Faith and Fury: the evangelical campaign in Dingle and West Kerry 1825–45

Aug 06, 2021, 04:00 AM

Author Bryan MacMahon in conversation with Tommy Graham (editor, History Ireland)

In West Kerry between 1825-45, the work of Protestant evangelicals was widely hailed as a model of a successful missionary campaign; however, it evoked a furious response from Catholic priests. The war of words between clergymen of both persuasions was fomented by rival local newspapers, reaching a climax in a notorious libel case in March 1845.

Listen to author and historian Bryan MacMahon in conversation with History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham, as he discusses the origins and progress of the campaign and the backlash during these years, in particular, how the Church of Ireland missionaries were motivated by a desire to save Irish-speaking Catholics from what they saw as superstitious practices and enthralment to Rome.

Bryan MacMahon is an author and historian whose previous books include The Great Famine in Tralee and North Kerry (2017) and Ascend or Die: Richard Crosbie, Pioneer of Balloon Flight (2010). He has contributed to a range of historical journals, including History Ireland, Dublin Historical Record and The Irish Sword.

Faith and Fury: the evangelical campaign in Dingle and West Kerry 1825–45
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