Patrick Henchy

Patrick Henchy was born in Corofin, County Clare on 5 May 1913. He studied history and Irish in University College Galway. His first job was as a teacher at St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny, County Donegal. He was appointed assistant librarian in the National Library of Ireland in 1941, becoming the keeper of printed books in 1948. He succeeded Richard J. Hayes as director of the NLI in July 1967 until 1976. He then went on to become director of the Chester Beatty Library until 1983. He died at his home in Donnybrook, Dublin on 6 May 2001. thumb The National Library of Ireland. Henchy was heavily involved in the expansion of the Library into a new building on Kildare Street.

Early life Patrick Henchy, also known as "Paddy",

Similarly, Henchy searched the library for a specific letter Joyce had written in 1903 to the Irish Times which then appeared in a published collection of Joyce's work in 1966. Henchy wanted to promote public use of the library, which included opening it on Saturdays. That same day, his body was removed from his home and was taken to the Church of the Sacred Heart, where his body was kept until the next day when he was buried in Deansgrange Cemetery on the 10th of May. Henchy died leaving behind his wife Monica, his daughters, Mary and Deirdre, and his brother, Justice Séamus Henchy legacy of the supreme court. The National Library of Ireland council of trustees, in its annual report for 1976, said of Henchy when he started his new position at Chester Beatty Library, "We deeply appreciate the zeal and energy displayed by Dr Henchy in his work for the strengthening of the staff, the improvement of the accommodation, services and collections of this library during his term of office. He laid the basis for many future projects."

Henchy is also remembered for his efforts to expand library usership, in particular his efforts to market the National Library of Ireland towards the public, which included a campaign of newspaper articles, radio interviews, and lectures that he himself undertook. Henchy's policy that extended library hours to include Saturdays is also considered a notable accomplishment and remains in place to this day.

Henchy's obituary in The Irish Times described him as an "urbane and scholarly," figure who enjoyed the outdoors, especially long strolls and fishing. He was well-versed in topics concerning nature and topography and would often take walks in the Wicklow Mountains and surrounding areas.

Henchy is also remembered for his work supporting Irish cultural works, both as a librarian and in his personal life. He was a supporter of the arts and artists, including poet Patrick Kavanagh.

Upon leaving the National Library of Ireland in 1976, Henchy identified Izaak Walton's The Compleat Angler as the single book he would take with him upon his departure.