James Bernard Dollard
1872-1946, active in Toronto, Ontario
James Bernard Dollard was born in Móin Choinn, Co. Chill Chainnigh, on August 30, 1872. His journey led him across the Atlantic to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, in 1890, where he initially settled. Later, he pursued his studies in Montreal and Québec City at Laval University. After completing his education, Dollard was ordained as a priest. Throughout his clerical career, he served in various parishes in the vicinity of Toronto.
While fulfilling his religious duties, James also pursued a creative path. Under the pseudonym Slieve-na-Mon, he engaged in literary endeavors, producing poetry, drama, and short stories. James had learned some Irish during his upbringing in Kilkenny before emigrating to Canada, and his passion for the Irish language deepened in his new homeland. In 1898, it was observed that Dollard was "hard at work reviving his knowledge of our language."
Dollard took pride in his Irish heritage and culture, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Irish language. He lamented the abandonment of Irish he saw around him, saying: “It is pitiful to hear of the poor people in their ignorance dropping the beautiful Gaelic altogether, through their pride in acquiring the Béarla of their Saxon persecutors.” Dollard worked hard at translating poems and stories from Irish into English, to help those without the language to see the importance and beauty of native Irish culture. Dollard's dedication to the Irish language and culture underscored his commitment to keeping these traditions alive and vibrant, even in a distant land far from his native Kilkenny. Father Dollard died in Toronto, Ontario, in 1946.
For citation, please use: Ó Dubhghaill, Dónall. 2024. “James Bernard Dollard.” Na Gaeil san Áit Ró-Fhuar. Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir: www.gaeilge.ca
