Davis, Thomas, 1814-1845

Thomas Osborne Davis was an Irish poet and journalist and a key figure in the fight for Irish nationalism. Born in County Cork to English parents, the talented Davis graduated from Trinity College and was called to the bar. His independent study of Irish history led him to speak out for Irish nationalism, and he came to support Dan O'Connell. He was chief organizer of the Young Ireland movement, and co-founded and co-wrote the periodical The Nation, for which he began writing influential nationalistic poetry. A capable and charismatic figure, he died of scarlet fever at the age of thirty-one, but his influence lived on in the 20th century Sinn Fein movement.

From the description of Thomas Osborne Davis manuscript notes for Cymric rule, circa 1842. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 64190364