when de Valera needed the support of the bishops, and Mannix carried an unforgiving remembrance of their part in his exile to Australia."
Thomas E. Hachey Catholic Historical Review (October, 2013)
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