A New Concept (ch44)

 Chapter 43   de Clare/O’Flattery/Donnely 

   Lord Ennis O’Flattery had received the final word from Father Flanagan about the school that had been established on the west coast at an old monastery. It had been financed by the English Normans and they had informed the priests of each village and kingdom to let it be known of its existence. The priests were instructed to persuade all Noble families and wealthy merchants to send not only their older sons but also their older daughters as well. The English were trying to encourage higher learning for everyone in Ireland, for if their new country had an abundance of knowledgeable citizens it was sure to flourish. Starting with the affluent young men and women seemed to be the most sensible place to start. 

Introduction of the O’Flattery family

 

Chapter 1  O’Flattery

Ennis O’Flattery was one of  two nobleman in Leinster, the other being Timothy De Burgh who had just inherited his land from his late father. Ennis owned the larger share of the lands.

Ennis was a widower. His wife had died a few years back and he was raising his two children who were in their teens. Coleman was 16, and Coblaith was 15.  He was hardly ever at home so the kids were primarily being raised by their nurse and the servants. The kids were quite privileged and educated having been taught by the monks from the abbey.