Quills and Quandaries: Insights into Eighteenth-Century Ireland through James Ryan's 'Carrick Man's Diary' : A lecture by Dr Bláithín Hurley to the Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society
The Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society’s first lecture of 2025 will be at 8 pm on Friday, January 31st in St Patrick’s Gateway Centre, Waterford (Eircode X91 YX61) when Dr Bláithín Hurley, will deliver a talk titled ‘Quills and Quandaries: Insights into Eighteenth-Century Ireland through James Ryan's 'Carrick Man's Diary'’.
Between 1787 and 1809, James Ryan meticulously chronicled the events of Carrick-on Suir, and beyond, in a diary that serves as a unique historical artifact. Ryan's entries offer a captivating glimpse into the tumultuous era of the late eighteenth century, marked by significant global and local upheavals. For example, one notable entry, dated August 10th, 1789, sheds light on the unfolding chaos of the French Revolution, as Ryan vividly describes the brutal assault on the King of France’s Swiss Guards and court officers by an enraged mob in Paris. Concurrently, he reports a grisly local incident—the murder of Bryan Murphy’s wife and the subsequent hanging of her husband for the crime—a stark reminder of the violence that permeated daily life in Ireland at that time.
Ryan's diary serves as a testament to the connections and relationships between global events and local happenings. Amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution and the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Carrick-on-Suir became a microcosm of the larger tumult engulfing the nation. Ryan's entries document the passage of soldiers through the town en route to rebellion flashpoints, as well as the arrival of French fleets in Sligo and Cork to aid Irish rebels. His corresponding entry in which he discusses the absence of the Dublin Mail Coach due to a rebel uprising in Naas and Carlow only serves to accentuate the impact the rebellion had on everyday Irish life.
Ryan's unique approach to diary-keeping adds depth to his narrative. Rather than following a traditional chronological order, he organises his notes by subject, categorising entries under headings such as, ‘Accidents’; ‘Deaths’; and ‘Phenomenon’. Interspersed throughout are occasional recipes, medical cures, and instructions on preparing quills and inks, revealing his meticulous attention to detail and diverse interests.
Despite its small size and distance from urban centres like Dublin, Waterford and Cork, Carrick-on-Suir was not isolated from cultural trends and entertainment. Travelling players frequently stopped in the town, treating locals to plays, concerts, and operettas. These performances introduced Carrick-on-Suir to the latest musical fashions and dramatic productions, ensuring that residents remained abreast of cultural developments. For instance, in a display of local talent, the young gentlemen of Mrs. Dineen’s ‘Carrick Academy’ staged a performance of The Siege of Damascus to great acclaim, displaying the town's vibrant cultural scene.
In this talk, we embark on a journey through the past, exploring the intersections of Irish, European and global history, side-by-side with community, and individual experience. James Ryan's diary offers a fascinating glimpse into life in eighteenth-century Carrick-on-Suir, weaving together tales of global events, local happenings, and cultural experiences. Through his meticulous observations and unique recording style, Ryan provides invaluable insights into the resilience and creativity of the town’s residents, along with their national, international and global awareness during a pivotal period in Irish and world history.
Dr Bláithín Hurley is a Librarian with Waterford Library Services, in Waterford City. She is also a part-time lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Social Science at the Open University.
Bláithín holds a PhD in History of Art from the University of Cambridge, an MA in History of Art from the University of Warwick, a BA in History of Art and Music from University College Cork, and a PG Dip. in Library Information Systems from the University of Aberystwyth. Bláithín has a broad spectrum of interests ranging from the depiction of music in sixteenth-century Venetian art to Irish art and cultural history since the sixteenth century.
Her publications include an article titled ‘Musical Instruments in the Venetian Casa: Contextualising Maria Robusti’s Self-Portrait’, published in the January 2023 issue of the journal Early Music (Oxford University Press). Following this, she authored a chapter on the Carrickman’s Diary in Brill's publication, Exciting News!, published in April 2024. Currently, she anticipates the imminent publication of a chapter she contributed to the three volume, Tomb Monuments in Medieval Europe, discussing the artistic merits of the ‘McGrath Tomb’ in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore.
