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Matthew O'Conor

1773 – 1844

Irish barrister and historical writer

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About Matthew O'Conor

Lived 1773 – 1844 (aged 70). Matthew O'Conor was a British historian and barrister.

Matthew O'Conor (; 1773–1844) of Mount Druid House, Ballinagare, County Roscommon, Ireland was an Irish historian, Landowner from the O'Conor family, Barrister and de jure King of Connacht.

O'Conor was the grandson of Charles O'Conor (1710–1791) the famed Irish antiquarian of the 18th century. His brother the Rev. Charles O'Conor (1767–1828) was likewise a historian. Matthew was educated for the priesthood in Rome, but changed his mind and became by profession a lawyer.

Matthew was highly regarded by fellow Irish scholars such as George Petrie and John O'Donovan. To the latter he gave unstinting aid during his field work in Roscommon for the Ordnance Survey; O'Donovan held him in very high regard, not only because of his historical efforts and political work, but also because of his noble descent and status as a Prince of the Royal Family of Connacht. In this he was not alone; during the Tithe War a large assembly of Roscommon Catholics unanimously elected him King of Connacht (in his absence) and sent word to him to meet them at Carnfree for the formal inauguration, although it was his nephew Denis O'Conor, O'Conor Don was the O'Conor Don at the time.

He wrote The History of Irish Catholics from the Settlement in 1691, based on letters of his grandfather Charles O’Conor to Dr. John Curry.

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Important facts

People in Matthew O'Conor's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Matthew O'Conor?

Irish barrister and historical writer

When was Matthew O'Conor born?

Matthew O'Conor was born on 18 September 1773.

When did Matthew O'Conor die?

Matthew O'Conor died on 8 May 1844 in County Roscommon.

What was Matthew O'Conor's occupation?

Matthew O'Conor was a historian and barrister.

What nationality was Matthew O'Conor?

Matthew O'Conor was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Matthew O'Conor

· Wikidata: Q6791029

· DBpedia: Matthew O'Conor

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Matthew O'Conor. https://biography.guide/matthew-o-conor/

MLA: "Matthew O'Conor." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/matthew-o-conor/.

Chicago: "Matthew O'Conor." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/matthew-o-conor/.

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