Hugh Reily: A Voice from the Patriot Parliament
An Examination of a Pivotal Figure in 17th-Century Irish Politics and Literature.
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Biographical Foundations
Origins and Lineage
Hugh Reily, whose Irish name was Aodh O'Raghallaigh, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, around 1630. His lineage traces back to the esteemed Lords of East Breifne and the Chiefs of the O'Reilly clan. This distinguished ancestry placed him within a significant historical and political context in Ireland. He was also noted as a close relative of John O'Reilly of Caulfield, located in Laragh Parish, County Cavan, who is an ancestor of John Charles McQuaid, the Archbishop of Dublin.[1]
Legal Education
Reily pursued a formal education in the law, qualifying as a barrister around 1650. This legal training equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary for his later prominent roles in both legal and political spheres. His expertise would prove invaluable, particularly in his service to prominent figures during a tumultuous period in Irish history.
Legal and Political Engagements
Counsel to Oliver Plunkett
A significant chapter in Reily's career involved his role as the legal advisor to Saint Oliver Plunkett, the Archbishop of Armagh. He provided crucial counsel during Plunkett's trial in 1681, stepping in after the death of Plunkett's previous advisor, Sir Nicholas Plunkett. Plunkett himself acknowledged Reily's dedication, stating that "he took many risks for me," highlighting the perilous nature of their association during a period of intense religious and political persecution.[2]
Public Service and Parliament
Reily's public service extended to significant administrative and legislative roles. On May 22, 1686, he was appointed a Master in Chancery. Subsequently, residing in the parish of Laragh, he was elected in 1689, alongside Philip Og O'Reilly, to represent the Borough of Cavan in the Patriot Parliament convened by King James II in Dublin.[3] Within the Jacobite government of 1689, he held the position of Clerk of the Privy Council, officially recorded as Hugh Riley.[3]
Exile and Titular Recognition
Flight to France
Following the defeat of King James II by King William III, Hugh Reily, like many loyalists, fled Ireland and accompanied the exiled monarch to France. This period marked a significant shift, moving him from active participation in Irish governance to the uncertain circumstances of exile.
Titular Lord Chancellor
While in exile at Saint-Germains in 1690, James II bestowed upon Reily the title of Lord Chancellor of Ireland. However, this appointment was purely titular, as James II held no effective power in Ireland at that time. Despite its lack of practical authority, the appointment signifies the continued regard in which Reily was held by the deposed king.[4]
Attainder and Confiscation
The political landscape shifted dramatically with William III's ascendancy. In 1691, Hugh Reilly was attainted by the new regime, leading to the confiscation of his lands in County Cavan. This legal action represented a severe personal and financial blow, stripping him of his property and formal standing in Ireland.
Literary Contributions
"Ireland's Case Briefly Stated"
In 1695, Hugh Reily published his seminal work, Ireland's Case Briefly Stated. This influential text provides an account of the conduct and misfortunes experienced by Roman Catholics in Ireland, spanning from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I through to that of King James II. It articulates grievances concerning the neglect suffered under Charles II and serves as a powerful argument advocating for the rights and perspectives of Irish Catholics.[4]
Enduring Influence
Historical Significance
Hugh Reily's legacy is primarily defined by his contributions during a critical juncture in Irish history. As a member of the Patriot Parliament and a defender of Catholic rights through his writings, he represents a voice advocating for a significant segment of the Irish population during a period of intense political and religious upheaval. His work provided a foundational argument for Catholic grievances that resonated for generations.
Scholarly Recognition
His work, Ireland's Case Briefly Stated, continues to be studied for its historical perspective. The various editions and inclusions of prominent figures like Burke and O'Connell underscore its sustained relevance in discussions of Irish history and political discourse. The inclusion of his work in library collections and historical analyses highlights his position as a notable political author of the 17th century.
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References
References
- "The O'Reillys and MacQuaids of Lisdoagh" by Francis J. MacKiernan in Breifne Journal, Vol VIII, No.2 (1991), p. 191
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