Thomas Furlong

Furlong, Thomas, a poet, the translator of Carolan's Remains and other Irish works, was born at Scarawalsh, County of Wexford, about 1794. His education was neglected, and at fourteen he was apprenticed to a grocer in Dublin. His first contributions to literature were probably to the Ulster Register. In 1819 appeared his longest poem, The Misanthrope. Two years later he was instrumental in establishing the New Irish Magazine, wherein many of his minor productions afterwards appeared. In 1825 he joined the Catholic Association, and took a prominent part in the agitation for Catholic Emancipation. His Plagues of Ireland, one of his ablest works, was a pungent satire on the state of parties in Ireland at the time. He died, 25th July 1827, aged 33, and was buried at Drumcondra. He is described as of low stature; his face was refined and marked with care, but lit up by eyes of great brilliancy. One of the most beautiful of his songs, "Loved Land of the Bards and Saints," was written but a few days before his death.

Sources

114. Dublin Penny Journal. 4 vols. Dublin, 1832-'6.

188. Irish Minstrelsy: James Hardiman. 2 vols. London, 1831.