Paul B McNulty | University College Dublin (original) (raw)

Paul B McNulty

My apprenticeship in writing commenced at University College Dublin where I edited an engineering magazine "The Anvil." Afflicted with wanderlust, I travelled west to Ohio State and MIT to continue my studies to master's and doctoral level. While in Boston, my interest in history unfolded through participation in the Committee for Justice in Northern Ireland and in the anti-Vietnam war movement. On return to Ireland, I honed my writing skills, publishing scientific papers as well as writing on food-related and political issues in the popular media.

Following a career in Biosystems Engineering at UCD, I revisited my historical interest by studying "The genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway." This led to the discovery of a treasure-trove of stories that inspired me to write historical novels based on real events in 18th century Ireland. These include "Spellbound by Sibella," "The Abduction of Anne O’Donel" and "A Story of the Bodkin Murders" each published by Club Lighthouse CLP, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Each novel is available on Amazon in print and e-book format. Each has received commendation in the William Faulkner Novel Competitions, New Orleans in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. I have also published a novella, "A Rebel Romance" in 2014 with CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Critiques from a writer's group, The Corner Table, of which I am a founding member, guide my writing.

My experience with novel writing inspired me to write a play based on an extract from my first novel, "Spellbound by Sibella." UCD Dramatic Society included a reading of my play in their Theatre Festival in November 2014. More recently, it has received favourable reviews from the Theatre Development Centre, Cork. I have also completed a draft of a second play based on an extract from my novel, "The Abduction of Anne O’Donel." In response to a call from the UCD Dramsoc Mini Plays Festival, I submitted a 5 minute play, "Elopement," which was staged on 14-16 October 2015. My third play "1798: A Rebel Romance" was staged as part of the Semester 3 programme of UCD Dramsoc on 18-22 April 2016. I have completed a first draft of my fourth play "The Bodkin Murders" in the format of a court-room drama. In my fifth play, I revisited, "Spellbound by Sibella," in a modern campus setting, "Hijinks in Hibernia," but including five characters inspired by classical Grecian counterparts.

Invited Lectures by Paul B McNulty have included: 1. Fulbright Lecture: "Genealogy of Anglo-Norman Lynches who Settled in Galway" Thursday, 5 March 2015, 7.30 pm, Lynch Theatre, O’Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, chaired by Professor Art Cosgrove, President of UCD (1994-2003.) and supported by the Fulbright Alumni Engagement Fund.
2. Progression of the Anglo-Norman Lynches in Mayo, Chair: Brian Hoban National Heritage Week Seminar, Drum Inn, Clogher Co Mayo 8 pm, Friday, August 25, 2017.

4. Foundation Stones in Irish Genealogy: The Anglo-Norman Lynches and related research. Annaghdown Heritage Society, Corrandulla, Co Galway, February 7, 2020.

I live in Dublin with my wife, three children and three grandchildren. The wild splendour of Mayo and Connemara inspires my writing. Links to social media include Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Address: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

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Papers by Paul B McNulty

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016

SIBELLA Cottle is furioust when James CUFFE MP urges her lover, Sir HARRY Lynch-Blosse of Balla, ... more SIBELLA Cottle is furioust when James CUFFE MP urges her lover, Sir HARRY Lynch-Blosse of Balla, Co Mayo to send her away, and instead marry LADY HARRIETT, a rich aristocrat. Otherwise, his offer of a safe seat in the 1776 election to the Irish Parliament will lapse. When Harry wavers, Sibella, now pregnant, resorts to witchcraft with the help of her midwife, JUDY Holian. She is determinedDrama to spellbind Harry with a powerful love charm made from the skin of an exhumed corpse. Will Harry surrender to the power of the love charm, and marry Sibella, or will Lady Harriett capture his heart? This conflict is the theme of an absorbing full-length stage play that is based on real people and real events.

From 1984 to 2003, I wrote a series of “Letters to the Editor” on food and food-related issues wi... more From 1984 to 2003, I wrote a series of “Letters to the Editor” on food and food-related issues with follow-on articles and radio/TV interviews that attracted national and international attention. Most notable was President Mary Robinson’s pioneering visit to famine-stricken Somalia in 1992 (pages 46-47), an event that I had independently initiated. Other topics covered include biotechnology, education, energy, engineering, health and safety, food irradiation, food trade and population growth. In some cases, I have included responses to my letters where the discussion facilitated a range of views on a particular topic. Examples include “Hormones in Beef” (pages 2-4), “Energy from Biomass” (pages 31-32) and “Food Irradiation” (pages 78-84). My submission that led to the formation of the Government Department of Agriculture and Food following the appointment of Charles J Haughey, TD, as Taoiseach in 1992 is featured on page 55.
Where a letter attracted attention from more than one newspaper, I have indicated such at the end of each submission. Variations in the title of the letter chosen by different editors are highlighted. I have standardized the layout of text as far as possible to enhance the style of presentation. Some letters that were submitted but not published are included where the content provided a fuller context. Uncertainties in detail are denoted by a question mark ? I have resisted the temptation to cast a cold eye on my ramblings in the belief that they stand better alone and unadorned. Should my contributions stimulate fresh thinking on contentious issues, I shall rest satisfied.

After one of the bloodiest massacres in Irish history, John Bodkin is accused of fratricide in an... more After one of the bloodiest massacres in Irish history, John Bodkin is accused of fratricide in an earlier conflict fuelled by a row over inheritance. At an infamous trial, John refuses to plead either innocent or guilty to the murder of his brother, Patrick. Only his betrothed Catherine, the beautiful daughter of Lord Athenry, knows why. She is the keeper of a dark secret, which John insists must be kept hidden, even if it costs him his life.

Based on a true story, this historical novel explores a tale of treachery, greed and romance in 18th century Ireland.

"Eighteenth century Irish heiress, ANNE O’DONEL has attracted two suitors, the elderly lawyer, TI... more "Eighteenth century Irish heiress, ANNE O’DONEL has attracted two suitors, the elderly lawyer, TIMOTHY BRECKNOCK and the dashing JASPER MARTIN. Although she is in love with Jasper, her father JUDGE O’DONEL will not agree to the match. When he decides that Anne must marry Brecknock, she rebels and becomes secretly engaged to Jasper.

In an attempt to discredit him in Anne’s eyes, Brecknock accuses Jasper of philandering, and when this does not succeed, he orchestrates an attempt on Jasper’s life. Frustrated by his failure to woo Anne, Brecknock lures her out of her house late at night using a letter forged with Jasper’s signature. Expecting to meet her lover, Anne is abducted by four masked horsemen and taken to a remote island on Lough Conn. She is held prisoner by the Mitchell family who are under threat of eviction should she escape.

Brecknock visits Anne on the island, still believing he can persuade her to marry him. He appeals to her intellect, introducing her to the world of letters through stories of romance, politics, Evangelicalism and alchemy. Believing that Jasper will find her, Anne plays a dangerous game: trying to convince Brecknock that his suit may have some hope, while delaying her agreement to marry him. Despite Jasper's ceaseless searching, time is running out for her. Brecknock’s increasingly irrational behaviour drives her to plan an escape from the island. When this fails, she persuades Mitchell’s daughter, SALLY, to take a message to Jasper. Incensed by her attempts to frustrate him, Brecknock is determined to have Anne, willingly or not. Having finally rejected his proposal of marriage, she prepares to fight for her virtue, and perhaps her life."

When Irish beauty, SIBELLA COTTLE sets her sights on the rakish HARRY LYNCH-BLOSSE, she is determ... more When Irish beauty, SIBELLA COTTLE sets her sights on the rakish HARRY LYNCH-BLOSSE, she is determined to steal his heart and make him hers; but Harry is not free to love her. He is still married to Emily Mahon, a staunch Catholic who refuses to have their marriage annulled. Even if she were to release him, his ambitions would be better served by marrying Lady HARRIETT BROWNE, a cousin of Lord Altamont.

Despite himself, Harry falls for Sibella and following a night of passion she becomes pregnant. Her plight is desperate. They elope to his mother's home in Suffolk in 1774 where Harry persuades a solicitor to confirm his freedom to marry. Sibella's hopes are dashed at the altar when a letter from Ireland denies Harry's right to marry. Harry promises to marry her once his annulment comes through. Although distraught, Sibella recovers to focus on her pregnancy. Her mood lifts when she gives birth to a healthy boy, MICHAEL.

Having returned to Balla, County Mayo, Harry becomes the 7th Baronet after his father dies. Good fortune follows when Sir Harry is elected to the Irish Parliament and Sibella delivers twin girls, CECILIA and Mary Anne. In the following years, Sibella gives birth to her second son, John, and after a further pregnancy, to her third daughter, Bridget.

During this time, Harry establishes the Balla Volunteers to protect Ireland from invasion. Lady Harriett assists him in this task much to the chagrin of Sibella. Worse is to follow when Sibella intercepts a letter from JAMES CUFFE MP, a trustee to Harry's estate. In the letter, Cuffe urges Harry to abandon "that woman" and marry Lady Harriett now that he is free to do so.

Sibella is terrified and seeks the advice of the witch, JUDY HOLIAN, who recommends the spancel, a love charm guaranteed to spellbind Harry for life. Aided by Judy, Sibella makes a spancel from a strip of skin cut from a corpse initially unaware that the body is that of Harry's illegitimate daughter, Ellen Colgan. Sibella must ensure that Harry never finds out the source of the spancel or he would surely abandon her.

Haunted by the spectre of witchcraft, Sibella's position is precarious. Her epic struggle for survival is interwoven against a background of intrigue, rebellion and romance. This extraordinary story is based on real events in 18th century Ireland.

The pedigrees of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway are mostly derived from the desce... more The pedigrees of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway are mostly derived from the descendants of James and William, the sons of Thomas Lynch, the first Provost of Galway in 1274. The progression of the family in Ireland was emphasized by the appointment of more than eighty mayors of Galway named Lynch between 1485 and 1654. When James I bestowed a baronetcy on Henry Lynch, a rich merchant, in 1622 their elevated status was confirmed.

However, political controversy intervened when Henry Lynch, 3rd Bt, was attainted of high treason following the defeat of James II at the Battle of the Boyne. Personal controversy followed with the liaison of Henry Lynch-Blosse, 7th Bt with the alluring Sibella Cottle which scandalized the community. The story has been outlined by the author in his historical novel, "Spellbound by Sibella."

The Lynch-Blosses continued to serve in Ireland until the purchase of their estate of 18,566 acres by the Congested District’s Board in 1909 for £154,000. Thereafter, the family settled in Wales and later in England. The current incumbent is Richard Hely Lynch-Blosse, 17th Bt, a general practitioner in Oxfordshire.

The Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway have been connected to famous people and events including the Bodkin massacre, Che Guevara, James II, Richard ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin MP, Grace O’Malley, Patrick Sarsfield and Bram Stoker. These connections are illustrated in pedigree charts derived from a BrothersKeeper.com database of 2843 individuals. The database also includes members of the extended family of the author.

When Cecilia Lynch falls in love with John Moore, a United Irishman, she finds herself drawn into... more When Cecilia Lynch falls in love with John Moore, a United Irishman, she finds herself drawn into the web of revolution. The illegitimate daughter of a baronet is thrilled when General Humbert appoints Moore as President of the Republic of Connaught after routing the British army in 1798. Even though both are shunned by polite society, Cecilia stands by her betrothed when the tide of political favour wanes. Can the lovers survive turbulent times now that John's life and liberty are endangered? Or, will powerful forces destroy their dreams and their destiny? "A likely tale … Plot moves along rapidly … I really liked this, and I love historicals…" MuseItUp Publishing. "Very romantic as told through the eyes of Cecilia …" Ivor Hamrock, Mayo Co Library, Castlebar, Ireland. "The dialogue is sharp and to the point … John Moore is the perfect martyr … the educated aristocrat … all fit nicely into the period." Patrick Sheridan, Balla, Co Mayo, Ireland. A semi-finalist in the 2013 William Faulkner novella competition.

Unpublished, 2022

Diesel-fueled Tractor Systems are an obvious starting point for carbon emission abatement given t... more Diesel-fueled Tractor Systems are an obvious starting point for carbon emission abatement given their seminal position in farm mechanization systems. Japan is leading the race to eliminate diesel emissions with electric power through their advanced position in automation and robotic research as manifested by their Kubota Autonomous Concept X Tractor, a 45 kW (60 hp) electric model costing about 50% more than its conventional counterpart.

.SAVING THE PLANET BY REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS FROM TRACTOR SYSysTEMS IN MECHANISED FOOD PRODUCTION, 2022

Academia edu, 2020

Paul McNulty is convinced that genealogy provides a gateway not only to local and family history ... more Paul McNulty is convinced that genealogy provides a gateway not only to local and family history but also to national history. He supports this assertion through the study of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway. It was an inspired choice because the Lynches left behind a legacy of involvement in Irish society from their arrival with Strongbow in 1169, their settlement in Galway and Mayo until their gradual withdrawal from Ireland in the 20th century. Their progress is charted by reference to their dominance of the Galway mayoralty until their expulsion from the city by Cromwell in 1652. Thereafter they settled in the countryside of Galway and Mayo with the support of the aristocratic de Burghs and buoyed by the status of their baronetcy dating from 1634 up to the current 17th Baronet. The author’s case is bolstered by reference to ethnicity charts based on genetic profiling, ancestral charts, a fragment of the 1821 Census, and by the rich legacy of epic stories celebrated in song, stage and screen throughout the course of Irish history.

My research into the genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches was prompted by a study of the Conneel... more My research into the genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches was prompted by a study of the Conneelys of Lettermullen, Co Galway in which an 1829 Tithe Applotment document identified Nicholas Lynch Esq of Barna, Co Galway as the local landlord. By interroga ting Lynch of Barna records, I discovered that the Barna family were descended from the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway following the invasion of Ireland by Strongbow in 1169. Subsequent research unearthed three extraordinary 18 th century stories that encouraged me to write historical novels each connected to a member of the Anglo-Norman Lynches. That research also facilitated speculation on the fate of their migrant descendants includ ing illegitimate offspring who are difficult to trace. More recently, the utility of DNA profiling has uncovered a distant relationship between American genealogists, Debra Emerson and Timothy J Lynch arising from their kinship to the Lynches of Lynchfort House, Loughrea, Co Galway.

Most of the landed gentry of Mayo have now left the county but their legacy lingers-on in the gen... more Most of the landed gentry of Mayo have now left the county but their legacy lingers-on in the genes of those Mayo people who bear their surnames including those of Blake, Browne, Lynch and Moore. Members of these families have intermarried with one another and with other members of the landed gentry including the Burkes, Dillons and Lucan/Binghams. An integration model has been used to estimate the extent to which their legacy has lingered-on. The model is based on the number of people in the 1901 Census of Ireland divided by the number of occupiers on their property in Griffith’s Valuation of 1856-57. Higher values of the resultant integration indices represent higher levels of integration within a community. The results demonstrated that the Burkes (0.88) had integrated within Mayo more successfully than the Brownes (0.44), Moores (0.44), Lynches (0.18), Blakes (0.05), Dillons (0.03) and the Lucan/Binghams (0.00). Further study is required to determine the accuracy of the predicted results.

This paper examines the progression of the Anglo-Norman Lynches in County Mayo, Ireland through t... more This paper examines the progression of the Anglo-Norman Lynches in County Mayo, Ireland through the medium of genealogy, history, Griffiths Valuation of 1856-57 and the 1901/1911 Censuses of Ireland. It concludes by examining the attributes of the Lynches that remain in Mayo, both Anglo-Norman and Gaelic, and speculating on their future progression.

Local history has a role to play in the illumination of family history particularly where family ... more Local history has a role to play in the illumination of family history particularly where family records are scarce. This paper features some background information on Lettermullen, including reference to its first documented inhabitants, Ochaghy (O’Flaherty) in 1574 and Morogh McHugh in 1584; the defence garrison in Lettermullen Castle in 1622; the mysterious Neptune Lynch of Lettermullen whose daughter, Mary, married Nicholas Lynch III of Barna, Co Galway in 1719; the Tithe Applotment survey of Lettermullen in the 1820s which identified Nicholas Lynch V of Barna as landlord, as well as ancestors and relatives of Treasa Ní Chonaola bearing the surnames Adley, Barrett, Conneely, Flaherty, McDonagh, Perkins, Toole and Walsh; extracts from British Parliamentary Papers and The Times newspaper, London concerning Lettermullen, including the manslaughter of Mrs King of Lettermullen in 1873; and the pioneering study of Dr Charles Browne of Trinity College Dublin in 1898 featuring the red-haired Michael McDonagh who may have been a younger brother of Seamus Rua McDonagh of Creig, Lettermullen and thereby a granduncle of Treasa Ní Chonaola. Other items featured include the origin and distribution of the Conneely/Connolly name, family and house photographs, an eight generation descendant chart (including playright, Martin McDonagh), population data (1841-2002), an archaeological inventory, and the names of Lettermullen men who served in the British army.

Progress has been made in tracing the ancestors of Mary Farrell McHugh through six generations. O... more Progress has been made in tracing the ancestors of Mary Farrell McHugh through six generations. Of particular interest was the identification of her great great-great grandmother, Mary Farrell I reported as a 70-year-old widow and mother of 30-year-old John Farrell in the 1821 Census. Also identified in the 1821 Census were Anne (nee Duane) Farrell (wife/23 y), Patrick Farrell (son/2 y) and John Farrell (son/under 1 y) all living on a 3 acre farm in the townland of Cahernagarry, Kilrickle, Co Galway. Memorial inscriptions in Kilrickle graveyard helped to extend the Farrell lineage by identifying her grandfather, John (P) Farrell and her great grandfather, Patrick (Patt) Farrell, who was the young 2 y old boy identified in the 1821 Census. Progress has also been made in tracing the ancestors of Mary Farrell McHugh bearing the surnames of Duane, Flynn, Griffin, Leahy (Lahy, Lahey), Ryan and Smyth. Of particular interest, is the preliminary identification of additional great great-great grandparents, namely, Mrs (nee Bermingham) Griffin, John and Sara (nee Kennedy) Lahy, Mathias? Ryan, and William Smyth. More work needs to be done to complete this study using records of births, marriages and deaths, land valuation records and deeds.

Connolly (Ó Conghaile) is a popular Irish name among the twenty-five most common, and well distri... more Connolly (Ó Conghaile) is a popular Irish name among the twenty-five most common, and well distributed throughout Ireland. The Connolly sept in Connaught uses the variant spellings Connelly or Conneely in addition to Connolly. In this study, the ancestors of Treasa Ní Chonaola (Conneely) have been traced through four generations (including the surnames Conneely, McDonagh, Toole, Audley and Flaherty) on a four-generation http://brotherskeeper.com/ ancestor chart. More work needs to be done to extend this work to a fifth generation, where the identity of only one great-great grandparent, Seán Mór Conneely, is known.

The extended family of my maternal aunt, Eva McHugh Landy (1922-2004), has been traced through si... more The extended family of my maternal aunt, Eva McHugh Landy (1922-2004), has been traced through six generations (from her great grandparents to grand nieces and grand nephews) using memorial inscriptions, wills and newspaper reports as source genealogical material. At least one case study in each area is presented based primarily on material in Eva’s family history archive. For example, the Mac Aodha (McHugh) memorial inscription on the gravestone in Kilconly Cemetery, Tuam, Co Galway features nine family members of her paternal ancestors covering three generations from c1800 to 1949. The interpretation of the McHugh inscription was assisted by information gleaned from the 1924 Will of Eva’s uncle, Seán Mac Aodha (John McHugh, d. 1934). The Obituary Notices for Patrick H McHugh (Eva’s first cousin) and for Thomas Higgins (husband of Eva’s aunt, Mary McHugh) helped to identify some of our American cousins. It was also possible to assemble five generations of descendants of Eva’s great grandparents, Thaddeus (c 1800-1893) and Nóra (c 1809-1889) McHugh, Belmont, Tuam, Co Galway. A Descendant Register Book from BrothersKeeper.com was used and includes more than 100 members of Eva’s extended family (Appendix 1, p 10). More work needs to be done, to complete this study, particularly in relation to Eva’s great grandparents, and her overseas cousins.

It is generally accepted that the McNulty surname is derived from the MacDonlevys/Dunleavys who f... more It is generally accepted that the McNulty surname is derived from the MacDonlevys/Dunleavys who fled early Ulster (primarily County Down) after their defeat by the Anglo-Normans in 1177. Some of the Dunleavys who migrated westward to Donegal became known as Ultach and some of their descendants assumed the name, Mac an Ultaigh, son of the Ulsterman. The first record of the name, McNulty, appeared in the Four Masters in 1281 when Murtough Macan-Ulty was among the distinguished slain at the battle of Desertcreagh in County Tyrone. However, the surname transformation to Mac an Ultaigh/McNulty was not confirmed until 1601 when Elizabeth granted a pardon to a yeoman, Morris m’Nich. Ultagh. Further confirmation was apparent through the similarity of their coats of arms although it is more likely that the McNulty arms was a modified replica of the MacDonlevy arms. DNA analysis, on the other hand, revealed a divergence of the McNulty and Dunleavy genes suggesting that the surname, McNulty, could have been derived from other Gaelic families who migrated from early Ulster. Analysis of the so-called 1659 Census and Griffith’s Valuation (1848-1864) revealed that the Dunleavys and the McNultys were well represented in Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, Armagh and Down. The exceptions were the McNulty/Nulty strongholds of Tyrone, Meath, Leitrim and Cavan where the Dunleavys have little presence. An outline of the ancient and early genealogy of the Dunleavys leading to the possible evolution of the McNulty name is presented. Further research into medieval history as well as genetic profiling may provide more information on the origin of the various McNulty septs based on the presumption that they are derived from Gaelic families who migrated from early Ulster.

Most experts agree that the name, McNulty (Mac an Ultaigh, son of the Ulsterman), originated in C... more Most experts agree that the name, McNulty (Mac an Ultaigh, son of the Ulsterman), originated in County Donegal, Ireland. My paternal grandfather, Thomas McNulty, was born in Donegal and moved to Dublin to study and practise law as well as starting a family with Dubliner, Mary Boylan, whose second son, T Bernard McNulty, was my father. My mother, Kathleen M (Kay) McHugh was born in Tuam, Co Galway, the second daughter of Thomas McHugh and Mary Fallon, both of whom had strong Galway roots. Kay McHugh, a local government official, met my father, Bernard (a bank official) in Castlebar, Co Mayo and they married in 1935. I was born in Tuam in 1940 and lived in Mountbellew, Co Galway for 4 years where my father worked and thereafter in Carlow (1944-48) and Castlebar (1948-1957). In 1957, I left home to work as a bank official initially in Dublin. In this study, I have managed to trace my McNulty, McHugh, Boylan and Fallon ancestors through four generations on a http://brotherskeeper.com/ ancestor chart (Figure 11, p 6). More work needs to be done to complete this work at the fifth generational level. (Uncertainties in detail throughout this essay are indicated by a question mark “?” or by “c” meaning circa or approximately in relation to dates).

First mentioned by Matthew Archdeaco in "Legends of Connaught" in 1839; also in The Lynch Blosse Papers, K. W. Nicholls Pages 113, 115-218, 1980, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25511960.

Sibella Cottle was the principal character in the historical novel, "Spellbound by Sibella," by P... more Sibella Cottle was the principal character in the historical novel, "Spellbound by Sibella," by Paul B McNulty published by Club Lighthouse CLP, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2013 (see Books above).

Paul McNulty believes that genealogy provides a gateway not only to local and family history but ... more Paul McNulty believes that genealogy provides a gateway not only to local and family history but also to national history. He supports this assertion through the study of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway. It was an inspired choice because the Lynches left behind a legacy of involvement in Irish society from their arrival with Strongbow in 1169, their settlement in Galway and Mayo until their gradual withdrawal from Ireland in the 20th century. McNulty charts their progress using their dominance of the Galway mayoralty until their expulsion from the city by Cromwell in 1652. Thereafter they settled in the countryside of Galway and Mayo with the support of the aristocratic de Burghs and buoyed by the status of their baronetcy dating from 1634 up to the current 17th Baronet.
McNulty bolsters his case by reference to ethnicity charts based on genetic profiling, by ancestral charts, by a fragment of the 1821 Census, and by the rich legacy of epic stories celebrated in song, stage and screen throughout the course of Irish history.

The genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway can be traced back to the invasio... more The genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway can be traced back to the invasion of Ireland by Strongbow in 1169. Having settled as one of the fourteen Tribes of Galway, the Lynches held the mayoralty of Galway more than eighty times from 1485 through 1654. Their hold on power was diminished in the city by the Cromwellian confiscations but revived in the countryside through the establishment of landed estates. Eventually, the Anglo-Norman Lynches became more Irish than the Irish themselves. They are now virtually indistinguishable from the older Gaelic Lynches whose name is derived from Ó Loinsigh. The discovery of forgotten stories linked to the Lynches has inspired the author to write historical novels and plays based on real events in 18th century Ireland.

This lecture is scheduled for delivery on Thursday, 5 March 2015 at 7.30 pm in the Lynch Theatre, O’Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland under the chairmanship of Professor Art Cosgrove, President of UCD from 1994 through 2003. The event is supported by the Fulbright Alumni Engagement Fund

Paul McNulty is a Fulbright Scholar and Alumnus of UCD, Ohio State and MIT. He served on the academic staff at UCD from 1972-2005 and since retirement has studied Genealogy/Family History and Creative Writing. His diploma project,The Genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who Settled in Galway, was published in the Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society in 2010. Paul has written two historical novels, Spellbound by Sibella, and The Abduction of Anne O’Donel, inspired by his research in genealogy. Both have been finalists in the William Faulkner Novel Competitions in 2012 and 2013 respectively, and have been published by Club Lighthouse CLP, Edmonton, Alberta.

Just click on the media.heanet.ie link ABOVE to access the video of my lecture on "The Genealogy ... more Just click on the media.heanet.ie link ABOVE to access the video of my lecture on "The Genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who Settled in Galway" which I delivered on 5 March 2015 under the chairmanship of Professor Art Cosgrave, past President of University College Dublin. The video was recorded by Brian Kelly, UCD Media Services, in the Lynch Theatre, O'Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin.

Progression of the Anglo-Norman LYNCHES in MAYO (updated November 27, 2017.), 2017

The decision of Robert Lynch-Blosse 6th Bt to adopt Protestantism on marriage in 1749 may have al... more The decision of Robert Lynch-Blosse 6th Bt to adopt Protestantism on marriage in 1749 may have altered the orientation of the baronetical line towards a more British outlook. The 19th century role of the Blosse Lynches in expanding the frontiers of the British Empire in Mesopotamia may have had a similar effect. Both tendencies supported by low values of Integration Indices reflect a gradual and ongoing withdrawal of such Anglo-Norman families from Ireland. Further support is evident by the fall in the Lynch population from 1901 to 1911 by 17% (i.e. from 307 to 262) whereas the population of Mayo only fell by 3%.
In contrast, the Anglo-Norman Burkes/Bourkes were more successful in integrating with their Gaelic cousins as evidenced by their higher level of integratio. Another notable example includes the election of Mary Robinson (otherwise Bourke) of Ballina to the Presidency of Ireland in 1990. Anglo-Norman descendants of more humble means, including the Prendergasts and Stauntons have also integrated successfully into Irish society.

The landed gentry of Mayo is explored through the lens of four families who settled in Mayo, name... more The landed gentry of Mayo is explored through the lens of four families who settled in Mayo, namely, the Brownes, Moores, Blakes and Lynches. These families had thrived either through intermarriage, inheritance and/or business acumen. They accumulated vast areas of land and wealth, signaled by the construction of Big Houses which ruled the landscape. Now these pillars of the establishment have vanished as the nature of society changed. In Mayo, the involvement of ordinary people as pikemen in the Rebellion of 1798, their abhorrence of the famine and their later involvement in the Land War of the late 19th century represented a commitment to democratic governance. The movement towards Home Rule also created unease among the landed gentry causing some to return to their British roots. Notwithstanding such withdrawal, a rich tradition of epic stories has been retained many of which have been immortalized in song and verse and on stage and screen. They are remnants of an old order that many may wish to forget but which also provides a mature understanding of Irish society and how we may best move forward in the future.

I am delighted to introduce and welcome the International Journal of Business, Social and Scienti... more I am delighted to introduce and welcome the International Journal of Business, Social and Scientific Research (IJBSSR), a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed online journal that publishes rigorous theoretical and advanced empirical research in Business, Social and Scientific Research. The key objective of this journal is promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across various regions of the globe. IJBSSR is published in print form (ISSN: 2519-5530) and online (ISSN: 2309-7892). Articles are accepted for publication after double blind peer review. The final evaluation of the revised version is made available at ijbssr.com as soon as it is published. All material published in the IJBSSR can be viewed and downloaded for free at the journal’s website.
Our online journal has been successful: we have seen a steady increase in readership, article submissions, and citations to our published articles. Our reputation and visibility in the academic community continues to broaden, and our honorary editorial board constantly reassesses and revises the editorial process to ensure the most efficient and satisfying experience for both authors and staff. The journal aspires to be vibrant, engaging and accessible, and at the same time integrative and challenging. All submitted papers, however, will be subject to the journal’s double-blind review process. On request, we have taken an initiative to upload original research papers which have not been published elsewhere. Interested researchers may also opt to have their works printed in the quarterly research journal soon to be launched. Papers are also invited for publication in our online/printed journal.

Journal of the Old Tuam Society, 2019

Launch of The Journal of the Old Tuam Society, JOTS 16, 2019 by Paul B McNulty.