In a tribute to the multifaceted talent of Gerald Griffin, encompassing his roles as a poet, novelist, dramatist, and Christian Brother, a memorial is set to grace his native city of Limerick. The memorial will manifest as a school affiliated with the brotherhood to which Griffin belonged, featuring a statue facing the cathedral.

Gerald Griffin, born in 1803, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Having penned the tragedy “Gisippus” in his youth, the work saw its inaugural performance two years posthumously at Drury Lane Theatre, with Marready and Miss Helen Taunt taking on the principal roles. Griffin’s literary legacy also includes his acclaimed novel “The Collegians,” which was adapted into a dramatic production by Boucicault under the title “The Colleen Bawn.” This narrative, grounded in reality, further inspired the opera “Lily of Killarney.”

Transitioning from his literary pursuits, Gerald Griffin embraced the path of a Christian Brother, a Catholic teaching order. His final resting place lies in the North Monastery, Cork, where he passed away in 1840. The planned memorial in Limerick seeks to honour this illustrious figure by intertwining his literary and educational contributions.

Daily Telegraph & Courier (London) – Saturday 15 December 1906