Sam Hanna Bell Samuel Beckett John Hewitt Bernard (Barney) Hughes James Joseph Magennis VC Frances Elizabeth Clarke Stewart Parker William Carleton Rosamond Praegar

James McFadden (1842 - 1917):
Cleric, Roman Catholic


James McFadden was born in Doochary, County Donegal, and was educated at Maynooth. He came to Gweedore, County Donegal, where he was appointed parish priest in 1875. He campaigned against the drinking of poteen and inhibited traditional gatherings where it might be consumed. He was known as 'An Sagart Mor': 'The Big Priest' and 'The fighting priest of Gweedore', although he was a small man. He championed the cause of the Land League and in 1888 was imprisoned for encouraging tenants not to pay rent. In 1889, District Inspector Martin attempted to serve a summons on him outside Derrybeg Chapel after mass; a scuffle broke out, and Martin was allegedly murdered by bystanders. Cannon McFadden, along with others, was arrested and tried for murder. He was released, although some of the participants were imprisoned for up to thirty years. He became parish priest of Iniskeel and died in Glenties. He was a prolific pamphleteer.

Born: 1842
Died: 17 April 1917
Kate Newmann