Missing the launch of a journal in Wexford with a paper on a rake Bishop of Ferns

A portrait in Clare College, Cambridge, of Josiah Hort (ca 1674–1751), the subject of my paper in the current edition of the Journal of the Wexford Historical Society … although Archbishop King refused to consecrate him, Hort later became Archbishop of Tuam

Patrick Comerford

I was sorry that I was not able to get to Wexford yesterday [Sunday 1 December 2013] for annual lunch of the Wexford Historical Society in the Talbot Hotel.

After lunch yesterday afternoon, the latest edition of the Journal of the Wexford Historical Society was launched by Mrs Helen Skrine

The current issue of the Journal is No 24, for the years 2012-2013, is edited by Celestine Murphy and includes a paper I have written on an 18th century Bishop of Ferns and Leighlin, Bishop Josiah Hort: ‘A Rake, a Bully, a Pimp, or Spy’ and ‘Bp Judas’: Josiah Hort (1674?-1751), Bishop of Ferns.

The paper is illustrated with many of my own photographs taken in Ireland and in Cambridge.

The latest edition of the journal was launched in Wexford yesterday

The other papers in the latest Journal include:

‘The cult of St Catherine of Alexandria,’ Edward Culleton.

‘Harassment and murder during the War of Independence: The Moran family’s business in Enniscorthy,’ Edward J. Law (RIP).

‘Suttons of Longraigue, part II,’ David Ian Hamilton.

‘The history and archaeology of Limerick Village, Co Wexford,’ Aidan Harte.

‘The results of some excavations undertaken in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford,’ Catherine McLoughlin and Emmet Stafford.

‘The Lords and Ladies of Wexford, 1247-1536 A.D.,’ Brian Coleman.

‘Gerald Edwin Hamilton Barrett-Hamilton: A County Wexford Mammalogist,’ Bernard Browne.

‘Some mills of Wexford Town,’ Eamon Doyle.

‘Michael Hayes – 1798 convict, part II,’ Billy Sweetman.

‘Tom Boyse’s high steeple,’ Tom McDonald.

‘The Wexford Gas Consumers’ Company Limited – a history, Part 1,’ Tom Pierse.

I have contributed papers to many editions of the Journal in recent years, including an essay on my great-grandfather in a previous edition, No 23 (2011-2012), which was launched in November 2011: ‘James Comerford (1817-1902): rediscovering a Wexford-born Victorian stuccodore’s art.’

To purchase issues of the current Journal contact: whsjournal@gmail.com