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Personal Papers: Papers of T.J. Clanchy

Ref. Code: PR11

Timothy Joseph Clanchy, of ‘Sunville’, St Luke’s, Cork, was a prominent butter merchant, nationalist, and member of the local Catholic establishment. He set up his company, Munster Dairies, in 1870, following his marriage to Mary Ann Slattery, daughter of Edmond Slattery, a skin and hide merchant. Clanchy took an active role in the city’s public life. At various times, he served as a magistrate, as a member of Cork Harbour Board, and as a governor of Cork District Lunatic Asylum. He participated in many Catholic charities, including the Society of St Vincent de Paul. He was also very involved in nationalist politics, and was asked to run as a candidate for the Irish Parliamentary Party in the 1893 election. In the divisive period following the split in the Party in 1891-2, Clanchy was a supporter of T.M. Healy, though he remained on friendly terms with the Party’s chairman, Justin McCarthy. Clanchy was also a devoted family man, and his papers contain many affectionate letters, verse, and drawings for his children. He died on 31 May 1897.

Section A contains family and personal papers, including Clanchy’s marriage settlement (1870) and that of his daughter Elizabeth (1899). It also contains family correspondence, and verse and drawings by Clanchy for his children. Also present is some light verse intended for publication. In addition, there is a family tree, and reminiscences and photographs gathered together by Clanchy’s granddaughter, Sheila Murphy, who deposited the collection.

Section B contains business, public and political papers, including correspondence with T.M. Healy M.P. and Justin McCarthy M.P., chairman of the Irish Parliamentary Party. Also present are letters from W.J. Lane, the prominent Cork merchant, and T.A. O’Callaghan, Catholic bishop of Cork, on political matters.

Section C is comprised of newspaper cuttings on the death of TJ Clanchy.

Date: 1870-1916 (1945)
Extent: 48 items
Level of Description: Fond
Finding Aid: PR11 Descriptive List (155KB)
Access: By appointment and application form. For more information, see notes on access.