William J. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin, 1841–1921

Thomas J. Morrissey, SJ

This book re-evaluates the career of the man described shortly after his death as 'the greatest archbishop of Dublin since St Laurence O'Toole'. Walsh was endowed with great energy and intellectual ability, wide interests, and the ability to write on numerous subjects. His greatest immediate impact was in education, from primary to university level; but his most significant contribution was probably in the political and social spheres. He was the great link figure from O'Connell and Young Ireland, through Davitt and Parnell, to Sinn Féin and de Valera. His political standing and strong social conscience enabled him, through years of tumult, to keep the Catholic Church in touch with the aspirations of the majority population both on national and social issues.