This account of the Irish Jesuits from 1695 to 1811 is concerned with those who lived and worked in Dublin and, in particular, with a central figure, the quite remarkable educationalist and pastor, Thomas Betagh. As we shall see, two other Jesuits also played a large part in the life of Betagh: John Austin, who was his teacher and subsequently a colleague, and James Philip Mulcaile, who was a friend, colleague and near contemporary. The life and work of Betagh can only be understood in the context of his time: not only the history of Ireland in the eighteenth century, but also the political, cultural and religious developments in western Europe.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Acknowledgements
• Contents
• Preface
• Part 1: Years of Turmoil, Seeds of Hope
  • Chapter 1: An Introduction Ireland: The Background Years (1691-1740S)
  • Chapter 2: Europe: Political and Religious Unrest (1700–63)
  • Chapter 3: Two Pioneering Jesuits: John Austin (1717–1784) James Philip Mulcaile (1727–1801)
• Part 2: Nurturing the Fragile Growth Thomas Betagh (1738–1811)
  • Chapter 4: Years of Preparation (1738–66)
  • Chapter 5: The Suppression of the Jesuits (1773)
  • Chapter 6: The Educationalist, Pastor and Preacher
  • Chapter 7: The Man and the Friend
  • Chapter 8: Letters from Far and Near
  • Chapter 9: Revolution in France and the Veto Controversy in Ireland
  • Chapter 10: Local Concerns and Plans for the Future
  • Chapter 11: Stonyhurst: Uncertain Jurisdiction and Strained Relations
  • Chapter 12: Kenney’s Defence and Growing Tensions
  • Chapter 13: Betagh’s Influence on his Students and Others
  • Chapter 14: ‘Death is Not Bitter’: Final Months and Funeral
• Afterword
• Appendix