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Edward Thomas O'Dwyer

1842 – 1917

Roman Catholic bishop

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About Edward Thomas O'Dwyer

Lived 1842 – 1917 (aged 74–75). Edward Thomas O'Dwyer was a British catholic priest and catholic bishop.

Edward Thomas O'Dwyer (22 January 1842 – 19 August 1917) was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Limerick from 1886 until his death.

O'Dwyer was born in Lattin, County Tipperary, the only son of John Keating O'Dwyer. The family moved to Limerick shortly after his birth, and he was educated at the Christian Brothers school on Sexton Street., and at the Crescent College, Limerick. In 1860, after a year's study at St Munchin's College, he entered the National Seminary at Maynooth College, and he was ordained a priest in 1867. He also established the Catholic Literary Society.

He was appointed Bishop of Limerick aged 44. While Bishop of Limerick he helped establish Mary Immaculate teacher training college.

As bishop he supported Home Rule for Ireland, but disagreed with the Plan of Campaign of the Irish Parliamentary Party. Following the Easter Rising in 1916, he took a strong stand against repression in a letter—which he published—to the British military commander General Sir John Maxwell, which made him a hero among Irish nationalists. He also supported Physical force republicanism stating "God has made Ireland a nation, and while grass grows and water runs, there will be men willing to dare and die for her. It is that national spirit that will yet vindicate our glorious country and not the petty intrigues of parliamentary chicane."

He died in August 1917.

O'Dwyer Bridge, a bridge over the Abbey River in Limerick city, is named after O'Dwyer.

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Important facts

Born
1842, Lattin
Birth century
Died
1917
Education
St Patrick's College, Maynooth
Positions held
Roman Catholic Bishop of Limerick, Diocesan bishop

People in Edward Thomas O'Dwyer's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Edward Thomas O'Dwyer's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Edward Thomas O'Dwyer?

Roman Catholic bishop

When was Edward Thomas O'Dwyer born?

Edward Thomas O'Dwyer was born in 1842 in Lattin.

When did Edward Thomas O'Dwyer die?

Edward Thomas O'Dwyer died in 1917.

What was Edward Thomas O'Dwyer's occupation?

Edward Thomas O'Dwyer was a catholic priest and catholic bishop.

What nationality was Edward Thomas O'Dwyer?

Edward Thomas O'Dwyer was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Edward Thomas O'Dwyer

· Wikidata: Q5345596

· DBpedia: Edward O'Dwyer (bishop)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edward Thomas O'Dwyer. https://biography.guide/edward-thomas-o-dwyer/

MLA: "Edward Thomas O'Dwyer." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edward-thomas-o-dwyer/.

Chicago: "Edward Thomas O'Dwyer." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edward-thomas-o-dwyer/.

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