Gearaltaigh Dheasmhumhan mar Phátrúin agus mar Údair i Réimse Léann agus Litríocht na Gaeilge

Abstract

Sa tráchtas seo pléitear an phátrúnacht a dhein na Gearaltaigh, Iarlaí Dheasmhumhan, ar theaghlaigh léannta na hÉireann agus an caidreamh a bhí ag an teaghlach sin le léann agus cultúr na Gaeilge sna meánaoiseanna déanacha. Féachtar ach go háirithe ar na nascanna a bhí acu le teaghlaigh léannta na hÉireann, idir staraithe, scríobhaithe, filí agus taidhleoirí. Pléitear cás na nGearaltach agus iad suite idir an dá chultúr. Féachtar ar na cuntais staire is tábhachtaí a scríobhadh dosna Gearaltaigh agus fúthu. Scrúdaítear na lámhscríbhinní a bhí i seilbh na nGearaltach agus na nascanna a bhí acu le lámhscríbhinní móra na hÉireann. Deintear na saothair staire a foilsíodh go dtí seo a mheas i gcomhthéacs na bhfoinsí Gaelacha, amhail na hAnnála, filíocht na mbard agus ábhar eile a fuarthas sna lámhscríbhinní. Féachtar ach go háirithe ar lámhscríbhinní agus ar fhoinsí foilsithe a raibh dlúthbhaint ag na Gearaltaigh leo. Mar chuid de seo, tugtar an t-ábhar neamhfhoilsithe is tábhachtaí, a bhaineann leis na Gearaltaigh, sna hAguisíní.

This thesis discusses the patronage, which the Fitzgeralds, the Earls of Desmond, gave to Irish learned families and the connection that family had with Irish learning and culture in the late medieval period. In particular, the connections that they had with the Irish learned families (including historians, scribes, poets and diplomats) are examined. The story of the Fitzgeralds and their position between the two cultures is discussed. The thesis looks at the most important historical accounts that were written for and about the Fitzgeralds. The manuscripts, which were in Geraldine possession, are examined as well as the connections that they had with the 'big books of Ireland' (i.e. the most important manuscripts). Historical material published about the Fitzgeralds to date is considered in the context of the Irish sources, such as the Annals, Bardic Poetry and other manuscript material. In particular, manuscripts and published sources with which the Fitzgeralds had a strong connection are examined. As part of this, the most important or valuable unpublished materials, which deal with the Fitzgeralds, are transcribed from the manuscripts in the Appendices.