Letter from Sir Maurice Fitzgerald regarding Sir John Robert O'Connell, 11 April 1916 Letters 1916-1923 Maurice Fitzgerald

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This letter was written by Sir Maurice Fitzgerald (1844-1916) the 20th Knight of Kerry and the 2nd Baronet of Valencia. In this letter Fitzgerald recommends Sir John Robert O'Connell (1868-1943) for the vacant position of chief crown solicitor. Fitzgerald states that his family has been on the Liberal side for generations and that his own grandfather, the 18th Knight of Kerry Sir Maurice Fitzgerald was MP for Kerry as a Liberal member for thirty-five years. He speaks highly of O'Connell and cannot recommend him enough for the position.

 National Archives of Ireland Chief Secretary's Office Registered Papers; CSO RP/1916/7153/4 https://letters1916.ie/item/1770 English Maurice Fitzgerald 1916-08-11 Berkshire, England Male 1916 Industry and Public Administration Industry and Public Administration

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 11 April 1916 BUCKLAND, FARING N, BERKS. Dear Sir With some diffidence, I venture to bring to your notice the name of Sir John OConnell Solicitor ( 34 Kildare St Dublin ) who is a candidate for the post of Chief Crown solicitor for Ireland I realise of course that these are Halcyon days, as regards party claims. However I hope it may not be considered at any rate a disqualification, as regards my advocacy, in that my family for generations have been on the Liberal side. My grandfather, the Rt Honble Maurice Fitzgerald 18th Knight of Kerry, was MP for Kerry as the liberal member for 35 years— and I myself in 1884 attended a tory stronghold in Northamptonshire under the banner of Mr Gladstone & was only defeated by 60 votes. The Firm of Sir John O'Connell has been our family lawyers for several generations. Impossible to speak too highly of Sir John O'Connell's qualifications for the office he hopes to fill. I remain Dear Sir Yours faithfully Knight of Kerry. Maurice Fitzgerald Letter from Andrew Philip Magill to Sir Maurice Fitzgerald, 12 April 1916Letter from Sir Maurice Fitzgerald regarding Sir John Robert O'Connell, 11 April 1916 Berkshire, England Letter from Andrew Philip Magill to Sir Maurice Fitzgerald, 12 April 1916Letter from Sir Maurice Fitzgerald regarding Sir John Robert O'Connell, 11 April 1916