Entered data from correspondence to Grok3 AI. Here is their interpretation. Below same is correspondence.
The email from Lauren Lawler provides a comprehensive starting point for researching your grandfather, Senator Michael Comyn KC. Below is a summary of the resources and information provided, along with suggestions for further exploration based on the email and your query:
Summary of Provided Resources
- National Library of Ireland:
- Family History Service: Begin your research with the National Library’s family history resources at Family History | National Library of Ireland.
- Digitized Letter: One of Michael Comyn’s letters is digitized and accessible via the National Library’s catalog under Author Search Results.
- Newspaper Articles: A selection of articles from the Irish News Archive is attached to the email. The National Library can assist with a more thorough search if needed.
- Irish Genealogy:
- Use the free online resource at Irish Genealogy to search for Michael Comyn’s birth and death certificates.
- Dictionary of Irish Biography:
- A biography of Michael Comyn is available at Comyn, Michael | Dictionary of Irish Biography.
- Oireachtas Resources:
- Dáil100 Official Report: Highlights a quote from Michael Comyn discussing the challenges faced by illegitimate children and orphans, found at The Official Report as a window to the past.
- Contributions in Dáil Debates: Michael Comyn’s contributions are documented in several Oireachtas records, including:
- Discussions on state minerals in Clare (1941).
- Joint Committee on Standing Orders (1935).
- Dáil nominations for the Seanad panel (1928).
- Land Purchase Annuities and the Bank of Ireland Bill (1929).
- Seanad Elections (1928, 1929).
- Wicklow Mining Lease and Select Committee appointments (1935).
- Proposed sale of a distillery (1947).
- Positions held by former Oireachtas members (1945).
- Industry and Commerce discussions (1935).
- These can be accessed via the Houses of the Oireachtas website.
Additional Context from Your Query
- Role as Legal Adviser: Michael Comyn KC served as a legal adviser to Éamon de Valera, a key figure in Irish politics.
- Political Involvement: He was appointed to the Seanad in 1928 and, alongside Gavan Duffy, advocated for refusing to pay land annuities and opposed the Oath of Allegiance, reflecting his significant role in shaping Irish policy during this period.
- 1916 Rising: His involvement in politics dates back to the Easter Rising, indicating a long career in Irish nationalism and governance.
Suggestions for Further Research
- National Library of Ireland:
- Contact the National Library for assistance with the Irish News Archive for additional newspaper articles about Michael Comyn’s political and legal career.
- Explore their manuscript collections, as they may hold additional letters, diaries, or documents related to Comyn’s work with de Valera or his role in the Seanad.
- Irish Genealogy:
- Use the provided link to locate Michael Comyn’s birth and death records, which may provide personal details such as family connections or residences.
- Oireachtas Archives:
- Review the full texts of the debates listed in the email to gain deeper insight into Comyn’s contributions, particularly his stance on land annuities and the Oath of Allegiance.
- Search the Oireachtas website for additional mentions of Comyn in other debates or committees.
- Dictionary of Irish Biography:
- The biography likely contains detailed information about his legal career, political activities, and involvement in the 1916 Rising. Cross-reference this with primary sources for accuracy.
- Additional Sources:
- UCD Archives: The University College Dublin Archives may hold papers related to de Valera or other Fianna Fáil figures that mention Comyn’s advisory role.
- National Archives of Ireland: Search for government records or correspondence involving Comyn, especially regarding the land annuities or Oath of Allegiance debates.
- Local History: If you know where Comyn lived (e.g., Dublin or Clare, given the mention of state minerals in Clare), local historical societies may have records or oral histories.
- Contacting Lauren Lawler:
- Since Lauren offered further assistance, consider replying with specific questions, such as:
- Additional records of Comyn’s legal advice to de Valera.
- Materials related to his role in the 1916 Rising.
- Any speeches or writings opposing the Oath of Allegiance.
- Since Lauren offered further assistance, consider replying with specific questions, such as:
Next Steps
- Review Attachments: Examine the newspaper articles attached to the email for insights into Comyn’s public life.
- Access Digitized Letter: View the digitized letter on the National Library’s website to understand his personal or professional correspondence.
- Follow Links: Start with the National Library’s family history service and Irish Genealogy for foundational records, then dive into the Oireachtas debates for his political contributions.
If you’d like me to search for specific details (e.g., web or X posts about Michael Comyn) or analyze the attached newspaper articles (if you can share their content), let me know. Alternatively, I can help draft a follow-up email to Lauren Lawler for more targeted assistance.
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Original correspondence with Oireachtas Library
1928 Nov. 20.
Correspondence with Oireachtas Library
Showing 1 – 4 results of 4 for search ‘Comyn, Michael, 1871-1952‘
List Grid Sort Relevance Newest First Oldest First Call Number Author Title
Letter from Michael Comyn to James Green Douglas seeking support for his nomination for the Seanad, 1928 Nov. 20.
Manuscript Main Creator:Comyn, Michael, 1871–1952 Language:EnglishIn collection:Senator James Green Douglas Papers.Published / Created1928 Nov. 20. Notes Physical description: 1 item (1 page).
Correspondence between Art O’Brien and Éamon De Valera regarding attempts to gain recognition from the Red Cross concerning the abuse of Civil War prisoners, and letters concerning the visit of Kathleen O’Brennan and Dr. Kathleen Lynn to the Red Cross in Geneva, 1922 Nov. 22 – 1923 Mar. 7.
Manuscript Main Creator:O’Brien, Art Patrick, 1872-1949 Language: English In collection: Art Ó Briain papers, c. 1900-c.1945.Published / Created1922 Nov. 22 – 1923 Mar. 7. Notes Physical description: 1 folder (40 items).Contributors:“…Comyn, Michael, 1871–1952…”
Correspondence between Art O’Brien, Éamon De Valera and Patrick Joseph Ruttledge regarding the Collins versus O’Brien trial, with legal opinions from solicitors Michael Comyn and P. H. O’Reilly, 1922 Oct. 6 – 1923 Mar. 8.
Manuscript Main Creator: O’Brien, Art Patrick, 1872-1949 Language:English In collection:Art Ó Briain papers, c. 1900-c.1945. Published / Created1922 Oct. 6 – 1923 Mar. 8. NotesPhysical description: 1 folder (37 items).Contributors:“…Comyn, Michael, 1871–1952…”
Collection of documents regarding legal action taken by George Noble Plunkett, Count Plunkett, to secure the release of George Oliver Plunkett from Mountjoy Jail, 1922 July 19.
Manuscript Main Creator:Plunkett, George Noble, Count, 1851-1948 Language:English In collection:Count Plunkett Papers, 1648-1940 Published / Created1922 July 19.Notes Documents include: an affidavit by George Noble Plunk…Contributors:“…Comyn, Michael, 1871–1952…”
Correspondence with Oireachtas from Michelle Clarke, granddaughter of Michael Comyn KC
Senator Michael Comyn
| Lauren Lawler <Lauren.Lawler@oireachtas.ie> |  4:30 PM (2 hours ago) | | |
| to me | |||
Dear Michelle
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
The best place to start would be by accessing the family history service from the National Library: Family History | National Library of Ireland
One of his letters is digitised by the National Library and can be viewed here: Author Search Results
Attached is a selection of newspaper articles from the Irish News Archive – the National Library will be able to assist if you require a more thorough search.
Search for birth and death certs in this free online resource, here: Search – Irish Genealogy
From the web:
Oireachtas resources
“Take the case which very frequently occurs of the poor girl dying and the child surviving. How then could the information be made by the mother who is dead, and what remedy has the child—an illegitimate child and orphan as well?” ‑Michael Comyn
Contributions by Senator Michael Comyn in the Dáil debates:
- Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. – Lessee of State Minerals in Clare. – Dáil Éireann (10th Dáil) – Thursday, 4 Dec 1941 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Private Business. – Joint Committee on Standing Orders Relative to Private Business. – Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil) – Wednesday, 13 Feb 1935 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- PRIVATE BUSINESS. – DAIL NOMINATIONS FOR SEANAD PANEL. – Dáil Éireann (6th Dáil) – Wednesday, 7 Nov 1928 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Bank of Ireland Bill, 1929. – Land Purchase Annuities. – Dáil Éireann (6th Dáil) – Thursday, 2 May 1929 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Private Business. – Seanad Elections, 1928. – Dáil Éireann (6th Dáil) – Wednesday, 20 Feb 1929 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Wicklow Mining Lease—Appointment of Select Committee. – Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil) – Tuesday, 25 Jun 1935 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Financial Resolutions—Report (Resumed). – Proposed Sale of Distillery—Motion for Select Committee (Resumed). – Dáil Éireann (12th Dáil) – Thursday, 30 Oct 1947 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Wicklow Mining Lease—Appointment of Select Committee. – Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil) – Tuesday, 25 Jun 1935 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. – Positions Held by Former Members of Oireachtas. – Dáil Éireann (12th Dáil) – Wednesday, 28 Nov 1945 – Houses of the Oireachtas
- In Committee on Finance. – Vote 57—Industry and Commerce (Resumed). – Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil) – Wednesday, 19 Jun 1935 – Houses of the Oireachtas
Please let me know if you require any more assistance.
Kind regards
Lauren
Lauren Lawler
Leabharlannaí Taighde | Research Librarian
An tSeirbhís Leabharlainne agus Taighde | Library & Research Service
Seirbhís Thithe an Oireachtais | Houses of the Oireachtas Service
+353 1 618 4195 library.oireachtas.ie (internal) www.oireachtas.ie/library
My pronouns are she/her
Lárdheasc Fiosrúcháin | Central Enquiry Desk
+353 (0)1 6184701
library.and.research@oireachtas.ie
Cuireann Seirbhís Thithe an Oireachtais fáilte roimh chomhfhreagras i nGaeilge
From: Michelle Clarke <michellemarcella.clarke1@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 3:01 PM
To: Library_EML <library.and.research@oireachtas.ie>
Subject:
My grandfather, Michael Comyn KC was legal adviser to De Valera and involved in politics from the time of the Rising. He was appointed Senator to the Dail in 1928 and along with Gavan Duffy encouraged the De Valera’s Government to refuse to pay the land annuities. He was also against the Oath of Allegiance.
Have you any information on Michael Comyn KC, I would really appreciate your assistance.
Regards
Michelle Clarke
Beartas ríomhphoist an Oireachtais agus séanadh. oireachtas.ie/ga/email-policy/
Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer. oireachtas.ie/en/email-policy/
9 Attachments • Scanned by Gmail
| Michelle Clarke |
canisgallicus 