Gaelic Revival Association of Ottawa
1901-1907, University of Ottawa, Ontario
From Left: William Collins (seated), George Nolan, Rev. W. P. O’Boyle (seated), William Martin, John Meehan, Edmund P. Stanton (seated), John J. O’Gorman, Rev. Charles McGurty (seated).
Image citation: Ottawa University (1901) (Ottawa Gaelic Society). Library and Archives Canada/Topley Series E/ 936-270 NPC.
On St. Patrick's Day of 1901, a group of enthusiastic students at the University of Ottawa convened to inaugurate the "Gaelga Society." Their motto, "Get Your Irish Up!" resonated with both native Irish speakers and learners, and the society garnered a diverse membership. The society's early years were marked by significant milestones, including the acquisition of several precious Irish manuscripts. They offered Irish language classes, enthusiastically supported by the university faculty , which aimed to "awaken an interest in the study of Gaelic" and equip members with true proficiency in the language.
However, a tragic event threatened to erase the society's legacy. In the early hours of December 2nd, 1903, a devastating fire consumed the university's Academic Hall. Society member Thomas Murphy and the society's president Father O’Boyle both played pivotal roles in raising the alarm, and attempted to rescue their irreplaceable centuries-old Irish manuscripts. The flames rapidly spread throughout the lower floor before climbing both staircases. Society member Charles McGurthy was trapped upstairs in the blaze, and though he made his way through the flames he tragically succumbed to severe burns several days later on December 15th. The fire's cause was believed to be a discarded cigarette butt.
Despite this tragic and catastrophic setback, the society demonstrated immense resilience, determination, and committment. They regrouped, holding meetings in members' houses across the city until they could find a new permanent home. Some remnants of good fortune emerged from the fire's ruins with the discovery of a partially intact minute book and a scant few salvagable manuscripts.
By 1906, the society had rebranded itself as the "Gaelic Revival Association of Ottawa," affiliating with the Gaelic League. Father O’Boyle (by now a Reverand Doctor) once again assumed the role of Uachtarán (President). The association convened weekly meetings, continuing forward in its mission to teach the Irish language. Each member was expected to deliver a Gaelic-themed talk, fostering a culture of learning and engagement. One of the few surviving accounts of the association's Irish classes reflected the high level of learning among its members: on February 19th, 1906, they undertook a reading of "Mac Rí Éireann," and discussed the rich Irish idioms and expressions found within.
The association thrived, even considering the establishment of a second branch within the city. Distinguished members included John J. McGee, half-brother of Thomas D’Arcy McGee and Clerk of the Privy Council, as well as Edmund P. Stanton, chief clerk and superintendent of the postage stamp branch of the post office.
Unfortunately, records of the association cease to exist after 1906. Although fragmented, the surviving accounts shed light on the association's commendable efforts in preserving and promoting the Irish language around them in Ottawa during the early 20th century.
For citation, please use: Ó Dubhghaill, Dónall. 2024. “Gaelic Revival Association of Ottawa.” Na Gaeil san Áit Ró-Fhuar. Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir: www.gaeilge.ca
